Field Hydrologist

About the Role

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is seeking a highly motivated Field Hydrologist/Hydrographer or Land Surveyor to join our team in the Northern California region. This full-time, overtime-exempt role involves hybrid work from either the San Francisco or Oakland Office, with at least 3 days per week in the office. Some travel is expected for fieldwork, site visits, and team collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Support field data collection, data synthesis, and data analyses for ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, stormwater management, fish passage, erosion control, and other water resources and civil engineering projects under direct supervision.
• Install and maintain water level, hydraulics, and water quality instrumentation.
• Conduct topographic and bathymetric surveys.
• Conduct discharge, sediment transport, and wave studies.
• Perform construction and post-construction monitoring activities.
• Apply Python, Matlab, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, Aquarius, and other tools to process data, develop basemaps, evaluate discharge, tide, and water quality conditions, monitor site development, calculate sedimentation rates, and write technical reports.
• Develop and adhere to cutting-edge data collection protocols.
• Work at a desk and outdoors in various environments (coast, estuaries, salt marshes, streams, rivers, boats).
• Balance multiple responsibilities and deadlines while working independently or on a team.
• Perform other ad hoc tasks as needed.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Previous experience with relevant fieldwork is required, including Topo-bathymetric surveys, water quality & level data collection, and stream flow discharge measurements.
• Previous experience with ArcGIS is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with tools and boats for working safely in and around water.
• Ability to work outdoors in all types of weather and traverse uneven or steep terrain in various environments.
• Ability to walk long distances carrying a backpack.
• Ability to lift at least 50 pounds.
• Comfortable working in remote, rural, and urban settings.
• Proficient in oral and written communication, with the ability to communicate basic technical information clearly and concisely.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Near San Francisco or Oakland and able to work hybrid in the office.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Land Surveying, or Geology, with 0-3 years of applicable work experience.
• Alternatively, a related degree with directly relevant qualifications.
• A directly relevant Master’s degree may substitute for some work experience.
• Interest in stream and/or wetland ecology, geomorphology, and hydrology, with education, training, or work experience in one or more of these areas.
• Enjoyment of working outdoors and experience in scientific data collection (e.g., topographic and/or bathymetric surveying, sidescan sonar, stream gauging, sediment studies, water quality monitoring and sampling).
• Creative thinking skills.
• Effective team member.
• Pay range: $70,722—$86,634 USD