Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant)
Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant)
Department of the Interior
Geological Survey
Upper Midwest Water Science Center
Duration of Appointment: This is a temporary excepted service position not-to-exceed 1 year but may be extended without further competition. Employment may not exceed 1,039 hours in a service year. All qualified applicants, with or without Federal status may apply and be considered. Appointment to this position, however, will not convey permanent status in the Federal service.
As a Hydrologic Technician (Field Assistant) within the Upper Midwest Water Science Center, some of your specific duties will include:
- Collects surface water, groundwater, and water quality data from gaging stations, wells, and monitoring sites using established hydrologic methods.
- Performs laboratory analyses of water samples to determine sediment, chemical, biological, and physical characteristics.
- Operates and maintains hydrologic measurement and recording instruments, ensuring accurate setup, servicing, and data capture.
- Follows detailed procedural guidelines and works under close supervision, with assignments reviewed for accuracy and adherence to instructions
- Drives government vehicles for field activities and performs routine field tasks requiring attention to detail and awareness of unusual conditions affecting data accuracy
Physical Demands: The work regularly requires considerable dexterity, agility, and strenuous physical exertion such
as that needed to: climb, or work from, tall ladders or scaffolding; work in areas where footing is treacherous such as on slippery river banks, in steep or rocky terrain, and in fast-moving water; lift heavy objects weighing 23 kilograms (over 50 pounds) or more; crouch or crawl in constricted areas; and defend oneself or others against physical attack.
Work Environment: The work is performed outdoors and involves moderate or sometimes extreme exposure to the discomforts of rain, cold/hot weather, and rapidly running or icy stream and rivers. Special safety precautions are required in many cases, and the employee typically wears life jackets, special safety boots, waders, and reflective rain gear.