Hydrogeologist

THE OPPORTUNITY:

Are you ready to take on a challenging role that significantly impacts water resource management and the safeguarding of our local water supply? Join our team to play a critical role in groundwater recharge programs by gathering, analyzing, and presenting technical data related to surface water and groundwater flow and quality. This position demands technical expertise and dedication as you will be working with the existing surface recharge program and supporting the development of IEUA’s injection and recovery well fields. If you are passionate about making a difference in water resource management and thrive in a dynamic environment, the Inland Empire Utilities Agency offers a challenging and rewarding opportunity for you!

You will conduct groundwater quality assessments, perform testing of groundwater conditions, and execute field measurements to determine groundwater quality and behavior. Your duties will include evaluating site conditions for regulatory compliance and preparing detailed reports on groundwater characterization. You should have strong analytical skills to evaluate hydrologic problems and recommend solutions, technical proficiency in hydrogeology work, and clear communication skills. The ability to establish effective relationships and communication with staff, community members, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholder agencies is essential.

A degree in hydrogeology, geology, engineering, mathematics, physics, or a related field is required, along with at least two years of hydrogeologist experience that includes groundwater recharge programs, well injection, groundwater basin characterization, well construction, and groundwater monitoring/modeling. Registration as a Certified Hydrogeologist (CHG) is preferred. Proficiency in using geologic and hydrogeologic software is preferred.

Why Join Us?

• Work-Life Balance: A 4-day work week with remote hybrid work schedules for some positions.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Generous health benefit allowances, competitive vacation, floating holidays, sick time, and 12 agency-paid holidays.
• Professional Growth: Education reimbursement up to $5,250 per fiscal year and opportunities for staff development.
• Financial Security: Pension through CalPERS, 457b Deferred Compensation Contribution, and interest-free computer purchase loans.

This position is open until filled. The deadline for the first review of applications is 11:59 PM on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Applicants that submit applications after the first review deadline are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment. This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review deadline.  

 There is one (1) vacancy in the Facilities and Water System Programs Unit

  This recruitment is being conducted to fill one (1) vacancy and will establish an eligibility list which may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur during the active status of the eligibility list.

The candidate selected to fill the (1) vacancy may be selected from either this Hydrogeologist recruitment or from the active Senior Hydrogeologist recruitment. Applicants interested in both the Hydrogeologist and the Senior Hydrogeologist must submit separate applications for each recruitment.  

Salary Range: UN 183

FLSA: Exempt

Probationary Period: 12 Months

Under general supervision, performs complex financial and statistical analyses in support of the Agency’s financial and cash management initiatives; monitors Agency cash flow; provides input for long-range financial planning; analyzes budgets and financial performance and develops scenarios; researches and analyzes investment opportunities; and performs related duties as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS 

The Hydrogeologist is journey-level professional classification in the Hydrogeologist class series in the Groundwater Recharge Section. Incumbents perform a variety of professional level hydrogeology work requiring knowledge of principles and practices specific to the professional practice of geology and hydrogeology, including geologic logging and sampling methods, environmental principles and regulations, principles and practices routine to conducting aquifer tests, and the design and construction of surface water and groundwater supply projects. The Hydrogeologist assists and performs assignments that are typically broad in scope or project focused that require the ability to exercise judgment and initiative in achieving results and coordinating the work with supervision and other Agency departments, external consultants, contractors and entities. Independent judgement and discretion require the application and interpretation of professional hydrogeologic principles and techniques and the use of professional judgment in interpreting information and preparing reports and documents for management review. Examples of such judgement include evaluation of facility recharge performance data and provide recommendations for rehabilitation, evaluation of groundwater flow paths and forecast impacts on downgradient water supplies, evaluation of geologic and hydrologic information to recommend changes in recharge operational strategies. Employees in this class typically report to a Deputy Manager and may provide direction and guidance to lower-level Groundwater Recharge Section employees. The Hydrogeologist is distinguished from the Senior Hydrogeologist in that an incumbent in the latter class reviews the work of and provides technical and functional guidance to the lower levels of staff. 

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS::

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

Participates in the gathering, compiling and analysis of technical data pertaining to ground and surface water quantity and quality, flow in channels, water recharge by wells and basin, rainfall and runoff, drainage areas, flood control, water facilities infrastructure, and water recycling.

Prepares, plans, implements, and evaluates static and dynamic testing of groundwater conditions including water level monitoring, flow rates, pilot testing, well sampling, lysimeter sample, surface water sampling.

Performs and evaluates field measurements to determine groundwater quality and behavior including but not limited to aquifer tests, soil and groundwater sampling, placement of monitoring wells, reviewing of well logs and other subsurface survey techniques useful in evaluating groundwater and containment transport processes.

Assists in evaluating site conditions for conformance with regulations; performing field investigations to determine the extent of surface and groundwater influences. Evaluates potential for surface and groundwater movement through soil and rock strata.

Reviews and evaluates laboratory analytical data for soil and water samples.

Prepares reports and reviews reports by registered geologists, hydrogeologists, planners, and civil engineers relative to recharge operations, groundwater characterization, water transport, use, forecasting, and development. Prepares and reviews geological reports containing drilling logs and descriptions of geological formations, well construction, groundwater occurrence, water quality, flow gradients, maps representing groundwater conditions, and the results and methods of groundwater modeling.

Works with staff and contractors to ensure the proper operation and evaluation of groundwater recharge facilities. May participates in interviewing new unit staff; regularly monitors own performance and provides cross training, for performance improvement; recommends performance recognition when warranted.

Responds to requests for water related public information from consultants, County and member agencies, Agency staff or interested persons. Communicates with stakeholder agencies in person, in meetings, over the telephone and in writing to provide updates.

Participates in review of permitting and environmental issues related to groundwater issues, recharge issues, and development of water supply projects.

Safely operates a variety of Agency vehicles and equipment on various surfaces and remote locations (e.g., large and small trucks, winches, trailers, generators, and pumps).

QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES::

Education, Training and Experience: 

Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in hydrogeology, geology, engineering, mathematics, physics or a closely related field, and at least two years of progressively responsible hydrogeologist experience in a groundwater recharge program, well injection, groundwater basin characterization, well construction, and groundwater modeling; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements: 

A valid California Class C driver’s license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Agency’s vehicle insurance program.

Registration as a Professional Geologist (PG) in the State of California is required within one year of hire or promotion.

Registration as a Certified Hydrogeologist (CHG) in the State of California is preferred.