The Research Associate Program at GBI, in cooperation with the National Park Service at Golden Gate National Recreation Area, is recruiting one (1) Physical Scientist/Hydrologist to participate in supporting complex hydrologic monitoring, analysis, and restoration work across creek, wetland, and watershed
systems. The position leads field investigations, manages high-volume environmental datasets, applies advanced analytical techniques, and develops technical documentation that informs resource management decisions. This position requires strong scientific judgment, field competence, and the ability to coordinate effectively within interdisciplinary teams.
Primary Responsibilities:
Hydrologic and Topographic Field Investigations & Monitoring
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Lead hydrologic and geomorphic field investigations supporting stream and wetland restoration planning and assessment.
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Plan, coordinate, and conduct ground and surface water monitoring activities at creek and wetland sites, often in challenging environmental conditions.
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Install, adjust, and maintain hydrologic monitoring stations, instruments, and sampling infrastructure to ensure accurate long‑term data collection.
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Collect and post‑process streamflow data to quantify discharge, water surface elevation, velocity, and rating‑curve development.
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Conduct field topographic surveys using standard surveying gear and methodologies.
Technical Equipment Operation & Maintenance
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Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot advanced hydrologic and water‑quality monitoring equipment, sensors, data loggers, and telemetry systems.
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Use and maintain a variety of survey gear including optical levels, GNSS, total station, 3D scanners to establish or verify station datums and to collect field data to evaluate geomorphic change.
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Develop and refine monitoring methods to address dynamic field conditions and evolving data needs.
Data Management, Analysis & Quality Assurance
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Manage, validate, manipulate, and analyze large, complex hydrologic and environmental datasets using specialized analytical software and databases.
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Conduct QA/QC reviews of groundwater, surface water, precipitation, and water‑quality records to ensure scientific rigor and data integrity.
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Maintain thorough, detailed field and laboratory documentation that supports transparent, reproducible scientific methods.
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Create maps, graphs, visualizations, and other imagery for scientific reports and presentations.
Scientific Research & Reporting
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Follow standard protocols for hydrologic and water‑quality data collection, applying best practices in documentation and quality assurance.
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Analyze hydrologic and related physical data for inconsistencies, gaps, or anomalous conditions and develop corrective approaches.
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Contribute to updates of standard operating procedures based on field observations and lessons learned.
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Prepare and assist in writing technical reports describing sampling methods, analyses, and scientific findings for park managers, partners, and stakeholders.
Program Coordination, Communication & Collaboration
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Respond to information requests related to hydrologic and water‑quality programs, providing accurate technical insight.
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Communicate complex water‑resource concepts to technical and non‑technical audiences verbally and in writing.
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Collaborate with multi‑park networks, field staff, interdisciplinary teams, volunteers, and interns to support integrated resource management.
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Participate in meetings to convey program results, logistical considerations, safety protocols, and data needs.
Planning, Logistics & Resource Management
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Plan and prioritize complex field monitoring schedules considering tidal conditions, flows, seasonal constraints, and safety considerations.
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Evaluate monitoring progress, recommending adjustments to meet program goals.
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Track equipment inventories, research and recommend instrumentation purchases, and oversee related budget needs.
Timeline:
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Start: Early October, 45 project wks.
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Full time (40 hours/week).
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Schedule: 4/10 schedule, flexible hours.
Location:
Golden Gate National Recreation Area is located throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, with the primary duty station in San Francisco, CA. The park is situated within a major metropolitan region and is easily accessible by public transportation and personal vehicle. A wide variety of grocery stores, restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other amenities are located nearby. Housing in the San Francisco Bay Area can be competitive and expensive, so applicants are encouraged to begin researching accommodations well in advance. Golden Gate National Recreation Area encompasses over 80,000 acres of diverse landscapes, including coastal beaches, redwood forests, wetlands, historic military sites, and iconic landmarks such as the Golden Gate Bridge. The area offers abundant opportunities for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, paddling, and exploring the vibrant cultural attractions of San Francisco and surrounding communities.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation: $37.00 hourly.
Benefits:
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Company-paid comprehensive medical, dental (with option to upgrade in coverage), and vision insurance premiums;
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$25,000 Basic Life & AD&D insurance at no cost;
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Sick Leave and holidays; and
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Access to Pro Deals.
Required:
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At least one year of experience conducting hydrologic or physical science monitoring and data collection in field settings.
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Operating and maintaining instruments such as groundwater loggers, stream gauges, water‑quality sondes, and associated telemetry systems.
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Analyzing hydrologic, hydrometric, and water‑quality datasets.
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Preparing scientific reports, maps, graphs, and other technical communication materials.
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Applying hydrologic principles to evaluate impacts of restoration activities or land‑use changes on aquatic resources.
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A successful candidate will have experience using GIS and GNSS software and technology to collect spatial data and create and maintain geospatial databases; applicants should have experience with geodatabase design and an understanding of geographic coordinate systems, projections and transformations.
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Must provide a valid driver’s license and possess a clean driving record.
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Successful applicants must complete a Department of Interior (DOI) Background Investigation (BI) or submit paperwork to the National Park Service human resources indicating an active and fully adjudicated BI has already been completed prior to beginning position. If you already have a fully adjudicated BI, please let us know in your application.
Preferred:
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Experience and competence using land survey equipment (e.g, RTK GNSS, total station, 3D scanners) to establish or verify station datums and evaluate geomorphic change.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands 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 employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, use hands, stand, walk, bend, and have specific vision abilities to include close and distance vision, and ability to adjust focus working with computer business equipment and other job/industry specific equipment. Fieldwork often requires hiking over uneven terrain, working in wet or adverse weather, or navigating steep slopes and stream environments. Duties routinely involve lifting and transporting equipment, tools, and monitoring instruments weighing up to 30 lbs. Work may occasionally include early morning, evening, or tidal‑dependent field schedules.
The overall nature of the (Indoors/Office) position is sedentary, requiring little physical effort and occasional light exertion. There is occasional exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, and temperature changes. This position requires extensive computer use for analysis, database management, and report writing.
How to Apply:
Please apply online through this application link by submitting an up-to-date resume, one-page cover letter that details your interest in the position, and any qualifications not fully described in your resume, contact information for three professional and/or academic references. Be sure to complete any preliminary questions prompted in the application and sign your application.
Notes:
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the organization's ongoing needs.
All offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment background check.
Disclaimer:
Although the organization has attempted to accurately and thoroughly describe this position, GBI reserves the right to change the same, including to change, add to or subtract from the duties outlined, within the sole discretion of the organization, at any time, with or without advance notice
