Groundwater Modeler Hydrogeologist
$100,000–$100,000 year
On-siteButte, Montana, United States
Job Summary
Develop and apply groundwater models for water resources evaluation using MODFLOW, scripting, and GIS software. Collect and interpret geologic and hydrogeologic data while aiding in project design and writing technical reports. Conduct parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis to calibrate conceptual models, utilizing modern numerical flow modeling techniques. This role supports the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology's Ground Water Investigation Program, focusing on local- to regional-scale hydrogeologic systems and groundwater-surface water interactions. The position is non-tenurable and non-teaching within the university's Department of Mining, Geological, and Environmental Engineering.
Required Qualifications
- Master's Degree and 3 years relevant experience or Doctoral Degree, in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field
- Master's Degree and 8 years relevant experience in geology, hydrology, hydrogeology, or closely related field or Doctoral Degree and 5 years' experience
- Course work in geology, hydrogeology, and numerical groundwater flow modeling
- Applicable hydrogeologic/geologic field experience
- Demonstrated experience developing conceptual groundwater models, including water-budget estimates
- Demonstrated experience implementing conceptual models as numerical models using modern versions of MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW-NWT, MODFLOW-USG, or MODFLOW 6) and associated pre- and post-processing software
- Strong technical writing and communications skills demonstrated through a record of reports and presentations
- Proficiency with common word-processing and spreadsheet software (e.g., Microsoft Office)
- A valid Montana driver's license (or ability to acquire one)
- Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application
- Employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment
- Proof of authorization to work in the United States before final hiring
Desired Qualifications
- Groundwater project experience from design and data collection through interpretation and publication
- GIS skills, including project creation, geospatial data analysis, and interpretation
- Experience with developing code for efficient pre- and post-processing of model inputs and outputs, particularly using Python, R, or similar languages
- Familiarity with Fortran
- Experience with techniques for model calibration through parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis of model predictions, such as through PEST
- Experience using MODFLOW models with unstructured grids
- Familiarity with traditional aquifer test analysis methods and simulation of aquifer tests in numerical models
- Familiarity with variably saturated groundwater flow modeling (e.g., HYDRUS) or coupled groundwater-surface water flow (e.g., GSFLOW)
- Familiarity with surface water (e.g., RiverWare), watershed (e.g., PRMS or HSPF), hydraulic (HEC-RAS), and geochemical (e.g., PHREEQC, Geochemist's Workbench, or MINTEQ) modeling
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