SENIOR HYDROGEOLOGIST

POSITION:              Senior Hydrogeologist

CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt

REPORTS TO:         Practice Director

LOCATION:            Santa Barbara or Morro Bay

SALARY RANGE:   $107,000.00 – $162,000.00 per year (exclusive of bonuses and other rewards) While we anticipate the selected candidate for this position will fall towards the middle or entry point of the compensation range, the decision will be made on a case-by-case basis.

GSI Water Solutions, Inc. (GSI), is an employee-owned hydrogeologic and environmental consulting firm with California offices in Santa Barbara and Morro Bay. As hydrogeologists, engineers, environmental scientists, and water experts, we focus on helping our clients protect our shared natural resources. We help develop and manage groundwater resources and ensure the long-term sustainability and reliability of this invaluable resource. As an example, we have long been a champion of using aquifer storage and recovery technologies to save water for drought conditions and provide environmental benefits to fish and streams which may be impacted by development and climate change.

We are seeking a senior project manager with experience in California water supply issues to help manage a thriving and growing base of groundwater projects. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate, high-performing team of professionals making a positive impact in the water industry.

Our Senior Hydrogeologists lead the charge in designing cutting-edge solutions for high-capacity wells and innovative aquifer storage systems. Collaborating seamlessly with diverse experts, this role tackles complex groundwater challenges head-on, ensuring that projects are not just completed, but set new benchmarks for excellence. This level is proficient in all project management responsibilities and manages the largest and most sensitive of projects. The role of Supervising Hydrogeologists isn't just about managing projects—it's about nurturing talent, forging lasting client partnerships, and driving forward-thinking initiatives that shape our future.

IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL:

• Manage projects focused on implementing long-term sustainability measures and management actions for groundwater resources.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of various groundwater policies, projects, and management actions.
• Develop and implement monitoring well networks and associated monitoring and reporting.
• Design and construct high-capacity municipal production wells.
• Prepare, review, and update technical specifications and assist clients in monitoring well drilling and production well drilling programs.
• Design and construct injection wells and aquifer storage and recovery wells as part of client’s groundwater management strategies.
• Work with GSI’s expert groundwater modeling team to develop modeling scenarios designed to assist with clients’ groundwater resources management decisions.
• Collaborate with environmental scientists, planners, hazardous waste technicians, engineers, experts in law or business, or other specialists to address groundwater issues and problems.
• Generate comprehensive technical reports and proposals.
• Provide review and oversight of project work and reports prepared by junior and mid-level environmental staff.
• Develop project budgets and scopes.
• Manage budget, oversee performance, manage invoicing and collections, and control schedule on multiple projects simultaneously.
• Facilitate contract review process.
• Develop and maintain client relationships.
• Identify new clients.
• Mentor junior and mid-career staff to develop skills in fieldwork, data interpretation and project management.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work performed is conducted primarily in a professional office environment and requires the use of standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers. 

While performing the duties of the job, you will frequently be required to sit, talk, and hear. Visual acuity sufficient to view documents and computer screens, with or without correction, is required. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb short distances, balance and stoop, kneel and crouch.

Frequent fieldwork at a variety of outdoor sites regardless of the weather, location or terrain may be required. Fieldwork activities may involve lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and walking over uneven terrain.

Fieldwork activities may involve lifting and carrying equipment weighing up to 50 pounds, bending, stooping, and walking over uneven terrain.

Travel to project sites, client meetings, and regulatory agencies as needed. Travel frequency will  vary depending on project locations and requirements but, in general, will comprise approximately 30-50% of work time. Project areas are generally local, or within an approximately a two-hour drive.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS: 

• Professional geologist or certified hydrogeologist license within the state that work will be performed.
• Current and valid driver's license and clean driving record.  

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain the required knowledge and abilities include: 

• Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in hydrogeology or geology plus a minimum of 12 years of professional experience;
• or a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in hydrogeology or geology plus a minimum of 15 years of professional experience.
• Ten years managing projects and supervising staff.
• Client marketing experience.
• Experience managing and mentoring staff.

VALUED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in groundwater supply, environmental groundwater characterization, and/or water resource management projects.
• Thorough knowledge of groundwater flow and well hydraulics.

SUCCESS FACTORS:   

• An understanding of the technical complexities of groundwater management issues in California.
• Proficient in all phases of business development activities. 
• Excellent technical skills with the ability to organize and manage work efforts of various types.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and report-writing skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• A self-starter with an entrepreneurial character.
• Emotional intelligence and humility.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills.
• Appreciation for diversity.
• Service and action-oriented.

BENEFITS

• Employee-Owned company through Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
• Potential for annual bonus based on company performance.
• A minimum of 5 weeks of paid time off (pro-rated the first year to reflect start date.)
• 401k with employer match.
• Highly competitive medical, dental, vision insurance plans for employees and their families with alternative care coverage included in medical plans.
• Employer paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance.
• Access to medical and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
• Cell phone stipend to assist with the cost of using a personal cell phone for business purposes.
• Reimbursement for professional registrations and renewals.
• Paid time off for certification and licensing exams.
• Paid attendance at professional conferences in support of career development.

We participate in E-Verify and support immigrant and employee rights. Please see the following links for more details.

  https://e-verify.uscis.gov/web/media/resourcesContents/E-Verify_Participation_Poster_ES.pdf