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Hydrologic Technician

Department of the Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
California-Great Basin Region—South Central California Area Office

Summary

You 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.

Overview

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Accepting applications
This job will close when we have received 50 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$40,941 - $80,648 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 5 - 9
Promotion potential
9
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
No
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
No
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
CBVH-26-13054792-MP-AM
Control number
883440000

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Duties

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Some 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.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must 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.

Qualifications

All 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.

Education

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications

Additional information

Additional vacancies may be filled using this job announcement.

Promotion to the full performance level is neither guaranteed nor implied and will be based solely on your ability to satisfactorily perform the work of the position, existing work at the higher grade level, and recommendation by the position's supervisor.

Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments. (https://appsupport-usastaffing.opm.gov/hc/en-us/sections/45063131363475-Reasonable-Accommodation-Information)

If otherwise eligible and qualified, you may be offered a recruitment or relocation incentive. The decision to offer an incentive will be made on a case-by-case basis and is neither promised nor guaranteed. For information visit: Recruitment Incentive or Relocation Incentive. A continued service agreement may be required if it is determined you are eligible for a permanent change in duty station (PCS), recruitment, or relocation incentive.

All DOI employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain any claim, permit, lease, small tract entry, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions can be found here, DOI Ethics Prohibitions | U.S. Department of the Interior

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g. resume, supporting documents), the responses you provide on the application questionnaire, and the result of the additional assessment(s) required for this position. To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process.

Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Only the document submitted as the "Resume" under the Documents section will be used to determine your qualifications/eligibility and for rating purposes. In the event you submit more than one resume, only the latest submission will be reviewed.

You will be assessed in the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
  • Attention to Detail
  • Customer Service
  • Flexibility
  • Integrity/Honesty
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Learning
  • Reading Comprehension
  • Reasoning
  • Self-Management
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Teamwork


In addition to the application and application questionnaire, this position requires successful completion of the USA Hire Assessment.

All qualified non-competitive applicants and the best-qualified Merit Promotion applicants will be referred to the hiring manager for consideration.

DUE WEIGHT: Please submit 1) a copy of your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation and 2) a list of any awards (e.g. superior performance awards, special act or achievement awards, quality step increase, etc.) you received in the last 5 years. Any performance appraisal/evaluation and award documentation you provide will be forwarded to the selecting official. The selecting official will review this documentation and give it due weight consideration during the overall selection process. If you do not have your most recent performance appraisal/evaluation, you must submit a statement as to why it is not available. Please indicate if any prior performance appraisals/evaluations were at an acceptable level.

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration or your score may be lowered. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Applicants who include vulgar, offensive, or inappropriate language or information in their application package will be ineligible for further consideration for this position.

Current or former displaced Federal employees who are surplus, displaced, or involuntarily separated have special priority selection rights under the Agency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP). To be considered under CTAP/ICTAP, you must be well-qualified, score at least 85 (i.e., meet the minimum qualification requirements, including any selective placement factors; education, and experience requirements), and be able to perform the duties of the position upon entry.

Bureau of Reclamation

The Department of the Interior protects and manages the Nation's natural resources and cultural heritage; provides scientific and other information about those resources; and honors its trust responsibilities or special commitments to American Indians, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and affiliated Island Communities. Click here to learn more about the Department of the Interior and its bureaus.

The mission of the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR) is to manage, develop, and protect water and related resources in an environmentally and economically sound manner in the interest of the American public. Click here to learn more about the Bureau of Reclamation.

Agency contact information

Aaron Matteucci
Email
aaron_matteucci@ios.doi.gov
Address
SCCAO
Bureau of Reclamation
1243 N Street
Fresno, CA 93721
US

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