About this role
Job SummaryYou will serve as a Hydrologic Technician with Bureau of Reclamation. The position serves as a Hydrologic Technician responsible for carrying out surface water and/or ground water investigations to ensure stable, efficient, and accurate water delivery systems. This involves collecting, processing, recording, analyzing, and presenting hydrologic and meteorologic data as it relates to quantity, quality, movement and distribution of surface water.
QualificationsAll qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/17/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: Individual Occupational Requirements AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying. Individual Occupational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following: A. Specialized Experience: technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying, trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology, drafting, construction estimating. -OR- B. Education and Training (For GS-5 level only): Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with (a) major study in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics. To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: assisting with the collection and recording of hydrologic and meteorological data from rivers, streams, wells, and other water sources using established procedures and basic water measuring devices; operating motor vehicles, boats, and mobile equipment to access field sites and gather water samples, measure groundwater well depths, and collect data at gauging stations and delivery points; maintaining water accounting records, files, and maps, preparing observational reports, and summarizing data for use in studies and reports; using computer programs to enter, download, organize, and present field monitoring data in graphs, charts, and tables; performing routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on hydrologic instruments following established safety and quality protocols; assisting with daily operational hydrologic and meteorological reporting under supervision; and developing knowledge of and complying with safety standards for field and boat operations while participating in safety meetings and job hazard analyses. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-6 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: performing advanced developmental assignments in hydrologic data collection, analysis, and reporting for water control systems; taking water measurements and collecting samples from a variety of surface and groundwater sites using standard procedures and extended training; operating, calibrating, maintaining, and servicing instruments and equipment to collect, measure, and record hydrologic and water quality data; applying sampling protocols and techniques to preserve the integrity of water quality samples; using mathematical formulae to compute measurements such as salinity, total dissolved solids, hardness, stream flow, discharge, water level, and turbidity; analyzing and interpreting data, identifying errors or missing information, and taking corrective action; utilizing computer applications such as spreadsheets and databases to manage, analyze, and report water quality and hydrologic data; supporting laboratory analysis of water samples by applying standard methods and safety protocols; and consistently developing cooperative working relationships and communicating technical information clearly. -OR- Education: One full year of graduate level education directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: using a variety of water measuring devices to collect, compute, or process hydrologic data gathered from rivers, streams, wells etc.; using software applications to compute and generate hydrologic data, charts and reports, and installing and maintaining water measurement instruments and devices to assure accuracy of data collection. -OR- Education: One full year of graduate level education directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-8 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: applying principles of basic hydrologic operations and various analytical instrumentation to collect, compute, or process hydrologic data gathered from rivers, streams, wells etc.; using software applications to compute and generate hydrologic data, charts and reports, conduct various phases of projects or operations; ensure compliance with rules or regulatory requirements; identify and correct deficiencies; conduct technical studies of hydrologic data collected. -OR- Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a master's degree directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: preparing hydrologic data for operational studies; conducting various phases of projects or operations; performs hydrologic studies and analysis; ensuring accuracy of hydrologic data obtained; experience researching water rights, water usage, collecting current hydrologic data and using software applications to compute and analyze this data and present in reports, charts, graphs etc. -OR- Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a master's degree directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Major DutiesSome of the major duties you will perform include but are not limited to the following: Serve as Dam Tender at Friant Dam, conducting routine and emergency structural inspections and monitoring surrounding landforms. Operate and manipulate valves, gates, pumps, and other water-control structures to manage river and canal releases. Collect, record, and evaluate daily operational data including reservoir conditions, meteorological observations, releases to river/canal systems, and operational changes. Conduct water measurement and discharge measurements, applying diverse hydrologic methods to assess flows, identify unusual conditions, and troubleshoot discrepancies. Perform water quality collection and analysis, including field sampling, data evaluation, instrument calibration, and maintaining accuracy using emerging hydrologic and hydro-chemical methods. Maintain, calibrate, and verify hydrologic instrumentation used for flow measurement, water quality monitoring, meteorologic data collection, and specialized sensors. Collect physical and environmental data related to operating conditions, weather, and hydrologic behavior to support operational decisions. Advise and inform upper management team on significant changes in hydrologic, physical, or meteorological conditions affecting dam operations. Collaborate with external partners (e.g., California Parks & Recreation, SJRRP, PG&E, SCE, Friant Water Authority, local irrigation districts) to coordinate water delivery, environmental flows, recreation needs, and operational planning. Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.RequirementsMust be a U.S. Citizen or National. Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication. Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service. Direct Deposit participation required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit https://www.e-verify.gov/. Pre-employment medical examination required. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license throughout employment. You are required to obtain and maintain a Motorboat Operator Certification Course (MOCC). As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period to evaluate your fitness and whether your continuation of employment advances the public interest. This probationary/trial period is an extension of the appointment process and therefore requires the agency to determine if continued employment would advance the public interest, meet the organization goals and mission of the agency, and/or otherwise promote the efficiency of the service. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, the agency will consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated. Upon completion of your probationary/trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.