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Hydrologist I (#MGBF01)
$46,874.00 Yearly Min / $62,498.00 Yearly Mid / $78,123.00 Yearly Max


Hydrologist II (#MGBF02)
$53,420.00 Yearly Min / $71,227.00 Yearly Mid / $89,034.00 Yearly Max


Hydrologist III (#MGBF03)
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$60,384.00 Yearly Min / $80,512.00 Yearly Mid / $100,640.00 Yearly Max


Hydrologist IV (#MGBF04)
$68,272.00 Yearly Min / $91,029.00 Yearly Mid / $113,786.00 Yearly Max


Hydrologist V (#MGBF05)
$82,094.00 Yearly Min / $109,458.00 Yearly Mid / $136,823.00 Yearly Max


Hydrologist VI (#MGBF06)
$87,353.00 Yearly Min / $116,470.00 Yearly Mid / $145,588.00 Yearly Max




Description of Occupational Work

This class series uses six levels of work in the Agriculture, Natural Resources and Sciences occupational group, Sciences occupational series and describes hydrology work involving the evaluation and regulation of water quality and development. Work involves application of scientific, hydrological, and mathematical methods to determine distribution, disposition, and development of atmospheric, surface, and underground waters and the impact of land use, precipitation, drought, usage, waste disposal, and underground storage of hazardous waste.

Note: This career ladder series incorporates levels I, II, III and IV. Based on the level of work applicable to the employing agency and functional area, positions can be allocated up to the III or IV level. The I level is to provide entry for hiring new employees into the class series but does not preclude hiring new employees at higher levels. Employees may be promoted through the career ladder in accordance with minimum qualifications and promotional standards. Promotional standards, a selection document under separate cover, sets forth the criteria that defines and describes the requirements that must be met at each level. Advancement of employees through the career ladder is dependent on an agency's/department's operational needs and distribution of work.

The Hydrologist V and the Hydrologist VI levels, although not part of the career ladder, provides competitive opportunity for movement of employees.

Essential Functions

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.
  • Collects, analyzes, and interprets field samples, scientific literature and statistical data. 
  • Supervises and documents the installation of wells; inspects and compiles data regarding existing wells, waste disposal sites, and underground storage facilities.
  • Summarizes data used in studies, projects, plans, specifications and research.
  • Performs mathematical calculations to aid in the selection of alternatives.
  • Reviews and comments on permit applications.
  • Provides technical and regulatory information.

Levels of Work

Hydrologist I 

This is entry level work providing technical support in the evaluation and regulation of water quality and development. 

  • Works under close supervision of an administrative or technical superior.
  • Performs the full range of essential functions.
  • Assists in the development and implementation of regulated programs.
  • Contacts include local, state, and federal agencies, public and private organizations and individuals to gather and provide information.

Hydrologist II

This is the full performance level responsible for evaluation and regulation of water quality and development. 

  • Conducts and/or oversees collection and compilation of data/information from field samples, technical reports, and statistical reports.
  • Recommends courses of action to accomplish program goals and objectives.
  • Interprets data for the purpose of developing and implementing regulated programs.
  • Contacts include local, state, and federal agencies, public and private organizations and individuals to discuss findings and recommendations.

Hydrologist III

This is the lead level responsible for project leadership providing technical guidance, coordination, and evaluation of subordinate technical staff.

  • As project leader, trains, coordinates, and evaluates subordinate staff.
  • Plans, coordinates, oversees collection, compilation, analysis, and interpretation of field samples, technical reports, and statistical data.
  • Recommends procedures, rules, and regulations to ensure compliance with laws.
  • Recommends alternatives to ensure compliance during the permit application process.
  • Contacts include other agencies, state and federal, and private sector organizations and individuals to review and interpret findings and recommendations.

Hydrologist IV

This is the advanced level responsible for advanced research and program design involving multiple disciplines such as physical sciences, life sciences, advanced mathematics, and socioeconomics.

  • Work is completed independent of technical supervision and consistent with scientific principles.
  • Researches and recommends solutions to complex hydrologic issues.
  • Designs and oversees implementation of complex studies, surveys, and investigations.
  • Reviews, evaluates, and edits the work of lower level technical staff.
  • Interprets complex data to assist in formulation of policies and objectives.
  • Trains department staff through in-house courses and informal discussion.
  • May act as project manager for contracted hydrologic investigations/cleanups.
  • Contacts include other local, state, and federal agencies,  public and private organizations and individuals to provide technical assistance.

Hydrologist V

This is the expert level involved in state and national environmental pollution control issues of considerable scope and complexity and requiring creative and innovative application of advanced scientific, hydrological, and mathematical methods in the resolution of complex issues.

