Senior Hydrogeologist​/Principal Hydrogeologist

Senior Hydrogeologist

The Senior Hydrogeologist and the Principal Hydrogeologist are the third and fourth level in a five-level hydrogeologist series and are responsible for planning, organizing, conducting, and overseeing geologic and hydrogeologic services and studies. The Senior Hydrogeologist is distinguished from the Hydrogeologist by its project management responsibilities. The Senior Hydrogeologist is distinguished from the Principal Hydrogeologist, which has larger project management responsibilities, increased supervisory responsibilities, and increased experience requirements.

Position Overview and Near-Term Priorities:

To provide context for prospective candidates, the following provides some details on the work environment and examples of anticipated near-term projects and activities involving this position:

This position will be within the Hydrogeology department which has a wide range of responsibilities, one of which is the development, operation, and improvement of several numerical groundwater flow models based on the USGS MODFLOW code. We are seeking an experienced groundwater modeler to enhance our team of groundwater specialists by providing technical guidance and support on the following activities:

• Improving extended transient calibration of 5-layer model covering the Orange County Groundwater Basin, including review and potentially refinement of the existing conceptual hydrogeologic model, as well as thoughtfully incorporating automated parameter estimation techniques;
• Revising and recalibrating the existing 13-layer model of the coastal Talbert Gap area based on an updated conceptual hydrogeologic model. The objective is to use the updated Talbert Gap model to develop a long-term improvement plan for the Talbert Seawater Intrusion Barrier;
• Evaluate, provide recommendations on, and potentially implement transitions of existing models to newer versions of MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW
  6) and opportunities to improve model input/output workflows via increased automation (e.g. Python scripting); and
• Technical review of groundwater models developed by outside consultants for the purpose of designing proposed future seawater intrusion barriers and hydraulic containment (pump and treat) remediation systems to address regional contaminant plumes.

While the near-term activities of this position are focused on modeling efforts, we expect this position to support other department activities including hydrogeologic data interpretation (e.g., groundwater level/quality trend analysis and hydrostratigraphic cross-section interpretation), monitoring well design, data management, and other activities as dictated by priorities. This position is supported by a GIS and data management team overseeing a comprehensive Water Resources Management System database storing regional lithologic/geophysical/well design logs, well pumping records, recharge records, groundwater level measurements, and groundwater quality/chemistry results, all of which are digitally accessible through modern user interfaces.

The following essential job functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed job functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different job functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Supervises employees to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Performs project management, which includes defining project requirements, timelines, and resources; coordinating with staff and external consultants; preparing requests for proposals; reviewing bids and selecting consultants; preparing agenda submittals; tracking and reporting on project progress and costs; managing changes in project scope and change orders; monitoring schedules; and performing other related activities.
• Performs administrative functions, which includes maintaining records and files; preparing presentations; coordinating and scheduling meetings; preparing purchase orders; preparing protocol coding for database management; and performing other related duties.
• Prepares a variety of technical documentation on hydrogeological issues.
• Conducts geologic and/or hydrogeological studies; compiles, analyzes, and interprets geologic and/or hydrogeologic data.

• Providing hydrogeologic input and review for District projects that are managed by other individuals.
• Preparing contract documents and retaining contractors for District projects.
• Conducting hydrogeological investigations on issues of concern to producers.
• Conducting groundwater modeling.
• Preparing lithologic cross sections.
• Managing the operations and maintenance of assigned…