Hydrologist Project Lead

Job Summary

The Hydrologist Project Lead provides technical leadership and support for watershed improvement, restoration, and resiliency projects for a federal agency. This role leads assessments, design, and implementation of hydrologic projects, ensuring compliance with environmental standards and successful coordination with partners and stakeholders. Duty station:
Ashville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite). Travel up to 75% across North Carolina National Forests. Duration: 6 months with possibility of extension. Job classification:
Full Time.

• Lead and support watershed restoration and hydrologic improvement projects
• Conduct assessments of stream channels, floodplains, and impacted landscapes
• Assist in design and implementation of restoration and resiliency projects
• Provide contract inspection services for hydrologic and construction-related projects
• Develop and review construction documents and project plans
• Coordinate with Forest Service staff, partners, and contractors on project execution
• Participate in planning and coordination meetings and working groups
• Review restoration designs, implementation progress, and partner deliverables
• Support accomplishment reporting and financial monitoring
• Identify deficiencies in project execution and recommend corrective actions
• Track project progress and communicate delays or risks
• Maintain project documentation, including GIS files and implementation records
• Provide technical input for watershed management and restoration strategies
• Participate in interdisciplinary teams supporting natural resource management

• Strong knowledge of hydrology, watershed management, and stream restoration principles
• Ability to conduct field assessments, project design support, and technical evaluations
• Understanding of construction methods, materials, and environmental best practices
• Strong analytical, communication, and reporting skills

• Experience with stream rehabilitation and floodplain restoration projects
• Experience working with federal land management agencies (USFS preferred)
• Experience with GIS tools and hydrologic data analysis
• Experience with project planning, cost estimating, and technical specifications

• Required:
  
  Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Environmental Science, Engineering, or related field
• Required:
  
  Minimum 5 years of experience in hydrology, watershed management, or related field
• Required:
  
  Experience in field hydrology, restoration planning, and environmental project support
• Preferred:
  Master’s degree in related field
• Preferred:
  Experience in the Southern Appalachian region or similar ecosystems

• Ability to work in field environments, including streams, floodplains, and rugged terrain for up to 8 hours/day
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, and navigate uneven terrain and construction sites
• Ability to work in extreme weather, noise, dust, and outdoor hazards
• Ability to travel frequently to project sites

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

Due to the nature of the position, this role is contingent upon completing satisfactory background screenings including government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test, Motor Vehicle Record review, educational and employment history, and/or credit check. Pre‑employment background screenings require written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer and prior to commencing work. Employees are also required to complete the federal I-9/E‑Verify process.

Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment.