This position is a Hydrologic Technician, GS- 1316-5. Salary: The salary for each location may vary depending on locality. Locality tables may be found here Cost of Living Allowance: In addition to the yearly salary, this position is entitled to a 1.49% cost-of-living allowance (COLA). This allowance is subject to annual review, adjustment, and rate decrease. Please see additional information about each vacancy here
Only experience and education obtained by 12/12/2025 will be considered. In order to qualify for this position you must possess the Minimum Qualification. Minimum Qualification [GS-05] One year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility equivalent to grade GS-04 in the Federal service that is in or related to the duties of this position. Specialized experience may include work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; or construction estimating if it equipped the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities to perform successfully the duties of this position. OR Completion of a full four year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (a) with major study in an appropriate field of science (i.e., geology, chemistry, physics, geophysics, biology, ecology, mathematics, soils, forestry, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical science, atmospheric science) engineering, construction, or industrial technology, or (b) that included at least 24 semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics. OR Possess a combination of successfully completed post-high school education and specialized experience may be used to meet the qualification requirements for GS-5. Only progressive education in excess of the first 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours (i.e., beyond the first two years) of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree is creditable toward meeting the specialized experience requirement, assuming the education includes the appropriate number of directly related semester hours, or the equivalent, in any combination of courses such as engineering, industrial technology, construction drafting, surveying, physical science, biology, or mathematics. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
This is a temporary appointment intended for seasonal work that is less than 6 months or 1040 hours from the date of appointment/service year. It is expected this position will be terminated upon completion of the seasons work. The agency may non-competitively rehire an eligible temporary seasonal worker in subsequent years who works less than 6 months or 1040 hours in their service year. As a Seasonal - Hydrologic Technician your duties will include, but are not limited to, the following: Operates and maintains gauging stations by making discharge measurement of streams at all stages and at times under extremely adverse conditions using tag lines, wading rods, current, meters, acoustic Doppler equipment and other instruments. Makes water measurements at a variety of refuge and hatchery sites. Assists in measuring site selection, and in preparation of plans for new gauging station, artificial controls and other appurtenances to stream gauging stations. Services and maintains and assists in installation of all types of water measurement equipment. Uses standard surveying techniques to run level circuits to establish or check gauge datums. Operates total station or RTK surveying equipment with supervision. Installs, programs, maintains, troubleshoots and downloads data logging equipment.