| Location | Carson City, NV |
| Salary | $87,570.72–$131,711.04 Per Year |
SENIOR HYDROGEOLOGIST - NON-CLASSIFIED
Salary
$87,570.72 - $131,711.04 Annually
Location
Carson City
Job Type
Non-classified Full-Time
Job Number
2026-03607
Department
DCNR - DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES
Opening Date
09/11/2026
Closing Date
Continuous
FLSA
Exempt
Bargaining Unit
N/A
Salary Grade
Not Assigned
Full Physical Address of Position (City, State, Zip)
Carson City, NV
Job Summary
The Senior Hydrogeologist Modeler plays a key role in supporting Nevada's water resource management by delivering expert hydrologic analysis and developing groundwater models that guide critical decisions made by the State Engineer. This position leads technical evaluations of water right applications, reviews aquifer storage projects, and conducts field investigations across Nevada's hydrographic basins. Ideal candidates bring strong analytical skills, groundwater modeling experience, and the ability to communicate complex scientific information clearly to Division staff, stakeholders, and the public.
Essential Qualifications
Applicants must demonstrate knowledge and skills in conducting hydrologic analyses to support water rights administration and water resource management, including proficiency in developing and calibrating groundwater flow models.
Strong communication skills are required to effectively collaborate with staff and management and to occasionally present information to the public and stakeholders on water resource-related topics. Applicants must be well-organized, self-motivated, and possess strong computer and quantitative skills.
Education and experience requirements include:
Job Duties
The Senior Hydrogeologist Modeler is responsible for conducting hydrologic analyses related to water right applications; reviewing and evaluating annual aquifer storage and recovery reports and accounting; reviewing monitoring plans; developing and evaluating groundwater models; and collaborating with staff and management on technical analyses related to the conjunctive management of surface water and groundwater.
Additional responsibilities include conducting and coordinating water resource investigations and performing other duties as assigned. Fieldwork may include water level measurements, site visits, and inspections of projects with monitoring plans, as well as other activities supporting ongoing and future hydrologic investigations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Preferred qualifications include experience with groundwater modeling using tools such as MODFLOW (via GMS, Groundwater Vistas, ModelMuse, PyFlow, or similar software) and model calibration (e.g., PEST or UCODE).
Applicants with experience conducting critical reviews of groundwater models, monitoring plans, and monitoring results are highly desirable. Additional preferred experience includes the design, analysis, and interpretation of aquifer tests, as well as knowledge of methods used to measure and estimate groundwater flow and watershed-scale water budgets.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint), ArcGIS Pro, and programming languages (such as Python, R, or Fortran) is also desirable.
The successful applicant will demonstrate strong written and verbal communication skills. A skills test or examination may be required as part of the selection process.
The State of Nevada is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to building diverse, inclusive, and innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, national origin, religion or belief, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, domestic partnership, genetic information (GINA), or compensation and/or wages.
Please send direct Inquiries or correspondence to the recruiter listed on this announcement.
Benefits include:
Health Insurance: Medical, dental, life, and disability insurance programs for employees and their dependents/family are offered through the Public Employees' Benefits Program (PEBP).
Vacation: Accrual of three weeks of annual leave each year.
Sick Leave: Accrual of three weeks of sick leave each year.
Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year.
Retirement: Participation in the Nevada Public Employees Retirement System (PERS). Employees do not contribute to Social Security but will contribute to PERS if their position is at 50% or more full-time equivalency. For more information on how PERS service may impact Social Security benefits, visit the SSA publication.
Deferred Compensation: The State offers a voluntary Deferred Compensation Program.
No Nevada state income tax.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness: Eligible due to public sector employment.
Longevity Payments Eligibility: Employees who have received a performance rating of "standard" or better and have completed eight (8) or more years of continuous service are eligible for longevity pay.
Additional benefits may apply to employees covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), depending on their designated bargaining unit. For more information, visit the Labor Relations Unit (LRU).
For more details about your rights and responsibilities as a State of Nevada employee, please review the State of Nevada Employee Handbook (PDF).
The following are legal holidays:
January 1.............................................. New Years Day
Third Monday in January.................. Martin Luther King, Jr.s Birthday
Third Monday in February................ Washington's Birthday
Last Monday in May........................... Memorial Day
June 19................................................ Juneteenth Day
July 4.................................................... Independence Day
First Monday in September.............. Labor Day
Last Friday in October....................... Nevada Day
November 11........................................ Veterans Day
Fourth Thursday in November........ Thanksgiving Day
Friday following the Fourth Thursday in November...................... Family Day
December 25........................................ Christmas Day
When January 1, June 19, July 4, November 11, or December 25 falls on a Saturday, the preceding Friday is the observed legal holiday. If these days fall on Sunday, the following Monday is the observed holiday. Eligibility for holiday pay is covered by the provisions of NAC 284.255
Employer State of Nevada (NV)
Address See Above for Agency Information
See Above for Posting Location, Nevada, 89701
Website https://nvjobs.nv.gov