Water & Wastewater Hydrogeologist (early career)

DOWL•Reno, NV

11d

About The Position

Join our team as an early career Hydrogeologist and play a key role in delivering high-quality groundwater and water resource projects. In this role, you will lead drilling and well installation activities, support geophysical logging programs, and ensure safe field operations in diverse environments. You’ll work hands-on with groundwater data, conducting pumping and airlift tests, analyzing field results, and contributing to hydrogeologic evaluations that drive critical project decisions. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your technical expertise through data collection, interpretation, and clear communication of findings via reports, figures, maps, and visualizations. This position also offers the chance to support the design of groundwater and potable water supply wells, develop well rehabilitation plans, assist with engineering reports and technical specifications, and contribute to water rights applications. If you’re motivated by impactful fieldwork, strong scientific analysis, and meaningful contributions to water resource management, we’d love to hear from you!

Requirements

Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Basic
Market Sector Software - Basic
Basic understanding of technical fundamentals
Performs basic technical tasks assigned with oversight from others
Performs self-review of basic deliverables
Motivated to learn new technical skills through self-study and mentoring
Bachelor's Degree required in hydrogeology, geological sciences, engineering, or other science discipline with course work specific to hydrogeology will also be considered.
EIT/EI required (within 6 months of hire)
Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes
Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform the following actions: standing for long periods of time, stooping/kneeling/crouching, and walking/hiking on uneven terrain

Nice To Haves

Desire to learn and develop hydrogeologic skills including the following: field identification of geologic materials, pumping test techniques and analyses, defensible water quality sampling procedures, groundwater modeling, how to conduct regional or local hydrogeologic assessments, etc.
Critical thinking: problem solving through research and data gathering from various sources, including clients, County, State, Federal, staff, and records, and organize and compile for distribution and review. Have an eye for details and make conscious effort to develop an understanding of problems; maintain the patience to pursue the problem until a solution is found.
Excellent communication skills: converse with a wide variety of people, including clients, co-workers, committee members, and staff from public agencies.
Strong technical writing skills: provide concise descriptions of technical procedures, processes, and places.
Computer Literacy: ability to operate computers (regular, laptop, etc.) with a working understanding and use of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with ArcGIS and Python software is desired, and knowledge of a programming language for use in data processing is a plus.

Responsibilities

Oversee drilling and well installation activities including troubleshooting of problems that arise; log borehole cuttings with USCS soil classification and hydrogeologic properties; oversee geophysical logging of boreholes.
Work safely in populated, rural, or remote outdoor locations around heavy machinery, mobile equipment, or traffic, sometimes in inclement weather. Requires an aptitude for identifying potential hazards and coordinating with Health and Safety personnel on a worksite
Interface with drillers and oversee well installation and pumping tests (step and constant rate), or airlift testing.
Analyze pumping test data
Conduct hydrogeologic desktop evaluations which include compiling available qualitative information and empirical data and interpreting data with focus on project objectives while maintaining sound scientific reasoning
Collect and manage hydrogeologic field data in accordance with defensible data practices, including groundwater levels, flow rate monitoring, water quality sampling, photographs, etc.
Analyze various field data including water flow, groundwater levels, GPS locations, and water quality samples
Report on findings of studies by writing technical reports, memorandums, and emails. Effectively communicate study findings through clear technical writing and incorporate use of data presentations including maps, figures, plots or other methods
Assist with design of groundwater test wells, monitoring wells, potable water supply wells, and well rehabilitation plans
Assist with preparation of bids and technical specifications for water projects including water wells
Assist with preparation of preliminary engineering reports for water supply projects
Assist with preparation of water right applications, extension applications, and mapping practices.
Assist with groundwater modeling using MODFLOW including running existing public groundwater models or developing project specific models to fulfill client objectives.