  • Reports to the Director, Deputy Director, or a Program Administrator/Manager and performs with minimal administrative direction.
  • Designs, directs development, and recommends solutions to complex hydrological environmental issues.
  • Originates, designs, introduces, and oversees innovative research efforts to provide basis for new/improved resource management.
  • Interprets complex data to support implementation of previously untried methods in the formulation of policies and objectives.
  • Prepares legislative and regulatory measures dealing with state and national pollution control; testifies expert for the State in court and public hearings and providing insight, coordination and expert consulting services on issues and integrated topics involving scientific and hydrologic disciplines.
  • Prepares, presents, and publishes technical reports and findings.
  • Contacts include local, state, and federal agencies, public and private organizations, and individuals to provide expert technical direction, guidance, and assistance.     
Hydrologist VI
This level is responsible for managing multiple hydrology programs and/or projects on behalf of the Department. In addition to serving as technical expert as described by the previous level, this level is distinguished by responsibility for managing budgets/contracts, overseeing and advising technical staff, and reviewing and approving program work.  Work includes managing cross-functional approaches with program managers, technical employees, legal teams, and planning staff within the assigned Department, other state agencies, federal agencies and private entities/contractors.  
  • Represents the Cabinet Secretary on state-level hydrology programs/projects.  
  • Responsible for the technical review and evaluation of Hydrologist and other technical/non-technical support staff and private consultants.  
  • Programs and projects have statewide and/or regional responsibility.
  • Develops, implements and manages contracts and budgets; manages program resources.
  • Plans and develops hydrology projects involving unique or controversial problems that have impacts on major programs, including providing comprehensive planning, strategic data collection and analysis, collaborative implementation, and public information sharing.
  • Determines course of action on behalf of the Department regarding interagency cooperative projects, provide technical support and consultation to State, Federal, county, and municipal offices that request hydrologic information and support.
  • Recommends changes in policy, procedures, standards, rules and regulations.
  • Oversees the development and management of technical reports.
  • Ensures programs/projects align with department and state mission and objectives.
  • Contacts include working closely, statewide and regionally with other agencies and the private sector to coordinate and achieve mutual goals and objectives.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA's listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

  • Knowledge of principles and practices of hydrology.
  • Knowledge of methods used in field sampling, literature research, and data compilation.
  • Ability to perform mathematical and statistical analysis.
  • Ability to interpret and apply state and federal laws, rules, regulations.
  • Ability to learn operation of hydrologic instruments.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, the Hydrologist II requires:

  • Knowledge of state and federal laws, rules, and regulations applicable to assigned program areas.
  • Knowledge of principles and practices of aqueous geochemistry.
  • Knowledge of regional geology.
  • Skill in the use of hydrologic instruments.
  • Skill in application of electronic data processing methods.
  • Ability to recognize and work with diverse and/or conflicting priorities.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, the Hydrologist III requires:

  • Knowledge of physical and life sciences and mathematical principles.
  • Knowledge of state, department, and division goals and objectives.
  • Skill in planning, coordinating, and leading.
  • Ability to recognize changing conditions and recommends rules and regulations to ensure project and program goals are met.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, the Hydrologist IV requires:

  • Knowledge of the principles and practices advanced mathematics.
  • Knowledge of socioeconomic factors.
  • Skill in teaching.
  • Skill in advanced and innovative application of electronic data processing methods.
  • Ability to design and recommend new goals, programs and procedures.
  • Ability to project long range factors impacting water quality and development.

In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, the Hydrologist V requires:

  • Knowledge of complex, integrated, and diverse environmental pollution control methods, and the impact on water resources management methods.
  • Knowledge of innovative and sophisticated methods, techniques, and procedures of research and analysis.
  • Skill in applying and integrating advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for assignments of a diverse and complex nature.
  • Skill in analyzing and evaluating complex situations, conditions, and information to determine course of action.
  • Skill in presenting and incorporating findings, concepts, procedures, and techniques in program and project development.
  • Ability to analyze, interpret, and explain laws, rules and regulations relating to unique issues involving protection of resources and prevention of environmental pollution.
In addition to the above Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities, the Hydrologist VI requires:
  • Knowledge of the principles and practices of organizational planning, budgeting, staffing and management.
  • Knowledge of program development and implementation.
  • Knowledge of developing short and long range strategic plans.
  • Knowledge of the state legislative and budget process.
  • Skill in providing expert advice, guidance and direction to Hydrologist and other technical staff and approving program work.
  • Skill in developing innovative approaches to resolve complex technical matters.
  • Skill in developing policies and procedures.
  • Skill in planning, developing, implementing, managing and evaluating environmental or natural resources projects.
  • Ability to resolve conflict and reach consensus.
  • Ability to anticipate, identify, track and resolve risks, issues and action items.
  • Ability to establish objectives and guide the integration of multiple facets of technical programs.
  • Ability to develop plans and strategies to manage and implement change.
  • Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance.   

Job Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Hydrologist I
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

  1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Geology, Hydrology or related field. 
  2. Knowledge of hydrogeology and stratigraphy.
  3. Knowledge of collecting hydrologic field data such as geologic descriptions, water levels and water samples.
  4. Knowledge of technical report writing.

CLASS:
MGBF01
EST:
7/1/1987
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77780

CLASS:
MGBF02
EST:
7/1/1987
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77781

CLASS:
MGBF03
EST:
7/1/1987
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77782

CLASS:
MGBF04
EST:
7/1/1987
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77783

CLASS:
MGBF05
EST:
7/1/1998
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77784

CLASS:
MGBF06
EST:
7/1/1998
REV:
FORMERLY JOB CLASS:
77780