Senior Hydrogeologist

Posting number: 2026-03607

Department: DCNR - DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES

Job classification: Non-Class (Exempt)

Posting type: Open Competitive

Categories: Water Agency, Hydrogeology

Summary

The Senior Hydrogeologist Modeler plays a key role in supporting Nevada’s water resource management by delivering expert hydrologic analysis and developing groundwater models that guide critical decisions made by the State Engineer. This position leads technical evaluations of water right applications, reviews aquifer storage projects, and conducts field investigations across Nevada’s hydrographic basins. Ideal candidates bring strong analytical skills, groundwater modeling experience, and the ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly to Division staff, stakeholders, and the public.

Examples of duties

Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and skills in conducting hydrologic analyses to support water rights administration and water resource management, including proficiency in developing and calibrating groundwater flow models.

Strong communication skills are required to effectively collaborate with staff and management and to occasionally present information to the public and stakeholders on water resource-related topics. Applicants must be well-organized, self-motivated, and possess strong computer and quantitative skills.

Education and experience requirements include:

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in hydrogeology, hydrology, geologic or civil engineering, or a closely related field, and seven years of professional experience in hydrogeology; or

• A graduate degree in a related field and five years of professional experience in hydrogeology.

Qualifications

The Senior Hydrogeologist Modeler is responsible for conducting hydrologic analyses related to water right applications; reviewing and evaluating annual aquifer storage and recovery reports and accounting; reviewing monitoring plans; developing and evaluating groundwater models; and collaborating with staff and management on technical analyses related to the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater.

Additional responsibilities include conducting and coordinating water resource investigations and performing other duties as assigned. Fieldwork may include water level measurements, site visits, and inspections of projects with monitoring plans, as well as other activities supporting ongoing and future hydrologic investigations.

Supplemental information

Preferred qualifications include experience with groundwater modeling using tools such as MODFLOW (via GMS, Groundwater Vistas, ModelMuse, PyFlow, or similar software) and model calibration (e.g., PEST or UCODE).

Applicants with experience conducting critical reviews of groundwater models, monitoring plans, and monitoring results are highly desirable. Additional preferred experience includes the design, analysis, and interpretation of aquifer tests, as well as knowledge of methods used to measure and estimate groundwater flow and watershed-scale water budgets.

Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint), ArcGIS Pro, and programming languages (such as Python, R, or Fortran) is also desirable.

The successful applicant will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. A skills test or examination may be required as part of the selection process.