Hydrologist

About the role

Under the direction of the Allen County Surveyor, the Hydrologist manages the County’s participation in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and ensures development complies with Allen County Stormwater Technical Standards and the Allen County Floodplain Management Ordinance. This position is covered as defined by The Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

Responsibilities

• Manage the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for unincorporated Allen County and the communities of Woodburn, Huntertown, Grabill, Monroeville, and Leo-Cedarville.
• Review proposed development plans for adequate drainage, stormwater management, erosion control, floodplain, and wetlands provisions.
• Ensure development complies with local, state, and federal stormwater and floodplain regulations.
• Review construction drawings, elevation certificates, under-construction elevation certificates, and finished construction elevation certificates for compliance with floodplain regulations.
• Review and approve public submissions requesting signatures for Community Acknowledgement Forms and Community Concurrence Forms related to FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps Letters of Map Change applications.
• Determine if proposed development is within or near a regulated Special Flood Hazard Area.
• Verify finished projects meet floodplain regulation requirements.
• Compute storm run-off rates, storm sewer and channel sizing, flood detention, spillway volume, and other hydrologic analyses to accept or reject project plans.
• Use hydraulic modeling software and data including HEC-RAS, HY-8, and HydroCAD.
• Communicate review findings to land developers and design engineers regarding submitted plans for approval.
• Provide recommendations to the Planning Commission, Drainage Board, and other agencies regarding compliance of development related to stormwater/drainage, floodplains, and erosion control.
• Maintain and organize flood hazard studies, floodplain information, flood control, and hydrologic conditions for public use.
• Provide policy, procedural, and technical information to individuals, departments, and organizations.
• Perform on-site inspections and follow-up inspections to gather required data and determine compliance with regulations.
• Maintain accurate and complete records for Allen County’s NFIP.
• Complete yearly recertification reports for the NFIP’s Community Rating System.
• Attend and participate in product and informational seminars, property owner association meetings, Plan Commission Hearings, Drainage Board meetings, special studies, and related activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or related field.
• Eight years of Civil Engineering, Land Surveying, and/or Hydrologist experience.
• Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager through the Association of State Floodplain Managers or ability to acquire certification within 12 months of accepting the position.
• Licensed Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License to operate a county vehicle and perform on-site inspections.
• Working knowledge of basic engineering principles, particularly hydraulics and hydrology.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of local ordinance and statutes, particularly related to stormwater ordinance and design standards, and state statutes regarding regulated drains.
• Ability to optimally design and review plans for storm drainage systems.
• Strong attention to detail to inspect plan information.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office and other job-related software.

Difficulty of Work

The Hydrologist performs complex, intricate work requiring technical expertise to monitor land development and advise public and private parties on storm drainage management, floodplain management, and erosion control. Judgment is needed to adapt to changes in NFIP requirements and implementation.

Responsibility

The Hydrologist provides substantial contributions to hydrologic and hydraulic program development, review of proposed development plans, and coordination with applicable public and private parties. Work is reviewed for soundness of judgment and conclusions.

Working Conditions

The Hydrologist works in a standard office setting and in the field across county properties. Physical demands include standing, walking, sitting, lifting up to forty pounds, bending, pushing/pulling loads, overhead reaching, kneeling, crawling, and frequently climbing ladders. Frequent typing, equipment monitoring, attention to detail, and proofreading are required. Some exposure to extreme temperatures, dangerous equipment, chemicals, noise, and noxious odors may occur.