Hydrogeologist

Job Summary:

The Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey (WGNHS) is seeking a self-motivated, collaborative, engaged and experienced Hydrogeologist who will conduct fundamental and applied research and mapping to improve our understanding of the hydrogeology of Wisconsin.

Established in 1897, the WGNHS conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, and water resources of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of these through publications, talks, events, and responses to inquiries from the public. These results support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, and individual residents. The WGNHS is part of the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Division of Extension. The Hydrogeologist will report to the Director and State Geologist. This position will be responsible for the following:

– Manage and conduct groundwater investigations on various aspects of the hydrogeology of Wisconsin in a timely and efficient manner including project leadership, project management, seeking funding as appropriate, planning, preparation of proposals, budgeting, field work, data management, and report/manuscript preparation.

– Perform field work, such as monitoring-well installation, water-level measurement, streamflow measurement, pumping and slug tests, and collection of water samples and geophysical logs.

– Collect, analyze, and interpret hydrogeologic data using subsurface data and literature reviews; use technology to develop and update project-specific databases; exchange, and share data with project cooperators and incorporate subsurface and surface mapping data into WGNHS databases.

– Communicate the results of investigations through workshops, training sessions, and lectures for a variety of scientific, technical, regulatory, and public audiences including local and county governments and publication of peer-reviewed written reports and maps.

– Collaborate with other WGNHS staff and state, local, and federal agencies.

– Respond to the public’s questions and problems concerning Wisconsin’s geology and hydrogeology.

– Provide peer review of internal and external publications, serve on committees, and supervise employees to assist with investigations.

– Be responsive to evolving position, program, and organizational needs; perform additional duties as requested.

– Reach a diverse audience and ensure access to programs, facilities, and educational services in a manner that is inclusive.

Education:

Required
Master’s Degree
in hydrogeology, hydrology, or a closely related field is required by the start date of the position

Preferred
PhD
in hydrogeology, hydrology, or closely related field is preferred.

Qualifications:

Required:
– Minimum of 2 years relevant professional experience in hydrogeology, hydrology, or a closely related field is required by the start date of the position.
– Broad training in the geological sciences, and experience in working with subsurface data sets.
– Interest and specialized experience/training in at least one of the following fields related to hydrogeology: applied geophysics, geochemistry, groundwater modeling, contaminant hydrogeology, karst/fractured rock systems, or hydrostratigraphy.
– Experience in project management including scoping work, managing budgets, and delivering products accordance with project timelines.
– Experience in leading and conducting field-based hydrologic investigations.
– Skills and experience in presenting hydrological data in maps, cross-sections, and graphs.
– Demonstrated ability to write, present, educate, and otherwise communicate ideas effectively to a broad audience.
– Demonstrated experience with hydrogeologic and GIS software, spreadsheets, and graphic analysis.
– Interest in supervising and mentoring others, including students engaged in mutual work projects.
– Commitment to respectful, open colleague communications; strong interpersonal relationship and problem-solving skills in a team setting; ability to work collaboratively with other staff and with other scientists within the University system.
– Commitment to developing projects that serve the diverse communities in the State of Wisconsin.
– Knowledge and skills to effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, including those associated with race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, socioeconomic status, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other aspects of human diversity.
– Ability to perform outdoor fieldwork including travel to field sites, and lift equipment (up to 50 lbs) over difficult terrain in inclement weather.

Preferred:
– Demonstrated familiarity with the geology and hydrogeology of Wisconsin and/or the geology and hydrogeology of the Upper Midwest or Great Lakes Region of the United States.
– Interest and experience in designing an applied research program relevant to societal issues in Wisconsin.
– Experience with developing research proposals for external funding.
– Experience with interpreting and modeling groundwater flow or geochemical systems.
– Proficiency in a scripting language such as R, Python, or MATLAB.
– Experience with supervising and mentoring others, including students engaged in mutual work projects.
– Skillful in establishing and maintaining professional work relationships and networks, especially with local and county governments.

Work Type:

Full or Part Time: 80% – 100%

This position may require some work to be performed in-person, onsite, at a designated campus work location. Some work may be performed remotely, at an offsite, non-campus work location. Remote work is subject to approval from supervisor and the Division of Extension. Hybrid work requires high speed internet access.

Salary:

Minimum $70,000 ANNUAL (12 months)
Depending on Qualifications
The expected starting salary for this position is in the range of $70,000 – $90,000 annually, depending on qualifications and experience. Employees in this position can expect to receive benefits such as generous vacation, holidays, and paid time off; competitive insurances and savings accounts; retirement benefits.

This position is funded at 100% (40 hours a week); however, fewer hours at a minimum of 32 hours may be possible.

How to Apply:

We are eager to learn more about how your experience and passion may align with this position and the outreach mission of the WGNHS and the Division of Extension. Please submit a cover letter referring to your related work experience and a resume/CV detailing your educational and professional background. Your cover letter should communicate your interest in the position and how your skillset aligns with the role. The application reviewers will be relying on written application materials to determine who may advance to preliminary interviews.