Research Analyst-Hydrologic Technician

First review November 27th 2023

At DNRC we are passionate about ensuring that Montana's land and water resources remain a benefit today and for future generations. We are actively seeking a Hydrologic Technician who values the vast resources in our treasure state as much as we do.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

At DNRC we are passionate about ensuring that Montana's land and water resources remain a benefit today and for future generations. We are actively seeking a Regional Office Hydro Specialist who values the vast resources in our treasure state as much as we do.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

At DNRC we are passionate about ensuring that Montana's land and water resources remain a benefit today and for future generations. We are actively seeking a  Hydro Technician who values the vast resources in our treasure state as much as we do.

The DNRC believes employees are their most important asset. The DNRC empowers employees to exercise professional judgment in carrying out their duties. Employees are provided with the training and tools necessary to achieve the mission. Both team effort and individual employee expertise are supported and sustained.

Work Unit Overview:Water Resources Division (WRD) is responsible for promoting and coordinating the beneficial use, conservation, protection, and development of Montana's water resources. The Division carries out its duties to promote the general welfare, economic and social prosperity of the people of Montana. Sound coordination of the development and utilization of the state's waters allows the WRD to protect existing uses and to promote adequate future supplies for domestic, industrial, agricultural, and recreational needs, as well as the conservation of water for wildlife, aquatic life, and other beneficial uses. 

The Water Sciences Bureau (WSB) supports local and state-wide water resource management decisions by providing high quality and accurate real-time surface, groundwater, and reservoir monitoring data, conducting technical analysis of water right applications, conducting surface and groundwater hydrologic assessments, conducting water availability studies, and training court appointed water commissioners in water measurement. The WSB is organized into a Water Science Data Section and Water Science Studies Section. The work of the Sections is coordinated through the Bureau Chief. In carrying out their duties, WSB staff frequently partner with local water users, watershed groups, conservation districts, other bureaus and Divisions within DNRC, and other state and federal agencies. 

Job Overview:The primary purpose of this position is to provide surface water and groundwater technical support to the Water Sciences Data Section. The secondary purpose of the position is to provide support to the WSB and the WRD to support implementation of the 2015 Montana State Water Plan. The Hydrologic Technician works closely with the Water Sciences Study Section staff to support hydrologic investigations and to support the development and implementation of the DNRC Stream Gage Program. The position reports directly to the Data Section Supervisor and is also required to exercise considerable discretion, autonomy, creativity, and professional judgement. 

Essential Functions (Major Duties or Responsibilities):These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties that may be assigned to the incumbent. 

Stream Gaging Program Support: The successful candidate will assist with the development and implementation of the DNRC Stream Gaging Program.

Hydrologic Investigations ProgramSupport:The incumbent will assist and support hydrologic investigations conducted by the Water Sciences Studies Section. 

Other Duties as Assigned:This position performs a variety of other duties in support of ongoing Division and Department operations.

Application and Selection Process:The DNRC may include the following factors in determining whether an applicant meets the qualifications of a position vacancy by: State of MT application form, cover letter, current resume, educational requirements, structured interview, a performance test, job-related reference checks, job-related work experience, job-related past and current performance. 

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS FOR THIS POSITION ARE: 

• Resume 

• Cover Letter 

TIP: When attaching your resume and other material, you must mark the attachments as "relevant" . 

If you would like further information about this position, or would like to see the full job description please contact Kellie Richetti at Krichetti@mt.gov 

Minimum Qualifications (Education and Experience): 

• An Associate's degree or certificate in a field related to Hydrology, Earth Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, Agricultural Engineering, or Water Resources, with an emphasis in water resources or agricultural land management is required.
• Previous experience in hydrologic measurements, project management, hydrologic modeling, implementation of Montana Water Use Act, working with diverse stakeholder groups, and public speaking is preferred.
• Education and experience equivalent and comparable to that specified above may meet job requirements and would be considered on an individual basis. 

Required Knowledge and skills: 

• Principles, theories, and methods of hydrology, hydrogeology, geology, geomorphology, integrated remote sensing, meteorology, geospatial analysis, and groundwater and/or surface water modeling. 
• Working knowledge of water use and water conservation methods in Montana. 
• Practical understanding of a multitude of topics, including state and federal water policies and the implications of water policy decisions. 
• Hydrologic field methodologies and use of appropriate instrumentation for water measurement. 
• Basic knowledge of surveying techniques used in determining surface and groundwater elevation datums.
• Basic knowledge of irrigation system design and practices common to Montana including sprinkler and flood irrigation systems. 
• Spatial information development, data management, GIS software (ArcGIS), spatial data analysis and mapping principles. 
• Adaptability and skills in trouble shooting and problem solving. 
• Strong writing and public speaking skills necessary to effectively convey complex concepts. 
• Stream gage installation, collecting stream discharge measurements, and building stage discharge rating curves.
• Use of computers for hydrologic, mathematical, GIS, mapping, and graphical analyses, and various electronic instruments for measuring water quantity. 

 
Working Conditions:The position is based in Helena, Montana and approximately 50% of the work occurs in a normal office setting. Frequent travel and fieldwork are required between the months of April and November. Travel may exceed 1,500 miles per month and will occasionally be two (2) to three (3) days in duration. The position requires the ability to walk over rough and steep terrain to carry field equipment to data collection sites. The Technician must be able to work outdoors during bad weather. The Technician must rely on experience and judgement as to what safety precautions are prudent. The Technician must have good driving skills required for both on-road and off-road travel and during times of inclement weather. Some irregular hours, evenings, and weekends are involved. 
 
Special Information: Candidates must be eligible to work in the United States. A valid driver's license is required with less than 12 conviction points in the most recent completed 36 months. 
Eligibility to Work: In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, the person selected must produce within three days of hire documents that show authorization to work in the United States. Examples of such documentation include a birth certificate or Social Security card along with a driver's license or other picture I.D., or a U.S. passport, or a "green card".