Seasonal Hydrologic Technician

Summary

These positions are temporary and may not exceed 1039 hours (six months) in a service year. Selectee(s) may be moved between duty stations within the Southwest Alaska Network's boundaries. Positions and grade levels may not be filled at every duty station.

Please select ALL duty stations you are interested in working at during the application process. If you are interested in working at all duty locations, also select "location negotiable after selection" when you apply. You will only be considered for the duty location(s) that you select when you apply. The typical season for these positions is April through October, but varies during these months due to weather conditions, project needs, and funding.

Anticipated Entry on Duty:
April, 2026.

The National Park Service (NPS) serves as a steward for the preservation of America's national parks and their resources. In 1998, the NPS initiated a natural resource Inventory and Monitoring Program. The purpose of the program was to develop a baseline inventory of significant natural resources in national parks and to monitor these natural resources over time. The program now includes more than 270 national parks organized into 32 networks.

The Southwest Alaska Network (SWAN) consists of five Alaskan parks (Aniakchak National Monument and Preserve, Alagnak National Wild River, Katmai National Park and Preserve, Kenai Fjords National Park, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve). The SWAN is hiring 1-2 positions for our seasonal crew, which is responsible for implementing a freshwater monitoring protocol in the field. The protocol covers a range of water quality and water quantity parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, turbidity, stage, discharge) measured in lakes and streams using various types of equipment (e.g., sondes, temperature loggers, pressure transducers, ADCPs).

The crew will also implement SWAN air quality and freshwater contaminants protocols. Previous motorized boat handling experience is a plus. For more information regarding SWAN monitoring, please see https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Collecting various types of hydrologic data in the field using standard methods, practices, and procedures;
• Calibrating and programing electronic water quality/quantity data recording devices;
• Using standard computer software to store, retrieve, organize and, summarize data;
• Using a specialized database to store data;
• Undertaking quality control procedures to identify data issues; and
• Working with diverse individuals under a variety of conditions, including remote wilderness settings.

• Troubleshooting electronic water quality/quantity data recording devices;
• Using a specialized database to correct and grade data; and
• Producing preliminary reports and informal presentations summarizing routine phases of water quality investigations.

• Conducting basic statistical and spatial analyses;
• Producing technical and non-technical written reports and oral presentations summarizing routine phases of water quality investigations; and
• Motivating, guiding, and training others in order to accomplish goals.

• Accomplishing duties with minimal supervision; and
• Finalizing quality control evaluations via certifying hydrologic data in a database.

The work is partially sedentary with prolonged standing, walking, and bending often required. Heavy items (e.g., equipment up to 50 pounds) must be lifted or moved on a routine basis.

Work is performed in both an office setting, which is typically well lighted and ventilated, and in the field, where the incumbent may encounter adverse weather conditions, steep or uneven terrain, and other nuisances. Government housing is available. Please visit find a park for additional park information.

Conditions of employment

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Appointment subject to background investigation and favorable adjudication.
• Meet Selective Service Registration Act requirement for males.
• Selectee will be required to participate in the Direct Deposit Electronics Funds Transfer Program.
• You will be required to submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test result prior to appointment based on the collateral duties of motorboat operation and carrying a firearm in the back-country or other locations for non-law enforcement reasons such as protection from animals. In addition, this position is subject to random testing for illegal drug use.
• You will be required to operate a government (or private) motor vehicle as part of your official duties; a valid driver's license is required. You will be required to submit a Motor Vehicle Operator's License and Driving Record. You must also submit (within a State sealed envelope or submitted directly by the State authorities), and at your own expense, all certified driving records from all States that disclose all valid driver's licenses, whether current or past, possessed by you.
  
  Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
• You may be required to complete training and operate a…