Hydrologist III

Job Summary

While having a primary focus on hydrology and the technical mastery of its utilization to support an irrigation project, this position conveys responsibilities for all aspects of the irrigation program including, but not limited to, troubleshooting irrigation project delivery issues, design and implementation of new or maintenance of existing irrigation infrastructure. In addition, assist and advise the federal regional staff on policy advisement, safety, design, development, and maintenance of all things irrigation and hydrology related.

The individual who takes this role will be excellent at public speaking as well as developing complex, multi-disciplinary documents that require nuanced and specialized analytical and potentially modeling-based information. This role will be excellent at interfacing with the BIA’s field staff as well as stakeholders including tribal clientele.

This opportunity is located onsite in St. Ignatius, MT or Polson, MT.

• A mastery of, and skill in applying expertise in advanced professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices and techniques of engineering management, hydrology, or natural resources management as applied to water rights/resources problems and issues including economics, water resources and environmental analysis to provide for efficient multi-objective resource allocation.
• In reviewing field input for compliance, and recommending policy formation and implementation, the incumbent is required to effectively evaluate and monitor the work performed by other engineers and program personnel. The incumbent must determine the relationship of work performed versus the cost, considering the goals of the organization, making certain of compliance with regulations and laws found in the CFR, U.S. Code, OMB, GAO, and other appropriate sources.
• Ability to evaluate and incorporate the latest developments in the field of water resource planning into technical guidelines for Bureau and tribal water resources programs. The incumbent is required to provide authoritative advice and alternatives for decision making within established Bureau, Departmental, and Federal policies, guidelines, instructions, and Executive Orders.
• Assists and advises the Project Administrator and or the Northwest Regional Director, in the development, implementation, and oversight of guidelines for water rights/resource issues.
• Assists and advises the Project Administrator and or the Northwest Regional Director in all matters that pertain to various technical support projects for the Division, and develops recommended policies, instructions, and guidelines for the Bureau’s Program.
• Meets, cooperates and consults with personnel in the other bureaus/services in the Department, Federal and non-federal agencies regarding Water and Power Program issues of common interest and makes specific recommendations to achieve proper goals.
• Reviews field input regarding Water and Program water rights/resources to ensure compliance with Bureau, Departmental, and Federal policies and guidelines, and makes recommendations to the Project Administrator and or the Northwest Regional Director for the formulation and implementation of such policies.
• Initiates in-depth analysis of the Irrigation Program to identify weaknesses, determine needed changes, and provide planning direction. Reports results to the Project Administrator and or the Northwest Regional Director for inclusion in developing and implementing activities to accomplish program objectives.
• Make oral presentations to governmental conferences, Tribal groups, and other organizations as required and directed by the Project Administrator and or the Northwest Regional Director related to the Irrigation Program.
• Must comply with OMB circular A-123, Internal Control Systems, and other directives which ensure control of waste, fraud, and abuse. Participates in OTS Interdisciplinary Evaluations of area offices as described in the BIAM Supplement.
• Make trips to field to provide technical guidance and assistance to Regional and Field personnel.
• Collects, organizes, analyzes, pertinent data, generates models and provides appropriate output to fit the necessary audience, both technical and non-technical.
• Ability to work long hours in the field from time to time.
• Field trips may involve working in a high-risk out-of-doors environment or exposure to situations requiring protective clothing, safety helmet, safety shoes, noise suppressor, etc.
• Outdoor activities may include hiking for long distances in incimate weather, climbing structures such as dam faces or facilities internal to power infrastructure, dams and irrigation structures.
• Must be considerate of and adhere to all policies, regulations, and sensitivities of the Government and Tribal clientele.
• Other duties as assigned.

• A thorough knowledge of the basic laws, Federal regulations, Bureau and Departmental manuals, handbooks, and technical publications related to water…