Launch Your Career: Hydrologic Technician at the U.S. Geological Survey

Are you looking for a career that combines technical expertise with outdoor field exploration? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is hiring a Hydrologic Technician in Billings, Montana, to help monitor and protect our nation’s most vital natural resource: water.

Job Responsibilities

As a Hydrologic Technician, your primary objective is the collection and management of high-quality water data. Key duties include:

Collecting water-level, streamflow, and water-quality measurements under diverse field conditions.
Installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex hydrologic sensing equipment.
Reviewing and validating gage-height and discharge data.
Managing databases and utilizing software to process technical reports and hydrographs.

Comparison: Office vs. Field Duties

Feature	Field Operations	Office Tasks
Environment	Outdoor / Rugged / Remote	Laboratory / Office Setting
Primary Focus	Equipment & Data Capture	Data Validation & Reporting
Physicality	High (Climbing/Lifting)	Low (Computer/Analysis)

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet strict federal criteria:

U.S. Citizenship.
A valid driver's license.
Ability to pass a background check and physical assessment.
Relevant specialized experience or educational background in the physical sciences.

Salary Overview

This position is offered at the GS-05 level, with a salary range between $40,736 and $52,957, depending on experience and step progression.

Benefits

Employees of the USGS enjoy comprehensive federal benefits, including:

Health, dental, and vision insurance programs.
Generous retirement savings through the Federal Thrift Savings Plan.
Flexible work arrangements, including potential telework.
Significant opportunities for professional growth and training.

Application Tips

Resume Precision: Ensure your resume clearly marks hours worked per week for each role.
Follow Format: Keep your resume under two pages and adhere to standard formatting guidelines.
Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, upload official or unofficial transcripts early.

This role is an excellent opportunity for someone who thrives on a blend of analytical rigor and physical fieldwork. Apply now to join the U.S. Geological Survey and help steward Montana's water resources for the future.

Why This Hydrologic Technician Job Matters

Launch your career in water science with the U.S. Geological Survey and make a tangible impact on the natural resources of Montana.

Hydrologic Technician Job Overview

The Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center is seeking a dedicated Hydrologic Technician based in Billings, Montana. In this role, you will play a critical part in monitoring, analyzing, and reporting on vital hydrologic data. This position offers an excellent entry point into federal service with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), where you will balance hands-on fieldwork—collecting water-quality and discharge measurements—with analytical data management tasks. You will work in dynamic outdoor environments and contribute to scientific research that informs critical decision-making regarding our nation's water resources.

Requirements for Hydrologic Technician

Must be a United States Citizen or National.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Must pass a background investigation and suitability/fitness check.
Males born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
Ability to perform strenuous physical tasks, including lifting 50 lbs and working in rugged terrain.
Willingness to travel overnight up to 10 nights per month.
Must maintain eligibility for a government-issued travel and purchase card.

Preferred Qualifications for Hydrologic Technician

Bachelor's degree in hydrology, geology, engineering, biology, or related physical sciences.
Demonstrated experience in collecting and processing hydrologic data.
Proficiency in database management, spreadsheets, and scientific software.
Experience with the maintenance and installation of electronic monitoring equipment.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Federal employee health and life insurance options.
✓Retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
✓Paid federal holidays, vacation time, and sick leave.
✓Potential for career advancement and professional development.
✓Telework opportunities available with supervisory approval.

💡 How to Apply Hydrologic Technician Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Hydrologic Technician Job

Create or update your account on the official federal hiring portal.
Review the full vacancy announcement and instructions thoroughly.
Prepare a federal-style resume (max 2 pages) detailing your experience and hours worked.
Submit all required documents, including academic transcripts if applicable.
Complete the required online questionnaires and assessment tests.
Monitor your status via the online tracking dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume explicitly states hours worked per week for every position listed to ensure proper credit.
Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Double-check that your transcripts include school name, courses, and conferral date.
Do not include personal photographs or Adobe portfolio files in your application.
Set aside at least 3 hours for the required USA Hire assessments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is travel required for this position?

Yes, you may be required to travel away from your home duty station for up to 10 nights per month to perform field duties.

What is the physical nature of this work?

The role is physically demanding, requiring agility for climbing ladders, traversing steep or icy terrain, and lifting heavy equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

Can I use volunteer work to qualify?

Yes, volunteer experience is counted if it directly relates to the specialized experience required for the role.

Job from Geological Survey

The Department of the Interior’s U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is the nation's premier science agency. We provide actionable data regarding natural hazards, ecosystems, and environmental health. Working at the Wyoming-Montana Water Science Center, you will be part of a mission-driven team dedicated to informed decision-making based on high-quality scientific research.