Research to Operations Hydrologist - 135037

The Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes (CW3E) is leading the development and implementation of new research and applications capabilities focused on extreme weather and climate events in the US. CW3E is developing and implementing weather and climate observations, numerical models, and decision support tools focused on atmospheric and land-surface conditions related to extreme events and their impacts. CW3E is an interface between UCSD departments, other universities around the country and local, state, and federal agencies, in the operation, utilization, and expansion of a new state-of-the-art weather observing network recently deployed in California. Efforts to be undertaken by the CW3E Center include scientific research, technology development, numerical model development and testing, and development/deployment of smart tools that aid decision makers affected by extreme weather, water, and climate events. A key activity of the CW3E Center is the development of methods and systems to aid future reservoir operations for flood control, water supply and ecosystems. CW3E is a focus of international research on atmospheric rivers.

The position will be part of the CW3E Hydrology Team, and will focus on developing expertise with hydrologic, hydraulic, and/or water management modeling capabilities used by the National Weather Service (NWS), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and/or other key operational partners of CW3E, with a special emphasis in ensemble-based (probabilistic) forecasting methods and machine learning (ML) techniques. The incumbent will contribute to (and help lead) efforts involving the generation and improvement of hydrologic ensembles (hindcasts and forecasts), including synthetic ensembles, to support the NOAA Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH), Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations (FIRO), and related projects and research. The position will interface closely with the CW3E Water Resources Engineering (WRE) Team to assist with the development and evaluation of FIRO and related projects, which will involve liaising closely with operational forecasters and water managers to facilitate the transfer of hydrologic research into practical applications that improve the effectiveness of reservoir operations for flood control, water supply resilience, and sustainable ecosystems. Applies extensive experience and knowledge of physical, statistical, and numerical modeling and analysis of river and reservoir systems, thorough knowledge of computer coding, and strong communication skills. Will also conduct scientific research to enhance hydrologic forecast skills for various systems (physically based and data-driven), and lead and/or contribute to scientific journal publications.

• Bachelor's degree in a related area and/or equivalent experience/training. Master's or doctorate degree in a related area preferred.

• Thorough knowledge of research function. In-depth knowledge and experience in hydrologic, hydraulic, and water management modeling, including model development/improvement, implementation, validation, and analysis.

• Familiar with meteorology, hydrology, and/or water resources management research topics.

• Thorough skills associated with statistical analysis and systems programming. Strong experience in regional hydroclimatic analysis (streamflow, snow, soil moisture, flood, drought) and hydrologic forecasting. Experience with High-Performance Computing (HPC) environments and working with large data sets.

• Skills to communicate complex information in a clear and concise manner both verbally and in writing. Ability to present probabilistic and deterministic forecast information to a broad audience. Skills in forecast/scientific graphical representation and writing of reports.

• Skills in project management. Strong time management skills. Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

• Research skills at a level to evaluate alternate solutions and develop recommendations. This includes proposing new analyses, new conceptual ideas, and new workflow recommendations.

• Thorough skills in analysis and consultation. Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills including tact, diplomacy, and flexibility. Ability to work independently or within a team framework in conjunction with principles of community with staff, faculty, researchers, and students.

• Job offer is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required

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