Location
Description
Overview:
Do you have one or more years of experience working with streamgage networks? If so, check out this opportunity!
Located in many remote areas of the Santa Cruz and Diablo Mountain ranges in the beautiful Santa Clara Valley, this unique opportunity as a new Valley Water Hydrographer I employee offers work assignment variability non-typical of other standard Hydrographer positions and long-term job fulfillment in a fun, relaxed atmosphere while offering a competitive salary/benefit package. The new position supports the allocated $2 million Hydrologic Data Measurement and Management Project within the Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Geomorphology Unit which provides basic modeling calibration Surface Water data for Valley Water’s Flood Control and Groundwater Recharge programs, and many other internal/external customers. This entry level Hydrographer I position is required to support continuing expansion of the current 210 location surface water monitoring network including new gages for SB88 water rights reporting, and Water Supply Operations requirements.
Our Commitment:
We are committed to building and sustaining a working environment where all individuals are respected and valued. We believe every member of our team brings unique perspectives that enhance our ability to serve the public effectively. By fostering a workplace with employees from the communities we serve, we broaden our collective understanding of the world around us and strengthen our mission to equitably provide safe, clean water, natural flood protections, and environmental stewardship.
About Valley Water:
Valley Water is a public agency with an operating and capital budget of $964 million, and over 900 employees. With headquarters in San José, Valley Water provides water supply, enhances streams and watersheds through creek restoration and habitat protection, provides flood protection for homes, schools, businesses and roadways, and partners with other agencies to provide trails and open space for the community.Key Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Operating and maintaining stream/reservoir/precipitation/water temperature stations including installation, calibrating, operating, troubleshooting, and repairing electronic dataloggers/sensors and radio telemetry.
- Performing stream flow measurements in all ranges of flow to create, update, and maintain stream flow rating curves.
- Obtain, process, compute, analyze, interpret, and evaluate hydrologic data while operating and maintaining a specialized hydrologic database and completing an annual station record.
- Respond to requests for information from internal/external customers including engineers, consultants, other public agencies, and the general public.
- Performing surveying at stream gaging stations utilizing differential leveling.
- Provide support in emergency preparedness functions; participate in emergency drills, earthquake response testing and other emergency operations. Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the hydrologic data field.
Ideal Candidate's Background Includes:
Applicants whose experience and background best match the ideal experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and education are considered ideal candidates for the position. To determine the top candidates, each applicant will be assessed based on the ideal candidate criteria as listed below.
Ideal Experience:
- One (1) year of experience in gathering and analyzing hydrologic data.
- Hydrographer experience utilizing USGS policy/procedures.
- Learning in operation/maintenance of stream gages, stream gaging in all flow ranges, and compiling an annual stream gage record.
- Proven track record of working independently and in a team environment.
Ideal Skills and Abilities:
- Learn to operate and maintain field equipment for gathering and analyzing hydrologic data.
- Learn methods and techniques involved in gathering and analyzing data related to surface water use.
- Learn to operate and maintain a specialized application interfacing a hydrologic database. for inputting and analyzing hydrologic data.
- Aware of applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
- Read and interpret maps, charts, graphs, plans, drawings, schematics, and diagrams.
- Respond to information from Valley Water employees and outside customers.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Ideal Knowledge:
- Some knowledge of basic principles and theories of hydrology, geology, and meteorology
- Some knowledge of scientific data collection and proper field notes .
- An introduction to operational characteristics of mechanical current meters and/or acoustic flow measurement devices, telemetering equipment, and other mechanical and electronic devices.
- Principles of sciences/mathematics including algebra and trigonometry.
- Principles of analytical report preparation.
- State Senate Bill 88 (measuring and reporting the diversion of water).
Training and Education:
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, geology, hydrology, hydraulics, sciences, or a related field.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid California driver's license. Individuals who do not meet the driver's license requirement due to a disability will be considered for a reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
To review the Classification Specification, please click here (Download PDF reader)
Hydrology, Hydraulics and Geomorphology Unit (Position Code 281)
Valley Water Telework Program: Eligibility for telework will depend on the type of work performed, operational needs, and the ability for the employee to perform the essential functions of their job duties while teleworking. Employment with Valley Water requires employees to live within 150 miles of their primary physical work location located in San Jose, California by their start date.
This position is eligible for a hybrid telework schedule, typically working 40% remote and 60% onsite.