Why This Hydrologic Technician Job Matters
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Hydrologic Technician Job Overview
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement - 09/17/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement. Competitive candidates must also meet Time-in-Grade requirements as defined in 5 CFR 300, Subpart F. Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications: Individual Occupational Requirements AND Specialized Experience for the series to which you are applying. Individual Occupational Requirements: In addition to the specialized experience requirements for this position, you must meet at least one of the following: A. Specialized Experience: technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying, trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology, drafting, construction estimating. -OR- B. Education and Training (For GS-5 level only): Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with (a) major study in an appropriate field of science, engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics. To qualify for this position at the GS-5 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-4 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: assisting with the collection and recording of hydrologic and meteorological data from rivers, streams, wells, and other water sources using established procedures and basic water measuring devices; operating motor vehicles, boats, and mobile equipment to access field sites and gather water samples, measure groundwater well depths, and collect data at gauging stations and delivery points; maintaining water accounting records, files, and maps, preparing observational reports, and summarizing data for use in studies and reports; using computer programs to enter, download, organize, and present field monitoring data in graphs, charts, and tables; performing routine maintenance, calibration, and minor repairs on hydrologic instruments following established safety and quality protocols; assisting with daily operational hydrologic and meteorological reporting under supervision; and developing knowledge of and complying with safety standards for field and boat operations while participating in safety meetings and job hazard analyses. -OR- Education: Successful completion of at least a 4-year course of study above high school leading to a bachelor's degree with courses related to the occupation, if required -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-6 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: performing advanced developmental assignments in hydrologic data collection, analysis, and reporting for water control systems; taking water measurements and collecting samples from a variety of surface and groundwater sites using standard procedures and extended training; operating, calibrating, maintaining, and servicing instruments and equipment to collect, measure, and record hydrologic and water quality data; applying sampling protocols and techniques to preserve the integrity of water quality samples; using mathematical formulae to compute measurements such as salinity, total dissolved solids, hardness, stream flow, discharge, water level, and turbidity; analyzing and interpreting data, identifying errors or missing information, and taking corrective action; utilizing computer applications such as spreadsheets and databases to manage, analyze, and report water quality and hydrologic data; supporting laboratory analysis of water samples by applying standard methods and safety protocols; and consistently developing cooperative working relationships and communicating technical information clearly. -OR- Education: One full year of graduate level education directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-7 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-6 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: using a variety of water measuring devices to collect, compute, or process hydrologic data gathered from rivers, streams, wells etc.; using software applications to compute and generate hydrologic data, charts and reports, and installing and maintaining water measurement instruments and devices to assure accuracy of data collection. -OR- Education: One full year of graduate level education directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-8 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: applying principles of basic hydrologic operations and various analytical instrumentation to collect, compute, or process hydrologic data gathered from rivers, streams, wells etc.; using software applications to compute and generate hydrologic data, charts and reports, conduct various phases of projects or operations; ensure compliance with rules or regulatory requirements; identify and correct deficiencies; conduct technical studies of hydrologic data collected. -OR- Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a master's degree directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. To qualify for this position at the GS-9 grade level: Experience: To qualify, you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: preparing hydrologic data for operational studies; conducting various phases of projects or operations; performs hydrologic studies and analysis; ensuring accuracy of hydrologic data obtained; experience researching water rights, water usage, collecting current hydrologic data and using software applications to compute and analyze this data and present in reports, charts, graphs etc. -OR- Education: Two full years of graduate level education or a master's degree directly related to the work of this position as defined in the vacancy announcement. -OR- Combination of education and experience as listed above. Volunteer Experience: Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.