Hydrogeologist

Job Category:
Academic Staff

Employment Type:

Regular

Current Employees: If you are currently employed at any of the Universities of Wisconsin, log in to Workday to apply through the internal application process.

The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) is seeking up to two self‑motivated, collaborative, and experienced Hydrogeologists to conduct applied and fundamental research and mapping to improve our understanding of the hydrogeology of Wisconsin. The Hydrogeologist will report to the Director and State Geologist and will be responsible for project leadership, fieldwork, data management, publication, outreach, and community service.

• Manage and conduct groundwater research, including project planning, budgeting, field work, data management, and report preparation.
• Perform field work such as well installation, water‑level monitoring, streamflow measurement, pumping tests, and geophysical surveys.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret hydrogeologic data; maintain project databases and share data with collaborators.
• Communicate results through workshops, training sessions, presentations, and peer‑reviewed publications.
• Serve the community through peer review of publications and committee service.
• Supervise and mentor student employees.
• Collaborate with local, state, tribal, and federal agencies.
• Respond to public queries about Wisconsin’s geology and hydrogeology.
• Ensure wide audience access to programs and services in a manner that serves all residents of Wisconsin.
• Be responsive to evolving position, program, and organizational needs; perform additional duties as requested.

• Minimum 2 years of professional experience in hydrogeology, hydrology, or a closely related field.
• Broad training in geological sciences and subsurface data analysis.
• Specialized experience or training in at least one of the following: applied geophysics, karst/fractured rock systems, hydrostratigraphy, geochemistry, groundwater modeling, or contaminant hydrogeology.
• Experience in project management, including budgeting and deliverable timelines.
• Experience leading field‑based hydrologic investigations.
• Skill at presenting data in maps, cross‑sections, and graphs.
• Strong written communication and presentation skills for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency with hydrogeologic and GIS software, spreadsheets, and graphic analysis.
• Professional, courteous, collaborative, and productive teamwork orientation.
• Commitment to projects that serve societal needs and to working with people from diverse backgrounds.

• Familiarity with geology and hydrogeology of Wisconsin or the Upper Midwest / Great Lakes region.
• Experience designing applied research programs addressing Wisconsin societal issues.
• Experience securing, developing, and implementing grant‑funded research.
• Experience supervising and mentoring students.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining professional work relationships and networks, especially with local, tribal, and county governments.

Required:

Master’s Degree in hydrogeology, hydrology, or a closely related field.

Preferred:
PhD in hydrogeology, hydrology, or a closely related field.

Minimum annual starting salary: $75,000. Expected range: $75,000 – $100,000, depending on qualifications and experience. Pay is commensurate with experience.

Comprehensive benefits package includes paid time off, health/dental/vision/life insurance, tax‑advantaged savings accounts, and participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund.

Location:

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, Madison, WI.

Partial remote work:
Some work may be performed remotely (up to 2 days per week) with a flexible work arrangement. Candidates must have high‑speed internet and a campus‑provided computer if working remotely.

Employees will arrange personal transportation for in‑state travel and may require a valid driver’s license or institutional vehicle use authorization.

FTE: 80–100% (32–40 hours per week).

• Ability to lift 50 pounds with assistance.
• Capacity to work in a variety of environmental conditions.
• Sitting, standing, and walking over uneven ground.

The University of Wisconsin‑Madison is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, pregnancy, disability, legal status, or veteran status, consistent with federal and state laws.