Research and Operations Hydrologist
University of California, San Diego | Posted Nov 7, 2025
- Experience Level:
- 0-5 Years
- Link to Apply:
- Apply Now
DESCRIPTION
The position is located in Portland, OR and will integrate with the National Weather Service (NWS) Northwest River Forecast Center (NWRFC) to foster a Research and Operations Partnership (RAOP) with CW3E and associated institutions and agencies. This position is identified in a grant from the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), where the incumbent will work alongside the NWRFC hydrologic forecasting team. This places CW3E personnel alongside operational partners to gain in-depth knowledge of local hydrology and partner interactions and creates a two-way bridge between research and operations (R2O) to ensure successful cycles of Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO, https://cw3e.ucsd.edu/firo/) and CIROH-focused R&D, R2O, and operations to research (O2R). These staff will interface with experienced RFC forecasters to develop an in-depth understanding of regional hydrological conditions and help improve operational integration of new technology, including assisting with the testing and implementation of software and exploring the use of new models at the local level.
The incumbent will learn and participate in the issuance and communication of short-, medium, and long-range river forecast information to help support emergency response and water and reservoir management decision-makers. The incumbent will develop expertise in the generation of hydrologic ensemble forecasts and hindcasts to support FIRO projects and CW3E research, and help maintain and enhance hydrologic prediction systems on CW3E’s IT infrastructure that serve as a testbed for various R&D and R2O activities.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Thorough knowledge of research function. In-depth knowledge and rich experience in large-scale land surface hydrologic modeling over the Western US, including model development/improvement, large-scale implementation, validation, and analysis.
- Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Experience in regional hydroclimate analysis (streamflow, snow, and soil moisture). Strong experience in flood and drought analysis through modeling and large data. Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) and large data environments.,.
- Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Ability to present probabilistic and deterministic forecast information to a broad audience. Skills in forecast/scientific graphical representation and writing of reports.
- Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
- Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, or new workflow recommendations.
- Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Proven ability to develop forecast both individually and as a member of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy and flexibility with the ability to work independently or within ateam framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.
- Proven ability to multitask and work independently while effectively organizing and prioritizing a high volume of responsibilities to meet deadlines. Skilled at quickly adapting to changing priorities while exercising sound judgment and taking initiative.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
- The incumbent must be able to successfully pass a background check and acquire a Common Access Card (CAC).
- This position is located in Portland, OR at the office of the Northwest River Forecast Center (NWRFC). The incumbent may be required to work during nights, weekends, and holidays to support the issuance of mission-critical hydrologic services.