Physical Hydrogeologist (Geological Research Specialist)

Job Summary

The IGWS seeks to recruit a physical hydrogeologist with expertise in hydrogeology, groundwater systems, and hydrostratigraphy to support the statutory responsibilities of the Survey and its Center for Water related to Indiana's water resources.

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Independently plans and conducts basic and applied hydrogeologic research that supports the Survey's statutory duties concerning Indiana's water resources at regional to site specific scales.
• Contributes to and supports long term studies of Indiana's water resources, including investigations requested or supported through the Indiana Finance Authority or other state partners.
• Participates in the development, operation, and scientific use of the National Ground Water Monitoring Network (NGWMN) and associated groundwater level monitoring activities.
• Plans and conducts geologic and hydrogeologic research integrating stratigraphy, hydrostratigraphy, aquifer properties, and physical groundwater flow processes.
• Produces scientific deliverables associated with hydrogeologic and geologic research projects, including maps, technical reports, databases, and publications.
• Designs and conducts multiple concurrent research projects, consistent with individual expertise and Survey priorities.
• Provides hydrogeologic and geologic expertise to Survey staff and, upon request, supports the Center for Water in providing scientific resources and technical assistance to: State agencies; Utilities; Municipal agencies; and Soil and water conservation groups.
• Responds to requests from the public, government agencies, industry, and academia related to Indiana's groundwater resources, aquifer systems, and hydrogeologic framework, consistent with the Survey's service mission.
• Supports Survey research related to Indiana's water, energy, and mineral resources where groundwater and subsurface geologic conditions are relevant.
• Supports and maintains geological data and collections, ensuring proper stewardship, organization, and preservation of digital datasets, paper records, and physical samples in accordance with Survey standards and best practices.
• Develops research objectives, methodologies, and analytical approaches for hydrogeologic and geologic investigations in support of Survey and Center for Water activities.
• Collects, analyzes, and interprets data from geologic maps, well logs, borehole records, monitoring wells, hydraulic testing, geophysical data, and field investigations.
• Supervises and performs field based hydrogeologic and geologic work, including groundwater monitoring, aquifer testing, subsurface characterization, and geophysical logging.
• Oversees and conducts laboratory and analytical tasks using appropriate field and laboratory equipment.
• Participates in externally and internally funded research projects, including interdisciplinary and interagency collaborations.
• Synthesizes and communicates research results through maps, technical reports, peer reviewed publications, and professional presentations.
• Supports the dissemination of information related to Indiana's water resources and subsurface geology to stakeholders and decision makers.
• Reviews and integrates relevant scientific literature to support ongoing and proposed research.
• Coordinates research activities with other state geological surveys, universities, federal agencies, and research organizations, as appropriate.

General Responsibilities

• Plans and develops research projects, methods, and techniques that may include proposal development.
• Participates in and may lead externally and internally funded research projects as a PI or co-PI.
• Supervises, performs, collects, analyzes, and interprets field and laboratory data from geological investigations.
• Reviews published literature pertaining to specific research.
• Presents as first author or coauthor interpreted research findings at meetings, conferences, and fieldtrips.
• Trains students and less experienced coworkers on the proper use, maintenance, calibration, and repair of field and laboratory instrumentation and equipment.
• Publishes as first author or coauthor interpreted research findings as geological maps, posters, journal articles, geodatabases, and geospatial coverages.
• Responds to service requests for information from the public, utilities, industry, government agencies, and academia.
• Supports and maintains geological collections, ensuring proper handling of digital data, paper records, and physical samples.
• Coordinates research projects with other geological surveys and research groups.