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Environmental Science Associates

Field Hydrologist

Environmental Science Associates, San Jose, California, United States, 95199

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Environmental Science Associates (ESA)

is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. Established 50 years ago, we operate 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeast.

ESA is seeking a highly motivated

Field Hydrologist

to join our team in the Northern California region. Candidates must have 5+ years of professional experience, a passion for ecosystem restoration, and the desire to learn and grow. This is an exempt, full‑time, salaried role with flexible hybrid expectations. Qualified candidates must be able to work hybrid from one of our Northern California ESA office locations as needed. Preference is given to those within commuting distance of our Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco, or Petaluma offices. Some travel for site visits and collaborations is required. Work samples may be requested during the interview process.

Who You Are

Professional experience with topo‑bathymetric surveys (Hypack) or continuous monitoring networks

Experience with ArcGIS and QA/QC of scientific datasets

5+ years of scientific data collection and quality control, including topographic and/or bathymetric surveying, UAV, sidescan sonar, ADCP, stream gauging, sediment studies, water quality monitoring and sampling, or related skills, with project management experience

Extensive experience with continuous hydrodynamic and water quality data collection and telemetered data delivery systems

Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Land Surveying, Water Quality, or a related field

Effective team member with excellent oral and written communication skills, able to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment

Ability to communicate technical information clearly and concisely to individuals and groups

Comfortable working in and around water, using tools and on boats

Proficiency in MATLAB or Python preferred; experience in R also considered

Preference for candidates with certifications: Certified/Trained Boat Operator, Sidescan Sonar skills, FAA Certified Drone Pilot with LiDAR data collection experience, Estuarine Water Quality Analysis, Certified Hydrographer or Professional land surveyor

Physical stamina for fieldwork, including walking long distances, carrying a backpack, lifting at least 50 pounds, and working in varied weather and terrain. Early morning, late night, weekend, or long hours may be required

What You Will Do For ESA

Plan, schedule, and execute field data collection, quality control, and analysis for ecosystem restoration, flood management, fish passage, and other water resources and environmental engineering projects

Deploy and maintain instrumentation, conduct topographic and bathymetric surveys, geomorphic, discharge, sediment transport, and wave studies, and oversee construction and post‑construction monitoring activities

Apply Python, MATLAB, ArcGIS, AutoCAD, HYPACK, Aquarius, and other tools to process data, develop basemaps, evaluate discharge, tide, and water quality conditions, monitor channel and vegetation development, calculate sedimentation rates, and perform related tasks

Write technical reports describing data collection methods and results, and develop and enforce data collection and quality control procedures

Work at desk and outdoors (30-40% outdoors annually) on coasts, estuaries, rivers, and boats; manage projects independently and supervise others

Exhibit strong data collection, analysis, and writing skills while balancing multiple responsibilities in a fast‑paced, challenging environment

Perform additional ad‑hoc tasks as needed

What’s Special About Our Team Our Environmental Hydrology and Design team includes engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists, and landscape architects. Many projects focus on restoring habitat and ecosystem function within multi‑benefit initiatives. Our integrated team values creative thinking, collaboration, and cross‑disciplinary engagement.

Exciting Projects

https://esassoc.com/services/restoration/

https://esassoc.com/services/restoration/wetland-restoration/

https://esassoc.com/services/climate-change-resilience/sea-level-rise-coastal-hazards/

https://esassoc.com/services/flood-and-stormwater-management/coastal-zone-engineering-management/

CA Pay Transparency Clause

83,473—118,059 USD

Who We Are

We are a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm that values diversity and inclusion and celebrates the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect, recognizing that varied backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives lead to better solutions, fostering continued success for our employee‑owners and clients.

In accordance with ESA’s duty and responsibility to provide and maintain a safe workplace, all employees who work from an ESA office or conduct in‑person ESA work must submit proof of vaccination status or have an approved exemption and accommodation where applicable.

For applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for the application process due to disability, please contact our Human Resources Department at humanresources@esassoc.com.

When reaching out, please include:

Full name

Best method to contact you (phone number and/or email address)

Title of Job Position Applied

Description of your accommodation request

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOE M/V/F/D)

Location: San Jose, CA

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