Staff Hydrogeologist, Reno office
Position Overview
M&A is seeking full-time, entry-level and experienced Hydrogeologists to join our Reno, Nevada, office. Our current Reno openings include a mix of fieldwork and office work, with a focus on projects that involve water well drilling, lithologic logging, well construction, sampling, and testing. If you have 0-5 years of experience, a degree in geology, hydrology, or related field, and interest in a range of well drilling, construction, and testing methods, you are encouraged to apply. We are looking for a self-motivated professional who demonstrates strong time management, organization, and communication skills. Duties will vary daily to weekly between fieldwork and office work, with an expected average work breakdown of 90% fieldwork and 10% office work. M&A will provide necessary training for field and office tasks. Some work locations may be in remote areas or in other western states.
Fieldwork Duties
- Observe and document drilling operations, prepare and describe drill cuttings samples in both basin-fill and hard rock geologic settings, characterize hydrogeologic conditions and contacts, review and interpret borehole geophysical logs
- Oversee and document monitor well and production well installation and development, including inspection of materials, verification of compliance with technical specifications, and direction of drilling contractor
- Observe and document well development, rehabilitation, and pump installation procedures
- Measure water levels and download dataloggers
- Conduct pumping, slug, infiltration, and other types of field tests with instruction
- Collect and document water and soil samples and measure water quality parameters
- Follow health and safety protocols and regulations, including applicable government, M&A, and client-specific policies and procedures
- Maintain field equipment and vehicles
- Maintain detailed field notes and communicate daily activities to project managers and clients
Office Duties
- Develop scopes of work, sampling and analysis plans, drilling program technical specifications, and health and safety plans
- Describe drill cuttings and prepare lithologic logs
- Prepare water and soil sample documentation and submit samples to laboratories
- Use spreadsheets and graphing software to create data tables and plots to analyze field data
- Process and analyze pumping test data to determine hydraulic parameters and recommend sustainable pumping rates
- Prepare data summaries, presentations, and technical reports/memos
- Participate in client meetings/teleconferences to present program results and recommendations
Minimum Qualifications
- 0-5 years of experience overseeing water well drilling, construction, development, and testing; experience with different drilling methods and their application
- Experience with well design fundamentals including well construction materials and applications, sizing of filter pack material and/or formation stabilizer, types of well screen and applications, and Nevada well construction standards
- Undergraduate degree in hydrology, geology, engineering, environmental sciences, or related field
- Able and willing to travel to out-of-town and potentially out-of-state field locations with night and/or long shifts (up to 14 hours per day); field tours are anticipated to range from several days to 2 weeks
- Aptitude for working safely in remote outdoor locations around heavy machinery, identifying potential hazards, coordinating with Health and Safety personnel on a worksite
- Ability to lift 50 pounds and perform the following actions: standing for long periods of time, stooping/kneeling/crouching, and walking/hiking on uneven terrain
- Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, positive and enthusiastic attitude
- Possession of a valid driver's license with clean driving record
- Ability to pass background check and drug test if requested
- Ability to legally reside and work in the United States and provide associated documentation
At M&A, our mission is to promote a fulfilling and respectful work culture where employees collaborate to deliver pragmatic water resource solutions grounded in the principles of integrity, scientific rigor, and environmental responsibility. We are independently owned by practicing scientists who are committed to these values and to supporting our community partners.
Your benefits at Montgomery & Associates will include:
- Competitive benefits and salary in a growing team-oriented company
- Dynamic work environment with safety and technical training provided by the company
- Challenging and collaborative multidisciplinary projects
- On-the-job mentoring by senior professionals
- Western U.S. projects and travel opportunities
- Relocation Assistance
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Flexible Spending Account; HRA
- Long- and short-term disability
- Life/AD&D insurance
- Vacation, holiday, personal, and sick leave
- Paid parental leave
- Employer matching 401k retirement plan
An Equal Opportunity Employer
M&A values diversity and inclusivity. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, sexual orientation, religious creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
