Master Record Number: RD0391
Title/Pay/Plan/Series/Grade: Hydrologist, GS-1315-11
FLSA Code: Exempt
Telework Eligible: Yes
Introduction
This position is located at a Research Station. This position serves as a Hydrologist with the responsibility for assisting in, conducting, interpreting and reporting hydrologic research in forest ecosystems.
Major Duties
Participates in hydrologic investigations and studies required for planning and design of long term environmental monitoring programs and multi-purpose projects focused on physical and chemical components of the hydrologic cycle, including precipitation, streamflow, soil water, ground water, subsurface stormflow, evaporation, and transpiration. Includes data collection, quality assurance/quality control, analysis, and interpretation. Requires design, installation and maintenance of manual and electronic equipment to support ongoing measurements, electronic sensor and data logging systems, and telecommunications.
Independently studies and assists others in studying baseline environmental conditions as well as the impact of natural and man-made disturbance on water flows and water quality in forests. Research and monitoring includes collecting original data, assembling previously collected records, and analyzing and evaluating all assembled data to determine hydrologic and water quality characteristics including quantity, quality, and distribution over time and area.
Works with scientists and other staff to collect, analyze and disseminate hydrologic data. Translates these findings into data publications and summaries and contributes to research reports or peer-reviewed journals articles. Reports reflect technical adequacy, fulfillment of objectives, and compliance with USDA FS policy. Manages a research facility, on-site lodging, and collaborator use of facilities and instrumentation.
Performs supervisory duties 20% or less of the time
Plans the work to be accomplished by the unit, assigns work to employees, and establishes production or quality standards for the unit’s work. Establishes and communicates guidelines and performance requirements to employees; conducts formal performance reviews; and identifies and provides for the developmental and training needs of employees.
Hears and resolves employee complaints, effects minor disciplinary measures, and recommends action in more serious cases.
Performs administrative and human resources management functions for the unit; provides advice, counsel or instruction on both administrative and work matters; and assures full compliance with safety regulations.
Promotes equal opportunity and employs nondiscriminatory practices for merit promotion, recruitment and hiring of applicants; encouragement, recognition and fair treatment of all employees; and career development and full utilization of employees’ skills. Adheres to nondiscriminatory employment practices regarding race, color, national origin, age, disability; and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal; or because all or part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.
Notes:
All permanent supervisors, managers and executives are required to complete mandatory supervisor training in accordance with Code of Federal Regulations, Part 412, and the USDA Departmental Regulation 4040-412-002, Training and Development for Supervisors.
New supervisor training should begin within 90-days from your supervisor appointment date; training must be well underway at nine months and nearing completion at eleven months. Employee Relations will be notified at forty-eight weeks if the supervisor is failing to complete the training.
New supervisor training must be completed within your first year.
FACTOR STATEMENTS
Factor 1. Knowledge Required by the Position
Knowledge of theories, methods and techniques of professional hydrology and watershed management principles and concepts sufficient to formulate, develop and execute watershed research in forested areas.
Familiarity with related fields, such as forestry, soils, etc., sufficient to use techniques and knowledge from these disciplines in the development of research plans and programs.
Knowledge of supervision and personnel practices and procedures in order to carry out responsibilities and to plan/integrate work schedules to meet unit needs.
Knowledge of management principles and practices related to program and workforce planning, supervision and training of employees to promote a well-trained and qualified workforce.
Factor 2. Supervisory Controls
The supervisor outlines overall program objectives and the resources available. The incumbent and supervisor consult on project priorities and deadlines for specific projects. The incumbent independently plans the work projects; develops the necessary controls; plans, coordinates, and oversees their implementation; and resolves conflicts with other resource functions, contractor personnel, and other personnel. The work is reviewed to the extent necessary to determine quality and conformance with research objectives.
Factor 3. Guidelines
Guidelines include agency policy and procedural manuals, regional level supplemental guides, approved land management and long-range functional resource plans, and professional publications.
The incumbent uses judgment and ingenuity in developing and implementing plans and programs as the guides do not provide adequate or specific coverage of the range of variable conditions found at the forest area. The hydrologist must independently adapt or extend the guidelines or choose alternative procedures which will achieve optimum multiple use and protect existing ecosystems.
Factor 4. Complexity
Assignments involve development, implementation, and administration of plans, programs, and methodology connected with watershed science and management.
The incumbent must consider a number of variables in developing the plans and carrying them out. Decisions regarding what needs to be done include the assessment of unusual circumstances, variations in approach, and incomplete or conflicting data.
The area may be under intensive use by one or more resources. The assignments require the hydrologist to interpret available data in terms of the variables involved, the effect on other resources, the rationale of the competing interests, and to extend, modify, or otherwise adapt procedures to resolve complex issues.
Factor 5. Scope and Effect
The purpose of the position is to develop science or provide scientific data to assure effective development, protection, understanding and utilization of the water resource.
The work affects the water resource, the effective utilization of the resource in meeting sustained yield, and the socioeconomic well-being of the local community.
Factor 6. Personal Contacts
Contacts are with other hydrologists, scientists and technicians, specialists in related fields, special interest groups, and the general public.
Factor 7. Purpose of Contacts
Contacts are for the purpose of exchanging technical, scientific and operational information, coordinating responses and actions, and ensuring that contractual agreements relating to hydrologic projects are followed.
The contacts require tact and persuasion to resolve operating problems, reconcile conflicting viewpoints and ideas, and explain and gain support for agency objectives.
Factor 8. Physical Demands
A considerable amount of physical activity is required while making on-the-ground installations, examinations or inspections of equipment and on-going operations, including walking and climbing over rough terrain and in adverse and challenging weather conditions. Tree climbing, chain sawing and snow mobile certification may apply.
Factor 9. Work Environment
The work takes place in both office and field settings. Field work involves exposure to hazards and discomforts, such as risk of injury from falls, strains, insect bites, inclement weather, etc.
Total Points: N/A–Narrative evaluation
Position duties and responsibilities consistent with the GS-11 level criteria in the Job Family Standard. Position is properly classified at GS-1315-11, Hydrologist.
References Used: Job Family Standard for Professional Work in the Physical Sciences Group GS-1500.
Source Documents: Hydrologist, GS-1315-11 FS-SPD-N5068 dated 7/30/1986.
Name of Classification Delegate: Rochelle Selvin
Date Classified: 03/12/2019
