Research and Operations Hydrologist

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 10/01/2026 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The position is located in Sacramento and will integrate with the CA Department of Water Resources (DWR) Hydrology and Flood Operations Branch and the National Weather Service (NWS) California Nevada River Forecast Center (CNRFC) to foster a Research and Operations Partnership (RAOP) with CW3E and associated institutions and agencies. This position is identified in a partnership contract with DWR where the incumbent will work alongside DWR and CNRFC hydrologic forecasting teams. The incumbent will learn and participate in the issuance and communication of short-, medium, and long-range river forecast information to help support statewide emergency response and water and reservoir management decision-makers. The incumbent will develop expertise in the generation of hydrologic ensemble forecasts and hindcasts to support Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO; projects and CW3E research, and help maintain and enhance hydrologic prediction systems on CW3E's IT infrastructure that serve as a testbed for various research and development (R&D) and research to operations (R2O) activities. This position will engage in CW3E research and act as a two-way conduit for research, advancements, and operational gaps and opportunities to the benefit of DWR, CNRFC, and CW3E.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Meteorology or a related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Master's or doctorate degree preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of research function. In-depth knowledge and rich experience in large-scale land surface hydrologic modeling over the Western US, including model development/improvement, large-scale implementation, validation, and analysis.

• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming.

• Experience in regional hydroclimate analysis (streamflow, snow, and soil moisture). Strong experience in flood and drought analysis through modeling and large data. Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) and large data environments.

• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Ability to present probabilistic and deterministic forecast information to a broad audience. Skills in forecast/scientific graphical representation and writing of reports.

• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.

• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Proven ability to develop forecast both individually and as a member of a team.

• Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Pre-employment eligibility may require passing a security check, as outlined in the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Departmental Administrative Order (DAO) 207-12, Title: Foreign National Visitor and Guest Access Program to be granted access to these networks as well as re-verification annually.

• This position is located in Sacramento at the jointly located offices of the California Nevada River Forecast Center and the California Department of Water Resources Hydrology and Flood Operations Branch. As hydrologic and meteorologic conditions warrant, shift work during nights, weekends, and holidays will be required to issue flood forecasts and to support the State/Federal Flood Operations Center during activation.

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

• Must have access to reliable transportation.

• Weekends may be required.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $90,600 - $166,400 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $43.39 - $79.69

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).