FWS Hydrology/Geomorphology Fellowship

Join us. Do work that matters.

MobilizeGreen seeks conservation-minded Hydrology/Geomorphology Fellows who want to support ongoing efforts to protect and restore habitat on National Wildlife Refuge System lands. Through its partnership with the US Fish & Wildlife Service (“FWS”), MobilizeGreen is implementing the FWS’ Maintenance and Infrastructure Fellowship program for diverse participants. This opportunity is intended for enthusiastic young professionals with a deep interest in advancing their career goals in stream and wetland restoration and/or habitat management on our public lands. The Hydrology/Geomorphology Fellowships typically are for 26 or 52 weeks and are located on refuges or a regional office.

As a fellow, your work will cover a range of scientific disciplines but will include a combination of field and analytical techniques related to monitoring/analyzing surface and ground water; and land surveying and assessing hydrologic systems, designed to provide work and training experience that will prepare the incumbent for a more advanced hydrologist/geomorphologist position. You also will receive specialized hydrologic, survey and analytical training as well as practical (i.e. UTV/ORV, MOCC, ArcGIS, etc.) training and safety training. 

Through mentorship and training, Fellows will gain the opportunity to launch their career with a non-competitive or through other hiring authorities once they successfully complete their fellowship.

 
 
 

Credit: USFWS

Primary duties will include:

  • Measuring streamflow;

  • Installing/maintaining electronic water level recorders;

  • Installing hydrologic monitoring equipment

  • Conducting topographic/bathymetric surveys

  • Managing and QA/QC water quality data;

  • Analyzing/interpreting water level/elevation/bathymetric/water quality data;

  • Summarizing findings and providing recommendations to others; and

  • Inventorying/cataloguing water management infrastructure specifications 

Benefits

  • Hands on learning and job training experience

  • Paid orientation and travel to orientation

  • Mentorship for career and professional development

  • Weekly living allowance ($800 per week)

  • Housing

  • Relocation assistance (if applicable)

  • Health insurance option

  • Certificate of non-competitive hiring eligibility (with successful completion of fellowship). Other authorities may apply

Project Types

  • Collaboration: works with senior hydrologists/geomorphologists to collect and summarize data for refuge managers and other project partners. 

  • Evaluation: monitors surface and groundwater, land surveying and assessing hydrologic systems.

  • Structure Upgrades: installs and maintains electronic water level recorders, hydrologic monitoring equipment, and water quality monitoring.

  • Mapping: conducts topographic and bathymetric surveys using GPS equipment.

  • Vehicle Maintenance: operates and maintains watercraft and off-road vehicles.

Eligibility

  • You must have a Bachelor’s degree or certificate (or pursuing a degree) in hydrology, geoscience, engineering, natural resources, environmental sciences, or other related disciplines appropriate to the position. A combination of relevant education and appropriate experience is also acceptable.

  • You are at least 18 years old and not older than 30 years old (veterans may apply up to age 35).

  • You must be an early-career professional with a strong interest in the FWS fellowship program.

  • You must be available to serve for 6-12 months in a selected location.

  • You are a citizen or lawful permanent resident.