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Lead Hydrologist

City Of Tucson


Job Location:

Tucson, AZ - USA

Monthly Salary: $ 32 - 48
Posted: 21 August 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Posting Close Date
Applicants must submit their completed application byat 11:59 p.m. MST
Application and Special Instructions
Position Overview

The City of Tucson Water Department is seeking two Lead Hydrologists to lead teams of hydrologists technicians and interns in support of the Source Water Divisions water resource management and infrastructure programs.

Each position supervises an assigned unit and works with the Chief Hydrologist and division staff to support well drilling recharge and recovery activities water resource planning reporting and regulatory compliance.

One position will lead the Recharge & Special Projects Unit.
One position will lead the Field Unit.

Strong communication collaboration and leadership skills are essential for success in these roles.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit the following at the time of application:
Updated resume
Cover letter addressing the required questions below

If you possess any of the preferred qualifications listed in the job posting and would like them to be considered during the recruitment process the experience must be clearly described and verifiable in your resume and cover letter.

Applicants will be evaluated based on the education and work experience provided in their employment profile resume and cover letter.

Cover Letter Questions

Please address the following questions in your cover letter:

your experience/education managing water resource projects including groundwater wells recharge or recovery activities.

your experience/education supervising mentoring and developing hydrology or technical staff.

your experience/education with regulatory compliance technical reporting and coordinating with stakeholders.
ABOUT THIS JOB

Position Description

The Lead Hydrologist position at the City of Tucsons Water Department is responsible for leading water resource programs and managing related infrastructure activities that support the delivery of high-quality potable and recycled water services. This position provides oversight for well drilling recharge and recovery activities water resource planning technical reporting and regulatory compliance functions while supporting the goals and objectives of Source Water and other Divisions.

Work is performed under the supervision of the Chief position exercises supervision over hydrology personnel.

  • Manages water production and monitoring well projects including well drilling rehabilitation infrastructure assessments field investigations and oversight of design permitting and construction activities. Administers the well drilling program including Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning budgeting project management and coordination of related technical activities. Drives to various worksitesto conductinspections and audits.

  • Leads and supervises a team of professional hydrology staff responsible for implementing division projects and programs. Plans assigns and monitors workloads timecards reviews workloads conducts performance evaluations and supports employee development.

  • Monitors groundwater aquifer conditions including water levels and water quality and oversees field investigations annual groundwater level and elevation maps and related technical reports.

  • Manages surface water and reclaimed water recharge and recovery programs including project planning design permitting operations maintenance regulatory compliance and reporting activities.

  • Administers recharge and recovery agreements and coordinates with partners utility leadership regulatory agencies consultants and stakeholders to support program objectives and successful project implementation.

  • Provides technical oversight and quality assurance for hydrologic projects through data review report preparation field oversight project coordination engineering support and review of project deliverables.

  • Manages consultant and contractor agreements project schedules budgets and deliverables while ensuring compliance with applicable federal state and local regulations permits policies and industry standards.

  • Performs all other duties and tasks as assigned.

Working Conditions:

Indoorand outdoor work with some exposure to physical ergonomic or emotional hazardous environment.

All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelorsdegree andthree (3) years ofrelevant experience.
Any combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis.

Valid and unrestricted Arizona Class D Driver License - Arizona Department of Transportation - Motor Vehicle Division

Preferred Qualifications:
Masters degree in Hydrology Water Resources Management or a related field.
Experience in:
Aquifer recharge projects and water resource management programs.
Well design permitting and drilling activities.
Regulatory compliance related to water resources and utility operations.
Supervising developing and managing professional staff.
POSITION DETAILS
Job Profile
J2041 - Lead Hydrologist

To view the full job profile including classification specifications and physical demands click GradeG109

$32.15 - 48.23 USD

The City of Tucson considers several factors when extending an offer including but not limited to the role and associated responsibilities a candidates work experience education/training key skills and internal equity.

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)
Exempt
Position Type
Regular
Time Type
Full time
Department
Water Utility
Department Link
Check

This position has been designated to require a criminal background check. The City of Tucson is a Second Chance Employer.

ABOUT US
Benefits

The City of Tucson offers a generous benefits package for benefit-eligible positions. The comprehensive flexible and affordable coverage is designed to optimize health and well-being security and future and peace of mind. Benefits begin with medical dental vision life disability and FSA coverage surpassing your standard 401(k) program by offering a rich pension plan plus optional Roth and pretax deferred compensation savings. With your well-being in mind our paid time off program provides new hires with 38 paid days off in the first year of employment with time off increasing steadily in subsequent years. We offer twelve weeks of paid parental leave paid tuition reimbursement student loan repayment off- and on-the-job training and opportunities to forge connections with peers and the community through employee resource groups and paid volunteer hours. You can learn more about our benefits at

The City of Tucson employs only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. Citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Status. The City of Tucson does not offer visa sponsorship.

The City does not discriminate based on race color religion sex (including sexual orientation gender identity and pregnancy) national origin veteran status age disability genetic testing or any other protected status. If you believe you have been a victim of discrimination you may file a complaint with the City of Tucsons Office of Equal Opportunity Programs U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or Arizona Attorney Generals Office of the Civil Rights Division (ACRD).

ADA Accessibility Complaint Form

The City of Tucson is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities or who require religious accommodation; please contact Human Resources at or .

Recruiter Name
Roxie Escarcega (49375)
Recruiter Email

For Human Resources general questions please contact .