Pay Grade/Pay Range: Minimum: $68,500 - Midpoint: $89,100 (Salaried E11)
Department/Organization: 750501 - Alabama Water Institute (AWI)
Normal Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm
Job Summary: The Hydrologic Scientist I assists with hydrologic modeling and analysis projects related to hydrologic prediction, flood and hydrologic drought forecasting, and water resources planning and management that support NOAA’s national efforts on low-flow information.
Additional Department Summary: The Alabama Water Institute (AWI) is one of The University of Alabama’s four research institutes. AWI is leading local, national, and global efforts to advance water research, technology, and innovative solutions. AWI is dedicated to building a more resilient and water-secure world by driving groundbreaking research, educating the next generation of leaders, and delivering innovations that benefit communities and ecosystems worldwide. It provides a forum for interdisciplinary research and education and brings together university researchers, students, and staff to foster collaboration and a broad interdisciplinary focus on water issues that face our world today. AWI-affiliated researchers specialize in water security and quality, remote sensing, hydrological modeling, biological variability, watershed management and human health through synergies with existing centers and the creation of new centers under the umbrella of AWI.
This position supports the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) and its applied research activities. CIROH directly supports the mission of NOAA’s Office of Water Prediction (OWP) to collaboratively research, develop, and deliver state-of-the-art hydrologic analyses, forecasts, data, guidance, and equitable decision-support services. CIROH also reinforces the mission of the National Weather Service (NWS) National Water Center (NWC) by promoting collaboration across the scientific community and accelerating the transition of research innovations into operational water prediction services. Together, these efforts advance NOAA’s broader vision of a water- and weather-ready nation that is resilient to floods, droughts, water quality challenges, and other water-related hazards.
This position supports hydrologic modeling and analysis projects related to hydrologic prediction, flood and hydrologic drought forecasting, and water resources planning and management. Project duties will include compiling data, processing and analyzing data, building models, generating results through simulation, and analyzing results to develop recommendations. The position duties include compiling results and supporting information into reports, papers, presentations, online resources, and other materials for wide distribution.
Continuation in this position is contingent upon the availability of external funding derived from research programs or specific projects.
Required Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or higher and some experience in water resources, natural resources, drought, flood, hazard mitigation, disaster response, climate extremes, or public policy.
Skills and Knowledge: Excellent skills in the development and application of hydrologic and hydraulic models, geospatial analysis tools, data science applications, and other hydrologic science software and tools. Knowledge of hydrologic processes and water resource management. Ability to develop effective and cooperative relationships with partners and collaborators. Demonstrated ability to complete projects with limited oversight. Ability to engaging users and stakeholders. Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with a group of partners. Excellent demonstrated written and verbal communication skills. Ability to present complex ideas concisely through written and verbal delivery for different audiences. Demonstrated effective facilitation skills.
Preferred Qualifications: Graduate degree in natural or water resources management or engineering, hydrology, geography, meteorology, environmental science, or related field. One (1) or more years of experience in water resources planning, integrating research into product development, interpreting and communicating water data, and partnership development.
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal poster.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.
