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Surface Water Hydrologist Researcher I or II

Utah State University
$45,000 - $62,000
United States, Utah, Logan
Jan 29, 2026


Surface Water Hydrologist Researcher I or II

Requisition ID: 2026-9861
# of Openings: 1
Location:
Category: Research (non-Faculty)
Position Type: Benefited Full-Time
Job Classification: Exempt
College: Quinney College of Agric & Nat Res
Department: Watershed Sciences
Advertised Salary: $45,000 - $62,000

Overview
The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University (USU) is seeking a Researcher (Hydrologist) to support an applied research project in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). This full-time (1.0 FTE) position will focus on evaluating the accuracy and applicability of flood inundation mapping techniques in diverse and data-sparse landscapes. This is a nine-month funded position with the possibility of extension, contingent upon the availability of additional funding. The Researcher role will be hired at either the "Researcher I" or "Researcher II" level based on the qualifications of the applicant and duties assigned.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers from NPS, U.S. Geological Survey, and USU to assess various modeling approaches to flood inundation mapping. These include hydraulic models, non-physics-based methods like Height Above Nearest Drainage (HAND), and remote sensing techniques.

Responsibilities
  • Developing flood inundation maps using physics-based and alternative methods.
  • Conducting statistical hydrologic analyses.
  • Performing GIS and remote sensing analysis.
  • Formulating management recommendations for flood modeling.
  • Writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Presenting research findings to government stakeholders at meetings and conferences.


Qualifications
The position will be hired at either a Researcher I or II based upon the following qualifications and duties assigned:

Researcher I:
  • Master's degree in hydrology, geomorphology, or hydraulic engineering.
  • Proficiency in hydraulic modeling, coding, and GIS.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Researcher II:
  • Ph.D. degree in hydrology, geomorphology, or hydraulic engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Proficiency in hydraulic modeling, coding, and GIS.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 1-2 years of post-graduate experience in a related field.
  • Prior experience with flood inundation mapping.
  • Experience communicating flood risk to stakeholders.


Required Documents
Along with the online application, please attach:
  • Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under "Resume/CV"
  • Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into the Candidate Profile
  • Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Advertised Salary
$45,000 - $62,000

ADA
Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not, necessarily, occasional temperature changes. The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

College/Department Highlights
The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah.

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university's land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah's remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach.

The Department of Watershed Sciences in QANR is a powerhouse in the science of wet' ecosystems, including rivers, lakes, wetlands, reservoirs, and the watersheds that feed them. Faculty are committed to making science useful for planning, management and restoration efforts, and are well-positioned to study and solve complex, interdisciplinary problems with a cadre of ecologists, hydrologists, geomorphologists, biogeochemists, and others.

University Highlights
Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah's premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls over 29,800 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State's 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU educates students from all 50 states and more than 80 countries. For over 100 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns, serving every county in the state.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies' long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by recent Mountain West regular-season and tournament championships in women's volleyball, three consecutive Mountain West tournament titles in women's soccer conference championships, and a first-ever conference championship for gymnastics, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported and where diversity of thought and culture are cultivated. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU.

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university's ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu .

*updated 12/2025

https://careers-usu.icims.com/jobs/9861/surface-water-hydrologist-researcher-i-or-ii/job?in_iframe=1

Notice of Non-discrimination
In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USUs non-discrimination policies:
Executive Director of the Office of Equity Matthew Pinner, discrimination@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 401, 435-797-1266
Title IX Coordinator Matthew Pinner, titleix@usu.edu, Distance Education Rm. 404, 435-797-1266
Mailing address: 5100 Old Main Hill, Logan, Ut 84322
For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit https://equity.usu.edu/, or contact:
U.S. Department of Education, Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 800-421-3481, OCR@ed.gov
U.S. Department of Education, Denver Regional Office, 303-844-5695, OCR.Denver@ed.gov


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