Senior Hydrogeologist / Principal Hydrogeologist

The Senior Hydrogeologist and the Principal Hydrogeologist are the third and fourth level in a five-level hydrogeologist series and are responsible for planning, organizing, conducting, and overseeing geologic and hydrogeologic services and studies. The Senior Hydrogeologist is distinguished from the Hydrogeologist by its project management responsibilities. The Senior Hydrogeologist is distinguished from the Principal Hydrogeologist, which has larger project management responsibilities, increased supervisory responsibilities, and increased experience requirements. Position Overview and Near-Term Priorities To provide context for prospective candidates, the following provides some details on the work environment and examples of anticipated near‑term projects and activities involving this position: This position will be within the Hydrogeology department which has a wide range of responsibilities, one of which is the development, operation, and improvement of several numerical groundwater flow models based on the USGS MODFLOW code. We are seeking an experienced groundwater modeler to enhance our team of groundwater specialists by providing technical guidance and support on the following activities: Improving extended transient calibration of a 5‑layer model covering the Orange County Groundwater Basin, including review and potentially refinement of the existing conceptual hydrogeologic model, as well as thoughtfully incorporating automated parameter estimation techniques; Revising and recalibrating the existing 13‑layer model of the coastal Talbert Gap area based on an updated conceptual hydrogeologic model. The objective is to use the updated Talbert Gap model to develop a long‑term improvement plan for the Talbert Seawater Intrusion Barrier; Evaluating, providing recommendations on, and potentially implementing transitions of existing models to newer versions of MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW 6) and opportunities to improve model input/output workflows via increased automation (e.g., Python scripting); and Conducting a technical review of groundwater models developed by outside consultants for the purpose of designing proposed future seawater intrusion barriers and hydraulic containment (pump‑and‑treat) remediation systems to address regional contaminant plumes. While the near‑term activities of this position are focused on modeling efforts, we expect this position to support other department activities including hydrogeologic data interpretation (e.g., groundwater level/quality trend analysis and hydrostratigraphic cross‑section interpretation), monitoring well design, data management, and other activities as dictated by priorities. This position is supported by a GIS and data management team overseeing a comprehensive Water Resources Management System database storing regional lithologic/geophysical/well design logs, well pumping records, recharge records, groundwater level measurements, and groundwater quality/chemistry results, all of which are digitally accessible through modern user interfaces. Essential Job Functions Supervises employees to include prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations. Performs project management, which includes defining project requirements, timelines, and resources; coordinating with staff and external consultants; preparing requests for proposals; reviewing bids and selecting consultants; preparing agenda submittals; tracking and reporting on project progress and costs; managing changes in project scope and change orders; monitoring schedules; and performing other related activities. Performs administrative functions, which includes maintaining records and files; preparing presentations; coordinating and scheduling meetings; preparing purchase orders; preparing protocol coding for database management; and performing other related duties. Prepares a variety of technical documentation on hydrogeological issues. Conducts geologic and/or hydrogeological studies; compiles, analyzes, and interprets geologic and/or hydrogeologic data. Provides hydrogeologic input and review for district projects that are managed by other individuals. Prepares contract documents and retains contractors for district projects. Conducts hydrogeological investigations on issues of concern to producers. Conducts groundwater modeling. Prepares lithologic cross‑sections. Manages the operations and maintenance of assigned facilities. Develops methodologies for collecting and storing data. Prepares conceptual facility designs. Handles job stress. Interacts effectively with others in the workplace. Follows all workplace and job safety rules and policies. Performs other duties of a similar nature or level as required. Principal Hydrogeologist Additional Responsibilities Mentoring and reviewing/critiquing work of other staff. Managing large and complex projects. Conducting presentations. Preparing and managing project budgets and contracts. Independently developing project concepts, proposals, and scope of work, including identifying and evaluating project alternatives. Interacting with outside agencies, producers, and other groups. Managing and critiquing groundwater modeling.Reviewing lithologic cross‑sections. Designing extraction wells, injection wells, and monitoring wells based on field data (e.g., lithologic and geophysical logs). Providing support for public affairs as needed for district projects. Reviewing and evaluating hydrogeologic data, water quality data, and proposed work at sites where contaminant releases have impacted groundwater; and providing comments to lead oversight agencies (Cal‑EPA Department of Toxic Substances Control, Cal‑EPA Regional Water Quality Control Board, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). Providing technical support for district cost recovery efforts associated with groundwater remediation. Knowledge of Geologic and hydrogeologic processes and principles. Borehole drilling and well construction methods and design. Mathematical concepts. Planning, development, and design principles. Project management principles and methods. Supervisory principles. Ability and Skills Monitoring and evaluating employees. Prioritizing and assigning work. Writing technical reports. Monitoring project budgets. Using computers and related software applications. Managing projects. Conducting studies. Analyzing and interpreting data. Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. The Principal Hydrogeologist also requires the ability and skills to prepare and deliver oral presentations using PowerPoint. Education and Experience Guidelines Education/Training: Bachelor’s Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or a closely related field. A Master’s Degree is preferred. California registration as a professional geologist is required. Experience: Senior Hydrogeologist: Six years of professional level hydrogeologist experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Principal Hydrogeologist: Ten years of professional level hydrogeologist experience, including a minimum of 3 years project management or supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. Preferred Experience Experience with groundwater modeling and quantitative hydrogeologic analysis is preferred. Professional-level experience in the development, calibration, execution, and interpretation of groundwater flow and solute transport models in support of water resource investigations and project decision‑making. This experience includes the use of computer software and programming tools to construct conceptual and numerical models; perform pre‑ and post‑processing of model inputs and outputs; evaluate model sensitivity and uncertainty; and apply modeling results to real‑world hydrogeologic conditions. Relevant tools and platforms may include, but are not limited to, GW Vistas, Python‑based modeling and analysis workflows, and ArcGIS for spatial data integration and visualization. Note: Individuals with relevant engineering experience who meet the Senior Engineer or Principal Engineer requirements are also welcome to apply. Candidates holding a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and professional Engineer registration as a civil engineer in the State of California, along with a valid California driver’s license, will be considered. Applicants with this background who can demonstrate the technical proficiency, project management capabilities, and professional judgment required at the senior or principal level are encouraged to submit their qualifications for review, provided they can also meet the technical and project management expectations associated with the Senior Hydrogeologist or Principal Hydrogeologist classification. Senior Engineer requirements: Class Specifications | Senior Engineer | Class Spec Details Principal Engineer requirements: Class Specifications | Principal Engineer | Class Spec Details License Valid California Class “C” Driver’s License. Physical Demands and Working Environment Positions in this class typically require talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions. Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or negligible amount of force constantly to move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for sedentary work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work. Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, odors, dusts, extreme temperatures, workspace restrictions, intense noises, and travel. Incumbents require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; operate office equipment including use of a computer keyboard; push, pull, lift, and/or carry light amounts of weight; verbally communicate to exchange information. Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents; and to operate assigned equipment. Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Disaster Service Workers All Orange County Water District employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state law (California Government Code Section 3100‑3109). Employees are required to complete all related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency. Candidates given an offer of employment will be required to pass a medical examination and background check. You must submit an OCWD online employment application to be considered. Please visit to complete an application. A valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance is required. Applications will be accepted until a sufficient number apply. EOE #J-18808-Ljbffr Orange-County-Water-District