Position Overview

M&A is seeking a full-time hydrogeologist to join our growing team. This role will be based at our headquarters in Tucson, Arizona. Most work will take place in Arizona, with possible field assignments in southern California or Nevada. This hydrogeologist position includes a mix of fieldwork and office work, with a focus on projects that include 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 and expertise 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 75% fieldwork and 25% office work. M&A will provide necessary training for field and office tasks. Some work locations may be in remote areas or other states in the western United States.

Fieldwork Duties

  • Observe and document the following activities:
    • Drilling operations, which includes preparing and describing drill cuttings samples in both basin-fill and hard rock geologic settings, characterizing hydrogeologic conditions and contacts, and reviewing and interpreting borehole geophysical logs
    • Monitor well and production well installation and development, including inspection of materials, verification of compliance with technical specifications, and direction of drilling contractor
    • Well development, rehabilitation, and pump installation procedures
  • Measure water levels and download dataloggers
  • Install, configure, or modify equipment related to groundwater and surface water monitoring instrumentation and telemetry systems
  • Install conduit, wires, pull boxes and controllers required in making extensions or alterations in telemetry systems
  • Test, troubleshoot, calibrate, and repair a variety of groundwater and surface water monitoring instrumentation and telemetry systems, components, and devices
  • 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 applicable health and safety protocols, regulations policies, and procedures
  • Lead health and safety meetings with contractors and other staff
  • 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
  • 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
  • Manage, configure, and modify instrumentation remotely and integrate data to in-house data management systems
  • 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 Arizona well construction standards
  • Experience developing technical specifications for the drilling, construction, and testing of water wells
  • 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
  • Work long shifts (up to 14 hours per day) with occasional night shifts; 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
  • Use of electrical and electronic test instruments, hand and power tools
  • Strong organizational, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, positive and enthusiastic attitude
  • Possession of a reliable vehicle and 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

To Apply

Email cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Resumes will be accepted until February 28, 2023.