Launch Your Career as a Supervisory Hydrologic Technician with the USGS
Are you a seasoned hydrologic professional ready to step into a leadership role? The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is currently recruiting for a Supervisory Hydrologic Technician to oversee critical water resource monitoring programs. This position is vital for protecting the nation's natural resources and provides a unique platform to drive scientific excellence.
Job Responsibilities
As a supervisor, your day-to-day will involve both high-level strategy and hands-on technical oversight. Key duties include:
- Leadership: Managing and mentoring a team of technical and clerical staff.
- Field Operations: Overseeing the installation and maintenance of hydrologic measuring instruments.
- Data Integrity: Ensuring the accuracy of surface and ground water data collection.
- Strategic Coordination: Collaborating with Data Chiefs to set field office priorities.
Requirements & Qualifications
To qualify for this GS-12 position, you must possess one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level. This includes deep expertise in gaging station management and flood flow calculation.
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | U.S. Citizen |
| Experience | 1 Year at GS-11 equivalent |
| Documents | 2-Page Resume, Performance Appraisal, SF-50 |
| Physical | Must pass physical/fitness assessment |
Salary & Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $89,508 to $145,468 annually. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the standard federal benefits package, including robust health insurance, retirement options, and generous paid time off.
How to Apply
Applicants must utilize the USAJOBS portal. Ensure all documentation, specifically your 2-page resume and your most recent performance appraisal, is uploaded correctly before the deadline. Pay close attention to hours-per-week documentation to ensure your experience is credited properly.
The role of a Supervisory Hydrologic Technician is essential to the USGS mission. If you are passionate about hydrology and ready to lead, we encourage you to apply and contribute to the future of environmental science.
Why This Supervisory Hydrologic Technician Job Matters
Shape the future of water resource management as a Supervisory Hydrologic Technician with the U.S. Geological Survey and lead critical field operations across the nation.
Supervisory Hydrologic Technician Job Overview
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) is seeking an experienced, detail-oriented professional to join our team as a Supervisory Hydrologic Technician. In this role, you will provide essential leadership in the field and office, overseeing the technical and administrative aspects of surface water, ground water, and water quality projects. You will serve as a technical expert, ensuring the accuracy of data collection and guiding mission-critical hydrologic studies that inform environmental policy and public safety decisions. This role is perfect for a seasoned technician ready to transition into a high-impact supervisory capacity.
Requirements for Supervisory Hydrologic Technician
- U.S. Citizenship or National status
- One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 grade level
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period may be required
- Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license
- Must pass a physical examination and meet ongoing fitness standards
- Registration with Selective Service for males born after 12-31-59
- Ability to obtain and maintain a government travel and purchase card
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Hydrologic Technician
- Demonstrated experience in planning and executing data collection for 30+ gaging stations
- Proven proficiency in determining stage-discharge relations and computing discharge rates
- Expertise in indirect flood flow measurements (slope-area method, flow over dams/culverts)
- Successful history of managing ground water survey programs
- Strong leadership experience in supervising technical and clerical staff
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits
- ✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and transit benefits
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Hydrologic Technician Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Hydrologic Technician Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJOBS.
- Prepare a 2-page resume adhering to all specified formatting constraints.
- Complete the online questionnaire via the USA Staffing portal.
- Submit your most recent performance appraisal and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Upload all required supporting documentation before the closing date.
- Monitor your USAJOBS account for updates on your application status.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume strictly follows the 2-page limit and font size requirements.
- Clearly indicate the hours worked per week for every position listed to ensure accurate experience calculation.
- If your most recent performance appraisal is unavailable, provide a written explanation.
- Do not submit award SF-50s; focus on tenure and grade-level documentation.
- Avoid using technical jargon that may obscure your specific accomplishments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute education for the required experience?
No, this position requires specialized experience in the field of hydrologic data collection and does not permit the substitution of education for that experience.
What happens if I submit a resume longer than two pages?
Your application will be deemed incomplete, and only the first two pages will be considered, which may result in a failure to demonstrate the necessary qualifications.
Are there physical requirements for this job?
Yes. This position involves field work that requires lifting heavy equipment, hiking over rough terrain, and working in varied weather conditions; therefore, maintaining physical fitness is mandatory.
Is telework available?
*A: Yes, this position is eligible for telework arrangements as defined by agency policy.*
Can I update my application after submission?
*A: You may edit your application through your USAJOBS account at any time before the closing date of the announcement.*
Job from Geological Survey
The Department of the Interior (DOI) and the USGS are dedicated to monitoring, analyzing, and predicting Earth-system interactions. By providing actionable data on water quality, floods, and droughts, the USGS enables decision-makers to manage resources effectively in a changing climate.