Description

Are you passionate about the management and development of natural resources? Do you understand that water is one of our most valuable and important resources? If you want to be part of a dedicated and talented team that works to responsibly manage North Dakota's water resources for a resilient future– then this employment opportunity might be for you. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is looking for a Hydrologist Manager to serve the citizens of our state as a part of Team ND.

DWR offers rewarding work opportunities with a competitive employee benefits package including fully paid family health insurance plan, paid annual and sick leave, excellent retirement plan options, volunteer insurance options, a flexible work schedule, and more! This position offers 40 hours of new hire leave at the beginning of employment, in addition to standard monthly leave accruals. Team members who were previously employed with a state agency and are eligible for reinstatement as defined in NDAC 4-07-05.01.1, or who are granted an interagency transfer are not eligible for new hire leave.

The salary range for this position is $7,500 to $9,300 per month (dependent upon experience).

This position is based at the Department of Water Resources office in Bismarck, ND. 
 

Summary of Work

The Hydrologist Manager reports to the Water Appropriation Director and oversees both the Water Well Contractor Licensing Program (WWCLP) and the Water Appropriation Division Well Drilling Program (WDP).  

The WWCLP is responsible for the testing and licensure of water well contractors, water well pump and pitless unit installers, monitoring well contractors, and geothermal system drillers.

DWR is fortunate to have its own water well drilling rig and full time well driller. The WDP plans annual test hole drilling and observation well installation throughout the state for the purpose of mapping North Dakota’s aquifers and monitoring water levels in the state’s aquifers.

Additionally, this position may involve providing recommendations to the Department of Water Resource’s State Engineer and Director on submitted conditional water permit applications and water permit administration.
 

Requirements

Duties and Tasks

• Schedule the WDP annual drilling plan, in coordination with the Ground Water Section of the Water Appropriation Division, which is typically from May through October each year.
• Procure well drilling supplies to support the WDP.
• Maintain and improve standard operating procedures, processes, and safety protocols for the WDP.
• Review applicants for the WWCLP and proctor licensing exams.
• Ensure Licensed Water Well Contractors remain in compliance with their licensing requirements, and review submitted water well contractor well driller’s reports.
• Draft recommendations to the State Engineer and Agency Director on conditional water permit applications, water permit administration, or regulatory action.
• Conduct and oversee field investigations and inspections.
• Train staff for WDP field work.
• Respond to public requests.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor of Science in the field of water resource management, hydrology, geology, engineering, or related field with four years of applicable experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with hydrogeology, hydrology, or water resource management.
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience water well construction.
• Demonstrated knowledge or experience drafting policies or standard operating procedures, and technical report writing.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally, in writing, and through public speaking and presentations.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and be able and willing to periodically travel, especially during the field season.
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supervising in areas related to the assigned responsibilities. Experience working with relational databases and SQL.
• Experience or knowledge working with a water resource or water rights program associated with the prior appropriation doctrine.
• Background and knowledge of procurement processes.
• Valid Commercial driver’s license.