Description

ESI seeks a full-time Lead Hydrologist to support the U.S. Forest Service on the Nantahala and Pisgah National Forests in North Carolina. The position focuses on assessing, designing, and implementing disaster recovery, restoration, and resiliency projects in coordination with Forest Service staff, partners, and contractors.

 Responsibilities 

Field Work

• Assess stream channels, floodplains, soils, and landscapes affected by or vulnerable to natural disasters; identify restoration and resiliency needs.
• Lead watershed improvement implementation, from small grading projects to stream channel and floodplain restoration.
• Inspect construction as directed by the Forest Service; evaluate work against plans and specifications. 

Project Coordination

• Prepare or review restoration designs, cost estimates, special project specifications, and full or partial construction documents for projects of moderate complexity
• Coordinate with Forest Service staff, recovery partners, and contractors to review designs, implementation, and project schedules.
• Support project planning, surveying, scoping, permitting, contract preparation, and review of partner invoices and accomplishments

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in hydrology, watershed science, a relevant discipline, or an education level equivalent to a master's degree in a relevant discipline.
• At least 5 years of technical work experience in forest hydrology and watershed management.
• At least 3 years of experience assessing, planning, and designing watershed improvement projects, preparing cost estimates, and writing special project specifications to meet defined objectives.
• Thorough understanding of field hydrology, stream rehabilitation design criteria, and methods for improving stream and riparian function.
• Thorough understanding of construction methods, materials, equipment, water quality protection practices, and quality assurance methods.
• Ability to interpret plans and specifications, identify construction deficiencies, and prepare clear technical documentation and progress reports.
• Proficiency with GIS data and Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe; ability to use a camera, computer, and appropriate software to complete assigned work.
•  Valid driver's license and availability for frequent travel to project sites and coordination meetings.

Preferred Experience

• Disaster recovery and stream, floodplain, or watershed restoration projects on forested lands, particularly in the southern Appalachian region.
• Forest Service or other public agency projects involving partner coordination, construction inspection, accomplishment reporting, and financial monitoring.
• Environmental permitting and compliance support for restoration projects, including Clean Water Act Sections 404 and 401 requirements.