Hydrologic Technician

Job Type: Full-time (40 hours/week) with benefits

Location: West Sacramento, CA, with frequent fieldwork throughout the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta

Salary Range: $58,000–$72,000 per year

Overtime: This is a non-exempt position. Overtime hours may be required on occasion and must be approved in advance by the direct supervisor. Compensation for authorized overtime is paid at time-and-a-half in accordance with federal and state regulations.

Position Description

REED is seeking a full-time hydrologic technician to support hydrodynamic, water-quality, and sediment monitoring throughout the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta. This is a hands-on, field-focused position supporting continuous monitoring stations and associated scientific data-collection programs.

The technician will work under the direction of senior technical staff and receive training in specialized hydrologic monitoring methods and instrumentation. Responsibilities will include field data collection, equipment maintenance and troubleshooting, data processing, and QA/QC.

Candidates should anticipate a significant field presence, accounting for up to 80% of the position. Fieldwork is conducted by boat and land throughout the Delta all year, and may involve physically demanding work in a variety of weather and environmental conditions.

Primary Responsibilities

Operate, maintain, inspect, and troubleshoot hydrologic and water-quality monitoring stations.
Install, calibrate, and maintain instrumentation used to measure water level, velocity, discharge, and water-quality parameters.
Conduct boat- and land-based fieldwork, including ADCP discharge measurements, water-quality measurements, instrument servicing, and station inspections.
Collect water-quality and suspended-sediment samples using established field methods.
Download, process, review, and organize hydrologic, hydroacoustic, water-quality, and sediment data.
Perform routine data QA/QC and assist with identifying and resolving data-quality or instrumentation issues.
Maintain field equipment, monitoring stations, boats, and associated electronics in safe and operational condition.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, environmental science, biology, geology, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent relevant education and experience.
Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding fieldwork and work aboard boats and around waterways.
Strong attention to detail and ability to accurately follow and document scientific procedures.
Collaborative and respectful communication style and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
Ability to organize assignments, manage time, and communicate field or equipment issues.
Valid driver’s license and ability to travel regularly throughout the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in any of the following is beneficial but not required:

Hydrologic, water-quality, or sediment monitoring.
Boat-based scientific fieldwork or experience working in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta.
ADCPs or other hydroacoustic instrumentation.
Continuous water-quality instrumentation and multiparameter sondes.
Water-level, velocity, or discharge monitoring.
Environmental monitoring stations, data loggers, telemetry, or field electronics.
Instrument calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
Hydrologic data processing and QA/QC.

This is an entry-level position, and training will be provided. We are looking for someone who enjoys hands-on work, is dependable and curious, and wants to develop practical experience in hydrology, water quality, sediment monitoring, hydroacoustics, environmental instrumentation, and scientific data collection.

Note: This position description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties consistent with the position and the ongoing needs of the organization.

Ready to Join Our Team?

Please email your resume and cover letter to Stephanie O’Hearn at sohearn@drreedinc.com.

We look forward to learning more about you!