Hydrologist Project Manager

Job Summary

The Hydrologist Project Manager serves as a subject matter expert and program lead for hydrologic and watershed management projects supporting a federal agency in disaster recovery, restoration, and resiliency efforts. This role oversees planning, analysis, design, and implementation of complex hydrologic projects, ensuring technical accuracy, regulatory compliance, and alignment with Forest management objectives.

Yes

Full‑Time

Ashville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)

Up to 75% required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina.

Anticipated to last 6 months, with potential extension pending as requested.

• Serve as technical lead and subject matter expert on hydrologic and watershed projects.
• Plan, manage, and oversee watershed improvement and restoration projects.
• Conduct and review hydrologic, geomorphic, soils, and geologic analyses.
• Prepare and review technical reports, studies, and environmental documentation.
• Ensure all plans and deliverables are technically sound and regulatory compliant.
• Coordinate with federal, state, and local partners to integrate project data and plans.
• Lead project planning, design, and implementation activities.
• Provide technical guidance on water quality, stream restoration, and watershed management.
• Analyze project impacts and provide recommendations for corrective actions.
• Support development of long‑ and short‑range watershed management programs.
• Interpret and implement policies, regulations, and program directives.
• Provide recommendations to support Forest Plan alignment and compliance.
• Participate in public meetings and stakeholder coordination efforts.
• Support responses to technical inquiries, including regulatory and congressional requests.
• Maintain project records, GIS data, and technical documentation.
• Lead coordination meetings and provide regular project updates to leadership.

• Advanced knowledge of hydrology, watershed management, and stream restoration principles.
• Ability to lead complex technical projects and perform high‑level environmental analysis.
• Strong understanding of environmental regulations and compliance processes.
• Excellent technical writing, analytical, and communication skills.

• Experience managing watershed or hydrologic programs for federal land management agencies.
• Expertise in stream rehabilitation, riparian restoration, and water quality management.
• Experience integrating multi‑disciplinary environmental data and planning efforts.
• Experience with GIS tools and hydrologic modeling or data analysis.

• Master’s degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5 years of technical experience in hydrology and watershed management.
• Experience in hydrologic analysis, restoration planning, and environmental compliance.

• Experience in the Southern Appalachian region or similar ecosystems.
• Experience managing large‑scale or multi‑disciplinary watershed projects.

• Ability to conduct field visits in streams, watersheds, and rugged terrain.
• Ability to stand, walk, and work outdoors for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day).
• Ability to work in extreme weather, noise, dust, and field conditions.
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites and meetings.

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• MDLIVE and Benefit Hub
• Paid Annual Leave/PTO, Sick Leave, and Holidays
• 401(k)
• Basic Life & Voluntary Life Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Short Term Disability, Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Position requires completion of background screenings including government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record review, educational and employment history checks, and credit check. Written authorization is required in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The employee will also complete the federal I‑9/E‑Verify process.