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Job Specification - Hydro Consultant (Water Resources & Hydropower)

💰 $90,000 - $175,000

EngineeringConsultingEnvironmental ScienceWater ResourcesEnergy

🎯 Role Definition

As a Hydro Consultant, you are the technical backbone of critical water resource and energy projects. This isn't just about running models; it's about providing the expert judgment and strategic insight that shapes the design, feasibility, and safety of hydropower dams, flood control systems, and water management infrastructure. You'll serve as a key advisor to clients, translating complex hydrological data and hydraulic analysis into clear, actionable recommendations. Your work directly influences project viability, environmental sustainability, and community safety, making this a role with tangible impact. We look for individuals who are not only masters of their technical craft but also skilled communicators and problem-solvers, capable of navigating the complexities of large-scale engineering projects from conception to completion.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Water Resources Engineer
  • Hydrologist / Hydrogeologist
  • Civil Engineer (with a focus on hydraulics or water resources)

Advancement To:

  • Senior or Principal Hydro Consultant
  • Project Manager (Hydropower / Water Infrastructure)
  • Practice Lead / Technical Director (Water Resources)

Lateral Moves:

  • Environmental Consultant (Water Quality/Impact)
  • Policy Advisor (Water & Energy)
  • Dam Safety Engineer

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Develop, calibrate, and execute one- and two-dimensional hydraulic models using industry-standard software (like HEC-RAS, TUFLOW, or MIKE) to simulate river systems, assess flood inundation, and evaluate the performance of hydraulic structures.
  • Conduct comprehensive hydrological assessments, including rainfall-runoff modeling, flood frequency analysis, and probable maximum flood (PMF) studies for dam safety and infrastructure design.
  • Perform detailed water balance and reservoir operation modeling to optimize water supply, energy generation, and environmental flow releases for hydropower and multi-purpose reservoir projects.
  • Prepare and lead the development of technical reports, feasibility studies, design documents, and environmental impact statements, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and compliance with regulatory standards.
  • Analyze and interpret complex meteorological, hydrological, and geospatial data to characterize watershed conditions and inform engineering design parameters.
  • Serve as a primary technical point of contact for clients, regulators, and project stakeholders, effectively communicating complex technical concepts and project findings during meetings and presentations.
  • Conduct dam break analyses and prepare inundation mapping to support the development of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and inform public safety measures.
  • Evaluate the hydraulic performance and energy production potential of proposed and existing hydropower facilities, including turbine selection and operational strategy assessment.
  • Assess the potential impacts of climate change on water availability, flood magnitudes, and overall project performance, incorporating non-stationarity into long-term analyses.
  • Provide expert technical review and quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) for hydraulic and hydrologic analyses and reports prepared by other team members.
  • Manage specific tasks and project budgets, ensuring technical work is completed on schedule and within allocated resources while maintaining high-quality standards.
  • Plan and occasionally oversee field investigation programs, including the collection of hydrometric data, topographic surveys, and site reconnaissance for model validation and design input.
  • Evaluate and design hydraulic structures such as spillways, intake/outlet works, canals, and culverts to ensure safe and efficient operation under a range of flow conditions.
  • Support business development efforts by contributing technical expertise to proposals, preparing scope of work descriptions, and estimating man-hours for new project opportunities.
  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and hydrologists, fostering their professional development and contributing to the team's overall technical capability.
  • Stay abreast of emerging technologies, modeling techniques, and regulatory changes within the water resources and hydropower industries to ensure the application of best practices.
  • Develop and apply statistical methods for analyzing hydrologic data, including flow duration curves, frequency analysis, and trend analysis.
  • Perform sediment transport modeling and analysis to assess reservoir sedimentation, channel morphology changes, and the long-term sustainability of water infrastructure.
  • Prepare and deliver expert testimony or technical support for regulatory hearings, permitting processes, and public consultations.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, environmental scientists, and project managers, to deliver integrated project solutions.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and perform exploratory data analysis to answer specific client or project management questions.
  • Contribute to the continuous improvement of the organization's technical standards, methodologies, and internal knowledge-sharing initiatives.
  • Author or co-author technical papers and present at industry conferences to enhance personal and company-wide professional visibility.
  • Participate in industry committees and working groups to help shape future standards and practices in hydrology and dam safety.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Hydraulic Modeling: Advanced proficiency in 1D/2D hydraulic modeling software, particularly HEC-RAS, with experience in TUFLOW, MIKE suite, or similar being a strong asset.
  • Hydrologic Modeling: Expertise in using hydrological models such as HEC-HMS, SWMM, or equivalent for rainfall-runoff analysis and watershed simulation.
  • GIS & Data Management: Strong skills in using GIS platforms (ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis, data processing, and results visualization.
  • Programming/Scripting: Proficiency in scripting languages like Python or R for automating data analysis, model post-processing, and statistical computations.
  • Statistical Hydrology: In-depth understanding of frequency analysis, risk and uncertainty analysis, and stochastic hydrology.
  • Dam Safety & Regulations: Familiarity with national and international dam safety guidelines and regulatory frameworks (e.g., FERC, USACE, CDA).
  • Water Resource Systems Modeling: Experience with reservoir simulation and system optimization tools like HEC-ResSim, RiverWare, or similar platforms.
  • Technical Writing: Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise, and defensible technical reports, memos, and proposals.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A systematic and logical approach to deconstructing complex problems and developing robust, evidence-based solutions.
  • Client Communication & Management: The ability to build trust with clients, understand their needs, and clearly articulate technical results and their implications.
  • Project & Task Management: Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
  • Collaboration & Teamwork: A proven ability to work effectively within diverse, multidisciplinary teams, contributing positively to a collaborative environment.
  • Critical Thinking: The capacity to independently evaluate assumptions, identify risks, and exercise sound engineering judgment.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline.

Preferred Education:

  • Master of Science (M.S.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) with a specialization in water resources engineering, hydraulics, or hydrology.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Environmental Engineering
  • Water Resources Engineering
  • Hydrology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 5 to 15 years of progressive experience in hydraulic/hydrologic analysis and water resources consulting.

Preferred:

  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or eligibility to obtain one is highly desirable.
  • Direct experience working on FERC-regulated hydropower projects or large-scale water infrastructure in a consulting environment is a significant advantage.
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