Hydrologist Location: Boulder, CO, US
COMPANY OVERVIEW Battelle and its affiliate, Battelle Ecology, Inc. manages and operates the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEONTM)project, which is solely funded by the National Science Foundation. A 30+ year project dedicated to understanding how changes in climate, land use and invasive species impact ecology, the observatory’s scientists and engineers are collecting a comprehensive range of ecological data on a continental scale across 20 eco-climatic domains representing US ecosystems. Our teams use cutting-edge technology, including an airborne observation platform that captures images of regional landscapes and vegetation; mobile, relocatable, and fixed data collection sites with automated ground sensors to monitor soil and atmosphere; and trained field crews who observe and sample populations of diverse organisms and collect soil and water data. Once structures are completed, a leading edge cyberinfrastructure will calibrate, store and publish this information. The Observatory includes more than 500+ personnel and is the first of its kind designed to detect and enable forecasting of ecological change at continental scales. JOB SUMMARY The hydrologist will manage the maintenance and implementation of detailed observational sampling designs and analytical protocols for the hydrologic and geomorphologic data products, including stream discharge dynamics and stream morphology maps. Additional responsibilities will include: overseeing construction of shallow, subsurface water quality monitoring wells (e.g. groundwater wells), designed to define and track regional flowpaths and water quality at NEON Aquatic site, as well as developing and documenting sensor related data processing (e.g. sensor drift statistics; data QA, gap-filling and correction). The Hydrologist will work with an interdisciplinary team of ecologists, mechanical and electrical engineers, software developers, and other scientists to design, develop, test, and implement statistically valid protocols to produce data products that will enable researchers to investigate the impact of climate change, land-use change, invasive species, and unsustainable water use on freshwater ecosystems of North America. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Maintain and revise, as needed, procedures for hydrologic and geomorphology data in freshwater streams • Co-develop algorithms for automated data processing of observational and instrumental data streams • Coordinate and oversee all aspects of construction of groundwater wells for the remaining NEON Aquatic sites • Document sensor maintenance standard operating procedures (SOPs) for an in situ sensors • Collaborate with the NEON Calibration (CVAL) Team to define sensor field and lab calibration procedures • Co-develop and implement data QA/QC, gap-filling, and algorithms for high level data products • Travel to NEON sites to oversee construction efforts • Co-develop sampling and sensor maintenance training program for field crews • Participate in the larger NEON science community, including participating in research and collaborations and attending meetings/conferences REQUIRED: EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • MSc in hydrology or related field AND 5+ years of experience in hydrology or hydrogeology Or BSc in hydrology or related field AND 8+ years of experience in hydrology or hydrogeology • Specialization in a hydrology with emphasis on environmental monitoring of freshwater systems, hydrogeology, geomorphology, or the role of groundwater in surface water chemistry • Field-based experience maintaining and calibrating sensors used in freshwater ecosystems. • Demonstrated experience quality checking, correcting, and verifying data from in-situ sensors, including defining and correcting sensor drift • Significant field experience working in streams • Demonstrated experience working in a collaborative scientific and engineering enterprise • Experience communicating in oral and demonstrated ability to write technical and scientific documents PREFERRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS • Demonstrated experience working in freshwater ecosystems of North America. • Experience designing and constructing groundwater well installations • Experience with sensor installations in large, navigable rivers and in small lakes • Working knowledge of aquatic ecological function and/or geomorphology of freshwater ecosystems • Experience working with federal and state agencies and NGO’s. Apply to: www.neonscience.org This position offers competitive total rewards including 401(k), health, vision and dental insurance, paid time off and the opportunity to work at an organization with a great mission. Battelle Ecology, Inc. provides employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age, genetic information, or disability. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle Ecology, Inc.
