Hydrologist Research Associate

Job No: 499414

Work type:
Non-Classified/Professional

Location:

Boise,

Categories:
Research, College of Arts & Sciences, Mid-Level

Boise State University seeks to hire a Research Associate to work at the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) in Boise, Idaho to provide long-term support related to a variety of water projects, programs, and initiatives including the Statewide Water Level Monitoring Program and Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer (ESPA) monitoring efforts. This position requires a combination of office and field time and will be based at the IDWR state office.

Fully competent and productive professional contributor who applies acquired job skills, policies, and procedures to complete substantive assignments of moderate scope and complexity. Works independently with general supervision and exercises judgment within defined guidelines to determine appropriate action. May provide guidance and training to entry-level professionals, support employees, and students.

• Conduct field work, including multi-day trips and lifting up to 40 pounds of equipment.
• Perform groundwater level and stream flow measurements.
• Install and download data from continuous groundwater level loggers.
• Collect water quality samples from wells.
• Process, enter, and analyze monitoring data using IDWR applications and databases.
• Perform data QA/QC checks and help maintain data standards and database design.
• Coordinate with local water users to access sites and understand regional water issues.
• Oversee drilling for new monitoring wells.
• Collect geological samples and GPS coordinates of sampling and measuring locations.
• Analyze data sets to determine metrics, trends, and answer local and regional water resource questions.
• Respond to inquiries for data and information from a broad range of individuals and entities.
• Develop hydrologic reports and present findings to local stakeholder groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Working knowledge of scientific principles, research design, and protocols.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team in field and office settings.
• Ability to develop relationships with partners and vendors.
• Experience in conducting outreach.
• Education or demonstrated experience in hydrogeologic data collection.
• Experience with computerized data management and analysis systems (GIS, Excel, database software).
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong time‑management and organizational skills.

B.S. degree in hydrology, geology, water resources, or a related field, plus at least 2 years of post‑Bachelor’s experience in a role similar to a Research Assistant.

• M.S. degree in hydrology, geology, water resources, or related field.
• Experience with water level monitoring, water quality sampling, and data analysis.
• Experience installing data loggers and using high‑accuracy GPS.
• Knowledge of database design and maintenance best practices.
• Experience with GIS applications (ESRI ArcGIS Online, Arc Pro, etc.).
• Proficiency in programming languages for analysis (Python, R, Matlab, etc.).
• Valid, current driver’s license.

Salary range: $57,000 - $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

• 12 paid holidays;
  University closed between Christmas and New Year's (requires 3 vacation days).
• 12‑24 annual paid vacation days for full‑time Professional and Classified staff depending on position type and years of service.
• 10.76% University contribution to ORP retirement fund (Professional and Faculty employees).
• 11.96% University contribution to PERSI retirement fund (Classified employees).
• Excellent medical, dental, and other health‑related insurance coverages.
• Tuition fee waiver benefits for employees, spouses, and dependents.
• See our full benefits page for more information.

Resume and Cover Letter.

Boise State University fosters a vibrant academic environment that fuels student and employee success. We are a nationally recognized institution known for innovation and positive impact in Idaho and beyond. Applications from all backgrounds are welcomed.

Learn more about Boise State and living in Idaho’s Treasure Valley at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Applications close:
January 5, 2026 11:55 PM Mountain Standard Time.