Senior Hydrogeologist

Under general direction, plans, manages, coordinates and evaluates assigned program(s) within the District’s Hydrogeology department; directs, supervises, coordinates and participates in the conduct of complex projects and research/analyses for a variety of hydrogeologic, groundwater management and water quality programs; and performs related duties as assigned. The ideal candidate will have significant experience compiling and interpreting hydrogeologic data with a goal of obtaining a basin-wide hydrogeologic conceptual model and groundwater model recently published by the United States Geological Survey (USGS).

Senior Hydrogeologists are responsible for planning, managing, overseeing and evaluating an assigned hydrogeologic program(s), with significant importance and impact on the District’s mission. Incumbents are accountable for attaining program results, while being actively engaged in efforts to build program support and coordinate program activities with internal and/or external program stakeholders. Assignments are general and of a continuing nature, requiring the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in managing, scheduling, assigning and coordinating the work of assigned programs with that of other departments and external agencies and organizations.

Senior Hydrogeologist is distinguished from Director, Hydrogeology in that an incumbent in the latter class is responsible for the overall management and direction of the District’s Hydrogeology Department.

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Plans, manages, oversees and evaluates assigned hydrogeologic programs and studies; formulates overall program goals and researches, develops and implements program plans and work activities to meet goals and service objectives; ensures program compliance with all applicable local, state and federal requirements; evaluates the effectiveness of program activities and makes or recommends program modifications; monitors conformance with program budget and other requirements; prepares narrative, graphical and statistical program performance reports and recommendations for the District’s Board, management and stakeholder data requests; conducts meetings and briefings on hydrogeologic and groundwater issues.
• Utilizes scientific methods and computer equipment for gathering, storing, retrieving, manipulating and analyzing hydrogeologic data in order to evaluate groundwater and water quality parameters; conducts scientific research on groundwater and water quality; conducts field investigations to verify research and analysis; investigates new methods and procedures; prepares technical reports and makes oral presentations on study findings and implications; critically reviews technical reports prepared by staff.
• Coordinates and integrates program services and activities with other District departments and external agencies; develops program partnerships, where applicable, with external agencies and organizations.
• Performs legislative and policy analyses of complex issues with potentially significant impact on assigned program operations and/or funding; formulates approaches and courses of action to address issues identified.
• Represents the District at meetings and conferences involving District business and community matters related to hydrogeology; meets with local, state and federal agencies/officials on hydrogeologic issues.
  
  

Replenishment Operations Program

• Manages and coordinates the Replenishment Operations Program; makes recommendations regarding water purchase and identifies cost-savings methods; tracks status of imported and recycled water into spreading grounds and barriers, including tracking groundwater levels and identifying and resolving water delivery issues; tracks storm events affecting assigned groundwater basins and suspends and orders resumption of water deliveries as needed; tracks development of spreading grounds into the wetlands/recharge facility.
• Conducts liaison with Metropolitan Water District (MWD), County Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County (CSDLAC), City of Los Angeles’ Department of Public Works and other stakeholders regarding water replenishment operations; provides and updates information and data to these agencies; manages and attends groundwater replenishment joint management and coordination group meetings with District stakeholders.
• Maintains and updates replenishment operations documentation and reports.
  
  

Water Quality Program

• Manages or co-manages an assigned element(s) of the District’s Water Quality Program, such as the Contaminated Sites Program and the Abandoned Wells Program; works closely with regulatory agencies and provides technical assistance for high-priority contaminated groundwater sites; reviews files and conducts field reconnaissance to determine the status of potentially abandoned wells located within the District and prioritizes improperly abandoned wells for destruction.
• Provides updates on assigned programs to the District’s Groundwater Quality Committee; updates case files and coordinates with case managers at regulatory agencies for contaminated groundwater sites within the District.
  
  

Regional Groundwater Monitoring Program

• Manages and coordinates the District’s groundwater monitoring program; schedules resources to ensure data collection requirements are met, equipment is properly maintained and the integrity of well monitoring is maintained; implements and supervises bi-annual groundwater sampling events and quarterly measuring of groundwater levels.
• Purchases, maintains, operates, and trains others on the operation of field equipment; ensures proper maintenance and operation of equipment; researches and identifies appropriate equipment for program operations; orders the custom fabrication of District groundwater sampling systems to increase sampling efficiency and effectiveness; builds and operates mobile groundwater treatment systems.
• Provides technical support for well drilling and construction; locates sites for District- owned monitoring wells by conducting analyses of network spacing, construction access, public relations and right-of-way entry.
  
  

Hydrogeologic Conceptual Model Project

• Compiles and interprets hydrogeologic data and develops and updates the District’s hydrogeologic conceptual model; conducts analyses of District and United States Geologic Survey (USGS) monitoring well data, model data and production well data; manages and compiles aquifer picking findings and drafts cross-sections.
• Maintains and revises portions of the District’s Engineering Survey and Report and the Regional Groundwater Monitoring Report
  
  

Other Duties

• Attends a variety of training sessions, conferences and meetings as required.
• May supervise and provide training to temporary workers and interns as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Principles, theories and practices of geology and hydrogeology as applied to groundwater resources and availability in Southern California.
• Modern scientific methods and techniques used in the study and analysis of groundwater, seawater, surface water and aquifer characteristics.
• Modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding hydrogeology and water resources.
• Principles, practices, tools and techniques of program planning and management.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, contracting and maintenance of public records
• Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication.
• Principles, practices and techniques of group process facilitation and conflict resolution
  
  

Ability To

• Plan, organize, manage and direct a variety of complex program functions and activities to achieve program goals and objectives.
• Analyze difficult program and operational objectives and issues, evaluate alternatives and reach sound, logical, fact-based conclusions and recommendations.
• Collect, evaluate and interpret appropriate and applicable data, either in statistical, graphic or narrative form.
• Coordinate program activities with multiple stakeholders and facilitate development of partnerships.
• Perform complex hydrogeologic analyses using scientific methods and computer equipment.
• Conduct independent research studies with a high degree of scientific accuracy.
• Apply sound, creative problem-solving techniques to resolve difficult program issues and problems.
• Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, ordinances and policies applicable to program responsibilities.
• Understand, interpret and respond to external stakeholder needs and expectations.
• Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Present conclusions and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively to both internal and external program stakeholders.
• Ensure the maintenance of all required files, records and documentation.
• Exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy in dealing with difficult and sensitive issues and situations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with District management, staff, external stakeholders, representatives of other agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work.
  
  

Education, Training And Experience

A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above is graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in environmental science, geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, engineering or a closely related field; and eight years of progressively responsible professional experience in the field of hydrology or hydrogeology, including experience in water quality and resource research; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

A valid California driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy.

Current, valid certification as a Professional Geologist (or Professional Engineer) by the State of California (PG or PE) with a preference of also having a current, valid certification as a Certified Hydrogeologist (CHg).

Candidates having experience in groundwater modeling with an advanced degree (i.e., minimum master’s in science with a preference towards a PhD) will be considered in-lieu of having a professional registration (PG, PE, etc.).

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the application for this position located at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wrd.

INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which may include a panel interview and a written exam.

Final candidates must be able to prove their ability to work legally in the U.S., pass a background check, and a physical exam.

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.