Seasonal Hydrology Field Technician

University of Wyoming – Ecosystem Science & Management
Laramie, WY (travel to field sites across southern Wyoming)

Job Type: Seasonal / Part-time

Pay: $20.00 – $30.00 per hour (depending on experience)

Expected Hours: 30–50 hours per week, 30-hour weekly minimum guaranteed, field-based work with variable hours during peak monitoring periods

Seasonal Dates

• Flexible start date March 21-May 15
• Flexible end date August 15-November 9
• summer-only applicants will be considered.

Job Description

The University of Wyoming is seeking a motivated Seasonal Hydrology Field Technician to support hydrologic and irrigation monitoring projects across southern Wyoming.

This position involves extensive fieldwork in remote environments collecting data on streamflow, irrigation systems, and agricultural water balances. The technician will work closely with research staff and students to collect, manage, and maintain high-quality environmental and hydrologic datasets.

This role provides hands-on experience with hydrologic instrumentation, streamflow measurement, and irrigation systems, making it ideal for students or early-career professionals interested in hydrology, water resources, environmental science, or agricultural water management.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Install, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot hydrologic monitoring equipment including pressure transducers, data loggers, telemetry systems, and solar power supplies
• Conduct streamflow measurements using:
  • Tethered Acoustic Doppler Current Profilers (ADCPs)
  • MFPro and wading-based discharge measurements
• Inspect and maintain gauging stations in irrigation canals and natural streams
• Collect soil, vegetation, and field condition data for water balance studies
• Perform routine data downloads and QA/QC of monitoring datasets
• Assist with development and updating of rating curves and flow relationships
• Maintain field notes, equipment logs, and site documentation
• Assist with calibration, repair, and seasonal deployment of monitoring systems
• Support data processing and preparation of datasets for analysis and reporting
• Assist with preparation of figures and materials for technical reports
• Operate university vehicles to access remote field sites
• Follow safety protocols for fieldwork in aquatic and agricultural environments
• Perform other duties supporting hydrology and irrigation research projects

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree completed or in progress (freshmen accepted) in:
  • Hydrology
  • Environmental Science
  • Engineering
  • Natural Resources
  • Geology
  • or a related field
    (Equivalent field experience may substitute)
• Ability to work independently in remote outdoor environments
• Willingness to work long days in variable weather conditions
• Strong organizational and documentation skills
• Valid driver’s license (minimum 1 year driving experience) with clean record
• Ability to lift and carry equipment (approximately 50 lbs)
• Ability to safely work in and around moving water (swimming ability preferred)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with streamflow measurement or hydrologic instrumentation
• Familiarity with ADCPs, MFPro, pressure transducers, or data loggers
• Experience operating ATVs or trailers
• Experience working in agricultural or irrigation systems
• Basic data analysis skills (Excel, R, Python, or similar)
• Prior field research or technician experience

Work Environment

• Extensive outdoor work in rivers, streams, and irrigated landscapes
• Travel throughout southern Wyoming
• Exposure to hot, cold, wet, and windy conditions
• Overnight field trips most weeks

Benefits

• Lodging provided during field travel
• Per diem provided during overnight travel (federal rate $68/day; 75% first and last travel day)
• Travel reimbursement according to University of Wyoming policies
• Hands-on training in applied hydrology and water management