Hydrologist Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship or nationality.
• Meet the basic education requirement through a qualifying physical or natural science or engineering degree with specified coursework, or a combination of coursework and appropriate experience or additional education. Coursework must include at least 6 semester hours of calculus, including differential and integral calculus, and at least 6 semester hours of physics.
• At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service, including leading, developing, or managing major interdisciplinary scientific programs or projects involving hydrologic research, water-source assessments, or related scientific activities; developing or implementing scientific, technical, or administrative policies, standards, or procedures; resolving complex scientific or programmatic issues; and providing authoritative technical advice and coordinating with senior officials, scientific leaders, or external organizations.
• Meet applicable time-in-grade requirements if a current Federal employee.
• Submit transcripts supporting the mandatory education requirement.
• Possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment.
• Pass a background investigation and favorable adjudication, E-Verify employment verification, and any applicable probationary period.
• Participate in Direct Deposit and complete training to obtain and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• Submit a financial disclosure report within 30 days of appointment.
• May be required to complete a supervisory probationary period.
• Meet all qualifications by the announcement closing date of 11/13/2026.

Responsibilities

• Direct strategic resource planning and financial management for scientific programs, including developing budget requirements, establishing funding priorities, and overseeing allocation of personnel, equipment, facilities, and resources.
• Plan, direct, and evaluate scientific and technical programs involving process-based research, hydrologic modeling, water resource assessments, and quality assurance.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction for scientific research, technical programs, and policy development.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with senior scientific and technical officials across Federal, State, Tribal, local, academic, and other organizations, coordinating research and advising on modeling-related activities.
• Exercise supervisory authority over personnel management, workforce planning, performance evaluation, recruitment, and employee relations, while ensuring compliance with Federal regulations and merit system principles.
• Visit hydrologic observation sites as needed for field work.
• Travel overnight away from home up to 1–5 nights per month, if required.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package available to the employee and family, with specific eligibility depending on position type.
• Recruitment or relocation incentive may be offered to eligible candidates at the agency’s discretion; it is not guaranteed.