Hydrologist, Aquatic Ecologist, NCASI

Position Overview

Application Deadline: June 17, 2026

Salary: $22.50 to $28.27 per hour

Education Required: Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, aquatic ecology, biological sciences, or related field

Experience Required: At least 2 years (or thesis-based M.S.)

Description

NCASI is hiring a Hydrologist, Aquatic Ecologist in Corvallis, Oregon, at $22.50 to $28.27 per hour, with applications due June 17, 2026.

The National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI) is a non-profit research organization that provides scientific information and analysis on environmental issues important to the forest products industry. The Western Watersheds program runs long-running studies on managed forests in the Pacific Northwest.

The Hydrologist, Aquatic Ecologist reports to the Program Manager for Western Watersheds and serves as project manager for an inverse buffer study examining the effects of riparian trees on summer low flow across private forest lands in Washington and Oregon. The role pairs office-based data management with hands-on field leadership of a seasonal crew.

Responsibilities

• Manage the inverse buffer study examining effects of riparian trees on summer low flow.
• Oversee data management, quality assurance and quality control, archiving, and preliminary analyses of stream and riparian data.
• Lead a seasonal field crew of 1 to 3 members, coordinating schedules and maintaining safe field practices.
• Train the crew on installation of temporary v-notch weirs, temperature loggers, level loggers, and hydrologic field sampling techniques to quantify discharge and establish rating curves.
• Conduct frequent field trips to Washington study sites from May to October, with potential travel to Oregon sites.
• Perform statistical analyses in R and support site selection using GIS.
• Compile and manage project data in a project database.
• Gather data using specific protocols and enter data using tablets and Excel.
• Camp overnight near remote study sites for multi-day field stints.
• Assist supervisor in responding to technical queries from NCASI clients in a timely manner.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in hydrology, aquatic ecology, biological sciences, or related environmental field, plus 2 or more years of experience, OR a thesis-based Master of Science.
• Knowledge of hydrologic or aquatic field sampling techniques.
• Driving record approvable by Federal Agencies for government vehicle use, insurable at standard rates.
• Basic data entry experience with Microsoft Excel.
• Physical ability to hike in rough terrain carrying 30+ pounds for 2 or more miles.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule at remote locations across multi-day trips.
• Ability to pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test (this is a safety-sensitive position exempt from Washington RCW 49.44.240).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in biological science, fisheries, aquatic ecology, or related field.
• Experience with project management, data collection, and data management across the essential functions.
• Experience safely leading field crews on aquatic sampling efforts.
• Experience with GIS and statistical software (R).

Additional Notes

• Duty station: Corvallis, Oregon, with field work in Washington and Oregon.
• Term: through March 31, 2027, with possible extensions up to a total of four years dependent on performance and funding.
• Salary band: $25.96 to $28.27 per hour for M.S. holders, $22.50 to $25.96 per hour for B.S. holders.
• Position is eligible for benefits.
• NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter explaining your experience with or approach to the essential functions, a resume, and three references with phone numbers and email addresses to Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org. Use “Hydrologist/Aquatic Ecologist” in the subject line. Applicant review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled.