National Council for Air and Stream Improvement, Inc.
Job Description
Position: Hydrologist I (1 position)
Reports to: Forest Watershed Scientist
Work Week: 40 hours per week
Revised: April 27, 2026
Duty Station: Corvallis, OR (with potential field work in Oregon/Washington)
Duration: Seasonal Position, June 1 through October 30, 2026 (5 months)
Salary: $22.50 to $28.15/hour, commensurate with experience, no housing provided.
Benefits: Position not eligible for benefits, does provide paid NCASI designated holidays
Safety: The following job posting is for a safety sensitive position for which impairment while working presents a substantial risk of death and is therefore exempt from Washington’s new marijuana testing law RCW 49.44.240, and pre-employment marijuana testing is required.
Key Words: Forest hydrology, aquatic habitat, managed forests, western OR/WA
Essential Job Functions:
Assist with installation of hydrological instrumentation (temporary v-notch, level loggers, temperature loggers) following established methodology. Quantify discharge using salt dilution techniques to calibrate flow conditions across multiple small stream locations in western Washington (and possibly Oregon) to quantify summer low flow conditions for an experimental study Position will require working outdoors in inclement weather, often in recently harvested forest stands. Must be able to get to and work from remote locations, drive safely on forest roads with active forest management (i.e., log truck traffic), read maps, navigate through a forested landscape, and relate well with the public. Possess ability to carry out associated field work that may involve prolonged (multi-day) exposure to inclement conditions and a necessity to hike carrying equipment (20 pounds or more) over rough terrain (for 2 miles or more). Gather and analyze data and related information working with a lead Hydrologist. Willingness to have a flexible work schedule. Overnight camping near study sites is expected. Demonstrate an ability to work effectively with others toward meeting the goals of NCASI. Develop a familiarity with NCASI’s mission, policies, practices, and procedures. Become acquainted with the environmental issues of the forest products industry. Read, absorb, process, and communicate complex information. Assist the supervisor in responding to technical queries by NCASI clients and others in a competent and timely manner.
Additional Responsibilities:
Undertake additional activities assigned by Supervisor. Follow all safety protocols. Pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in a hydrology or aquatic ecology discipline or related environmental field.
2. Experience with aquatic habitat and stream classification sampling protocols
3. Must have driving record which can be approved by Federal Agencies to drive government vehicles and insured at standard rates.
4. Basic data entry experience (Microsoft Excel).
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Experience navigating managed forest roads and terrain
2. Experience implementing standard protocols for collection of aquatic physical, chemical, or biotic data.
To Apply: Send cover letter, resume, and 3 references with phone numbers and e-mail addresses to: Ms. Laurie Clark at lclark@ncasi.org, specifying “Hydrologist” in the subject line. Applicant review will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. NCASI is an equal opportunity employer.