Hydrologists

The Student Conservation Association is hiring a Hydrologist Crew Lead in Fort Collins, CO. This full-time position involves leading a 3-person crew in conducting surveys related to hydrology and fisheries, including habitat assessment and data collection in challenging outdoor conditions. The role requires project management, field research, and collaboration with government agencies, supporting the mission of the U.S. Forest Service.
Individual Placement
• Fisheries and Hydrology Crew Lead Fort Collins, CO Job Details Full-time 1 day ago Qualifications Project team coordination Surface water Biology Report writing Truck driving Outdoor work Project planning Equipment installation Collaborating with government agencies Mid-level Schedule management Field research Watershed management Data collection Habitat assessment 1 year Crew management GIS Full Job Description Position Summary Placement will be in lead role of organizing and directing daily operations of 3-person crew completing surveys for both hydrology/watershed and fisheries data resources.
Surveys will assess road condition, watershed health, wetland identification, stream habitat metrics, stream discharge, stream flow patterns, backpack electrofishing, fish population estimates, fish identification, macroinvertebrate sampling, and topographic surveys of streams. Lead role will coordinate daily with supervisors in both hydrology and fisheries resource staff. Crew will work in remote areas often hiking off trail and in waterbodies in challenging weather conditions and at elevation. Work will support mission of Unites States Forest Service "to sustain the health diversity, and productivity of the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations". Location Fort Collins, CO Schedule May 4, 2026
• October 16, 2026 Key Duties and Responsibilities Performs individually and as crew leader, fisheries and hydrologic technician work in support of resource professionals engaged in land management planning and design of projects in both watershed and fisheries resources.
Candidate participates in the development of resource project plans, schedule and organizes efforts, and uses standard tools and procedures for data collection; and Install and maintain equipment; and Assists in sampling design; and Coordinates efforts with other technicians and professionals; and Meets with others to plan and coordinate work efforts, discuss technical requirements, and present study findings; and Measures aquatic habitat quantity and quality, measures and records discharge volumes, and gathers data for analysis; and Makes recommendations on projects to professionals; and Assists in development of reports to supervisors and other authorities; and Confers with other agencies for exchange of data and planning. Marginal Duties Performs other duties as assigned in meeting US Forest Service mission "to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity or the Nation's forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations"; and Supports other mission critical work as needed. Required Qualifications Completed degree in either Watershed Science, Hydrology, Fisheries Biology and Management, or similar related coursework; and one year of graduate-level education in a similar field; OR One year of technical experience equivalent to the GS-6 level, OR A combination of technical work experience and education that provide equivalent knowledge or training as above. The following qualifications are also required: Ability to conduct strenuous field work and carry heavy loads over rugged terrain Must be able to drive 4x4 trucks on forest roads, work in burned areas, and carry out duties in steep and rugged terrain and wilderness areas Must be able to work with other people on a crew and under the direction of USFS staff Must be able to camp overnight in backcountry settings This SCA Position is authorized under the Public Land Corps Authority. All participants must be between the ages of 16 and 30, inclusive, or veterans age 35 or younger. Participants must also be a citizen or national of the United States or lawful permanent resident alien of the United States. Hours served can be applied toward the Public Land Corps (PLC) hiring authority. Preferred Qualifications Experience in wading streams. Experience with electrofishing equipment and technique. Hydrology and watershed science equipment and techniques. GIS experience is desired but not required. Hours 40 per week Living Accommodations Government housing may be available. Rates vary across Districts and a $400 monthly housing allowance is provided to offset a portion of this cost. Compensation Living Allowance
• $750/week One-time Travel Allowance
• $1,500 Housing Allowance
• $400/month Federal Holiday Off (if required to work, an alternative day will be scheduled off) All allowances are subject to applicable federal, state, and local taxes.
Personal Vehicle Information Not needed Additional Benefits Bear Safety Defensive Driving Training First Aid/CPR Off-Road Vehicle Safety AmeriCorps:
Not Eligible Equal Opportunity Statement The Student Conservation Association, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The SCA strives to cultivate a work environment that encourages fairness, teamwork, and respect among all staff members and is committed to maintaining a work atmosphere where lifestyles may grow personally and professionally.