Hydrologic Technician

For GS-08: Applicants must meet one of the following to qualify for the GS-08 level: One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-07 level in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work as a 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; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. Examples of GS-07 level assignments include: 1) Installing, adjusting, inspecting, and servicing crest-stage indicators, well-recorders, and other instruments for the collection of ground and surface water data; and checking gage settings to ensure continuing accuracy of the records obtained from instruments. 2) Troubleshoots selected hydrologic instrumentation in the office. 3) Measuring stream discharge utilizing various devices; observing and noting conditions that may have a bearing on stage-discharge relationships; making and compiling observations of the fluctuations of ground water levels in designated wells; and collecting water samples for chemical analysis; 4) Computes and checks surface-water records from field data where hydrologic conditions are fairly stable. Reviews the plotting of discharge measurements. Develops stage-discharge and/or velocity index curves and ratings. Estimates periods of missing record and non-routine flow such as tidal, backwater, or ice periods 5) Reviews gage-height data and discharge measurements to check methods and accuracy of computation. Plots and analyzes differences in hydrographs by comparing records and makes changes to correct inconsistencies in data. Reviews surface-water records to assure accuracy, uniformity, and compliance with Division standards. Verifies the accuracy of data summaries. Documents the procedure used to compute records. 6) Performs water-level and discharge measurements from wells and springs adjusting approach for unforeseen circumstances. Observes and notes various hydraulic and environmental conditions. Computes and checks ground-water records from field data where hydrologic conditions are fairly stable. Reviews ground-water records to assure accuracy, uniformity, and compliance with technical standards. Documents the procedure used to compute records. 7) Performs routine field measurements such as water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen and alkalinity selecting the appropriate technique, protocol, and equipment. 8) With general instructions, establishes vertical and horizontal datums using appropriate survey and geo-stationary reference techniques using well-established electronic forms. Flags high-water marks and documents their reliability. Measures and records crest-stage gage high-water marks. 9) Enters, retrieves, edits, and analyzes hydrologic data using one or more of several databases, spreadsheets, and graphics software programs. For the examples, the work assignments involved some technical problems not previously encountered; problems involving concepts and methods for which guides and precedents existed, were resolved independently. General oral instructions relative to the time to be allotted to certain functions, expected time of completion of assignments, possible technical problems which may be encountered, and approaches that may be used in resolving these problems were provided. **OR applicants may substitute successful completion of 2 years of progressively higher level graduate education (36 semester hours, 54 quarter hours or the equivalent) leading to a master’s degree or possession of a master’s degree in hydrology or other field of study directly related to the work of this position for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. **OR applicants may substitute a combination of appropriate specialized experience (as described above) and appropriate graduate level education (as described above) that is beyond the first 1 1/2 years of progressive graduate study to meet the qualification requirements. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements for the position by the closing date of the announcement.
What General Information Do I Need To Know About This Position? Salary: $56,695 (Step 01) to $73,701 (Step 10); NOTE: First time hires to the Federal Government are typically hired at the Step 01.