The Department of Watershed Sciences at Utah State University (USU) is seeking a Surface Water Hydrologist (Researcher I or II) to support an applied research project in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS). This full-time position will focus on evaluating the accuracy and applicability of flood inundation mapping techniques in diverse and data-sparse landscapes. The Researcher role will be hired at either the “Researcher I” or “Researcher II” level based on the qualifications of the applicant and duties assigned. Please see Qualifications section.

The successful candidate will work closely with researchers from NPS, U.S. Geological Survey, and USU to assess various modeling approaches to flood inundation mapping. These include hydraulic models, non-physics-based methods like Height Above Nearest Drainage (HAND), and remote sensing techniques.

Responsibilities include:

• Developing flood inundation maps using physics-based and alternative methods
• Conducting statistical hydrologic analyses
• Performing GIS and remote sensing analysis
• Formulating management recommendations for flood modeling
• Writing technical reports and peer-reviewed publications
• Presenting research findings to government stakeholders at meetings and conferences

Minimum Qualifications:

• Position will be hired at either a Researcher I or II based upon the following qualifications and duties assigned:
  • For Researcher I: 
    • Master’s degree in hydrology, geomorphology, or hydraulic engineering; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • For Researcher II:
    • Master’s degree in hydrology, geomorphology, or hydraulic engineering plus 2 years of relevant experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• For both levels:
  • Proficiency in hydraulic modeling, coding, and GIS
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Strong oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ph.D. degree in hydrology, geomorphology, or hydraulic engineering
• 1–2 post-graduate experience in a related field
• Prior experience with flood inundation mapping
• Experience communicating flood risk to stakeholders

Along with the online application, please attach:

1. Resume/CV to be uploaded at the beginning of your application in the Candidate Profile under “Resume/CV" 

2. Name and contact information for 3 professional references to be entered into Candidate Profile 

3. Cover letter to be typed/pasted at the end of your application 

**Document size may not exceed 10 MB.**

Employees work indoors and are protected from weather and/or contaminants, but not necessarily from occasional temperature changes.  The employee is regularly required to sit and often uses repetitive hand motions.

The S.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is committed to enhancing lives and landscapes through education, research, and outreach. We work across biological, physical, and socioeconomic boundaries to better understand natural and managed ecosystems and to promote the ethical use of land, food, water, and economic resources. Our faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their scholarship and engage in collaborations that advance discovery and innovation across disciplines. Many hold Extension appointments that connect their research directly to communities throughout Utah. 

With a statewide network of campuses and learning centers, the college serves people in both urban and rural communities as part of the university’s land-grant mission. We foster professional collaboration within and beyond the university, and experiential learning for students at all phases of their academic path. Faculty and students benefit from Utah’s remarkable and varied landscapes, which provide unparalleled opportunities for field-based research, education, and outreach. 

Founded in 1888, Utah State University is Utah’s premier land-grant, public service university. As an R1 research institution, Utah State is dedicated to advancing knowledge and serving the public good through innovative research and scholarly activities that are grounded in reciprocal engagement with local, regional, and global communities. USU prepares students to be active, civically engaged leaders who are prepared to address critical societal challenges. Dedicated to providing a high-quality and affordable education, USU remains a leader in research, discovery, and public impact.

USU enrolls 28,900 students, both online and in person at locations throughout the state. Utah State’s 30 locations include a main campus in Logan, Utah, residential campuses in Price and Blanding, and six additional statewide campuses, along with education centers serving every county. USU Online educates students from all 50 states and 55 countries. For over 25 years, USU Extension has served and engaged Utahns in all of Utah’s counties.

Competing at the NCAA Division I level, USU is a proud member of the Mountain West Conference and will join the Pac-12 Conference beginning in the 2026-2027 season. The Aggies’ long-standing tradition of athletic and academic excellence is exemplified by conference championships in multiple sports, reflecting USU's commitment to perseverance and achievement.

Utah State is dedicated to fostering a community where all individuals feel respected, valued, and supported. We seek to recruit, hire, and retain people from all walks of life who will champion excellence in education, research, discovery, outreach, and service. We believe that promoting a strong sense of community and belonging empowers and engages all members of USU to thrive and be successful. Forbes recognized our commitment to employees when they named Utah State the best employer in Utah in 2023. Learn more about USU. 

The university provides a Dual Career Assistance Program to support careers for partners who are also seeking employment. Additionally, USU is committed to providing access and a reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request a reasonable accommodation for a disability, contact the university’s ADA Coordinator in the Office of Human Resources at (435) 797-0122 or hr@usu.edu. 

*updated 09/2025

In its programs and activities, including in admissions and employment, Utah State University does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination, including harassment, based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy, Title IX, or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or tolerate discrimination including harassment in employment including in hiring, promotion, transfer, or termination based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by University policy or any other federal, state, or local law.

Utah State University does not discriminate in its housing offerings and will treat all persons fairly and equally without regard to race, color, religion, sex, familial status, disability, national origin, source of income, sexual orientation, or gender identity. Additionally, the University endeavors to provide reasonable accommodations when necessary and to ensure equal access to qualified persons with disabilities.

In all circumstances, Utah State University follows state and federal laws related to sex-segregated spaces.

The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the application of Title IX and its implementing regulations and/or USU’s non-discrimination policies:

For further information regarding non-discrimination, please visit crtix.usu.edu or contact:

U.S. Department of Education

Denver Regional Office

303-844-5695| OCR.Denver@ed.gov

U.S. Department of Education

Office of Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights

800-421-3481 |  OCR@ed.gov

*updated 06/2025