Northern Colorado - Hydrologist

Company: Trout Unlimited
Location: Denver
Posted on: April 2, 2026

Job Description:

Full-time Description Trout Unlimited seeks to hire a self-motivated and highly capable project manager to identify, plan, and implement projects to benefit aquatic resources, watershed health, and native and wild fish populations in Northern Colorado. The hydrologist will work cooperatively with partners of diverse backgrounds and interests to develop and implement a variety of projects. The project manager will represent Trout Unlimited (TU) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) in collaborative settings, actively and effectively participating in stakeholder groups to advocate for positive outcomes for coldwater fisheries. The hydrologist position is responsible for planning and administering watershed-related projects and providing professional expertise in hydrology programs across the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and the Pawnee National Grasslands (ARP). The hired candidate will be employed by Trout Unlimited (TU) and will work directly with U.S. Forest Service (USFS) staff to support agency capacity on watershed restoration projects. TU and the U.S. Forest Service anticipate this position to be stationed at a District Office on the ARP. The hydrologist will provide support for watershed restoration efforts on the ARP. This may include activities ranging from low-tech process-based restoration to large infrastructure projects with road and culvert improvements. Employee tasks may include, but are not limited to, the following activities: Partner proposed post-fire watershed restoration projects - Review partner designs, provide hydrology input to NEPA analysis, review environmental compliance documents supplied by partners (i.e., 404 permit applications), attend partner coordination meetings, inspect project implementation activities, and provide feedback to USFS and TU project managers, provide input on modification or creation of new partner agreements, and monitor implementation effectiveness. Partner proposed watershed restoration in unburned areas - Fill project manager role as needed, assist in guiding TU and partners on USFS processes and requirements, assist in development of partner agreements, review partner designs, provide hydrology input to NEPA analysis, review environmental compliance documents supplied by partners (i.e. 404 permit applications), attend or lead partner coordination meetings, inspect implementation activities and provide feedback, and monitor implementation effectiveness. Wildfire Ready Action Plans - Attend partner meetings to provide USFS input on development of proposed activities on USFS lands, provide feedback to district rangers on proposed activities, coordinate with partners on prioritization of activities, assist in guiding partners on USFS processes and requirements, assist in development of partner agreements, review partner designs, provide hydrology input to NEPA analysis, review environmental compliance documents supplied by partners (i.e. 404 permit applications), attend or lead partner coordination meetings, inspect implementation activities and provide feedback, and monitor implementation effectiveness. · USFS Watershed Restoration Priorities - Identify watershed restoration opportunities in the ARP, coordinate with district rangers and other USFS staff on restoration needs, and guide approved projects through design, NEPA, permitting, grant applications, implementation, and monitoring. Land Management Planning: The hydrologist would be a member of a USFS interdisciplinary team. They would provide hydrology input to implement the Forest Plan and other laws and regulations, such as the Endangered Species Act and Clean Water Act. Tasks may include, but are not limited to: Participate in field review/ field trips of proposed projects. Complete hydrologic surveys. Provide hydrology input on NEPA documents (e.g., CEs, EAs, and EISs), including development of project design criteria and writing hydrology specialist reports. Compile consultation documents for any project that could have an impact on threatened or endangered aquatic species. · Write Biological Assessments for projects to be reviewed by journey-level biologists. Coordinate and cooperate with regulatory agencies (i.e., US Fish and Wildlife Service) during project development and Biological Assessment analysis to ensure timely completion of the consultation process. Monitor the effectiveness of Best Management Practices to ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act. Recognize problems and recommend remedial action. Program Management: The hydrologist will provide leadership in the development of watershed programs and lead a program of work development, monitoring, and reporting across priority areas of the ARP. The employee will develop a diverse program focused on restoration, partnerships, collaboration, monitoring, and community outreach. Collaboration and Partnerships: The hydrologist will promote understanding and cooperation among TU, the USFS, other federal agencies, state agencies, non-profit organizations, water providers, and other special-interest groups regarding the management of water resources. The employee will represent the USFS at meetings related to watershed, and in partnerships and collaborations related to the design, implementation, and monitoring of watershed restoration projects. The employee will work with partners and collaborators to develop and obtain grant funding for such projects. Requirements Desired Qualifications: Minimum of a graduate degree in hydrology, biology, ecology, or a related field, or five years of relevant experience in watershed restoration, fluvial geomorphology or hydrology, biology, or a related field. Experience working in post-fire landscapes and implementing projects to reduce impacts from wildfires. Field work experience, including collection of field parameters and creation and operation of Survey 123 and Field Maps, familiarity with operating instrumentation (e.g., transducers, water quality probes, temperature and/or water quality loggers, etc.) for pre- and post-treatment monitoring. Experience with state and federal environmental compliance permitting, such as NEPA and Clean Water Act 404 permits, a plus. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Professional experience working with federal and state resource managers, and other interested parties in a collaborative setting. Strong analytical skills. Ability to problem solve and think creatively to achieve a conservation mission. Strong time-management and organizational skills, with exceptional attention to detail. Ability and willingness to travel. Valid driver’s license and vehicle are required, and experience with driving 4x4 roads is beneficial. Salary and Benefits: Staff and leadership at TU understand that life outside of work is important to personal health, and we strive to create a healthy and family-friendly atmosphere. This is a full-time position with a generous benefits package. The salary range for this position is $62,000 to $80,000 annually. We are committed to building space for all people to participate in our work to care for trout and salmon and clean our shared waters. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Position Notes: TU is hiring for this position in close partnership with the USFS. All candidates should recognize that the role is a new position and be open to adapting to understand how the shared role and the chosen candidate can be most successful. TU and USFS are committed to a position arrangement that benefits the employee and resource management objectives. TU will begin reviewing applications on April 20th. The position will be open until filled. Salary Description $62,000 to $80,000 annually full benefit package

Keywords: Trout Unlimited, Broomfield , Northern Colorado - Hydrologist, Science, Research & Development , Denver, Colorado