Hydrologic Technician

First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. This position is open to U.S. Citizens, Nationals, or those who owe allegiance to the U.S., as well as career transition eligibles (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL).

Responsibilities

• Surface Water: Performs a wide variety of stage and discharge measurements using appropriate techniques, equipment, and protocols.
• Ground Water: Performs a wide variety of water-level and discharge measurements from wells and springs, selecting appropriate techniques, equipment, and protocols.
• Water Quality: Performs field measurements such as water temperature, specific conductance, pH, dissolved oxygen, and alkalinity.
• Instrumentation: Installs, maintains, services, and assists in the configuration of a variety of sensing, recording, and communications equipment and instrumentation.
• Data Management: Enters, retrieves, edits, and analyzes hydrologic data using databases, spreadsheets, and graphics software programs. Monitors water-quality sampling frequencies for timely data collection and reports discrepancies.

Duties will be developmental in nature when filled below the full performance level.

Requirements

• Must provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Direct Deposit participation required.
• Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more, visit www.dhs.gov/EVerify/.
• Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license throughout employment.
• A physical examination will be required, or a statement regarding physical ability will need to be completed.
• You are required to complete training, obtain, and maintain a government credit card with travel and purchase authority.
• May be required to travel overnight away from home up to 10 nights per month.
• Must serve a 1-year probationary period during which your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest will be evaluated.

Qualifications

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement (08/19/2026).

To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

Basic Requirements for Hydrologic Technician, GS-1316

• Specialized experience as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; or trades/crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; or drafting; or construction estimating.
• Volunteer experience (paid or unpaid) through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) or other organizations may also count toward specialized experience.

To qualify at the GS-08 grade level:

• Specialized Experience Requirement: At least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level in the Federal service, including:
  • Collected hydrologic field data (e.g., streamflow, groundwater, water-quality, or sediment data) using established procedures, scientific methods, and hydrologic monitoring equipment.
  • Operated, calibrated, maintained, or performed routine troubleshooting and repairs on hydrologic monitoring equipment or automated data collection systems following established procedures.
  • Reviewed, computed, verified, or processed hydrologic data using established methods or software, identified data discrepancies, and documented or corrected errors in accordance with quality assurance procedures.
  • Prepared, maintained, or reviewed field notes, calibration records, station records, or other technical documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and traceability of hydrologic data.
  • Entered, maintained, validated, retrieved, or updated hydrologic or other scientific data in electronic databases or information management systems while following established quality assurance and records management procedures.
• Education: Successful completion of at least one and one-half years of graduate education (27 semester hours) directly related to the work of the position, with major study in scientific or technical courses. Transcripts must be submitted.
• A combination of education and experience may also qualify.

Foreign education must be evaluated by a private organization specializing in interpretation of foreign credentials to be deemed equivalent to U.S. education programs. More information.

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 on performance and recommendation by the supervisor.
• Physical Demands/Work Environment: Work requires agility and strenuous physical exertion, including lifting over 50 lbs. Field conditions may include exposure to heat, cold, rain, snow, ice, flooding, or irritant/toxic chemicals.
• Department of Interior (DOI) employees, their spouses, and minor children may not acquire or retain claims, permits, leases, or other rights granted by the Department in Federal lands, with limited exceptions. Additional ethics prohibitions apply.
• This position is suitable for telework only during emergencies or natural disasters.

Benefits

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding. Learn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on specific benefits offered.