Job Description

Department Overview:

Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey (WGNHS) Mission:

The Survey conducts earth-science surveys, field studies, and research. We provide objective scientific information about the geology, mineral resources, water resources, soil, and biology of Wisconsin. We collect, interpret, disseminate, and archive natural resource information. We communicate the results of our activities through publications, technical talks, and responses to inquiries from the public. These activities support informed decision-making by government, industry, business, and individual citizens.

Anticipated Start Date:

1/4/2027

Anticipated End Date (If Applicable):

12/30/2027

Remote Work Eligibility Detail:

Partially Remote

Anticipated Hours Per Week:

Minimum: 10 Maximum: 25

Schedule

The position will require an average of 20 hours a week. Flexible schedule with hours set independently after initial training.

Salary/Wage Range/Lump Sum:

Minimum: $37.05

Number of Positions:

1

Qualifications

To be considered eligible for this position, you must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:

• Experience in hydrology, geology, or environmental science
• Strong organizational and project management skills and attention to detail
• Ability to problem-solve and work independently
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to produce high-quality written materials and reports, including graphics.
• Enrollment as a graduate student for credit at an educational institution. Student will need to show proof of enrollment before starting.
• Employment will require a criminal background check

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a programming language such as Python or R
• Experience with statistics
• Experience with geospatial analysis

Position Summary/Job Duties:

Position Summary/Job Duties: In coordination with the project team, the successful student will help develop and analyze two datasets of groundwater recharge estimates as described below.

• Estimate baseflow and recharge across Wisconsin using stream hydrograph analysis and Python scripting techniques.
• Develop statewide estimates of recharge (as net infiltration) using a soil water balance model.
• Compare results from the hydrograph analysis and soil water balance approaches. Evaluate simulated soil water balance components against other data to improve model estimates of net infiltration.
• Examine potential drivers of changes in groundwater recharge by evaluating temporal trends and comparing recharge estimates to hydrologic, climatic, land-use and other basin characteristics.

The student will have the opportunity to lead or contribute to a peer-reviewed journal article and as a data series through the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.

Physical Demands:

None

Institutional Statements:

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

UW-Madison is an Equal Employment, Equal Access Employer committed to increasing the diversity of our workforce.

Institutional Statement on Diversity:

Diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation for UW-Madison. We value the contributions of each person and respect the profound ways their identity, culture, background, experience, status, abilities, and opinion enrich the university community. We commit ourselves to the pursuit of excellence in teaching, research, outreach, and diversity as inextricably linked goals.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison fulfills its public mission by creating a welcoming and inclusive community for people from every background-people who as students, faculty, and staff serve Wisconsin and the world.

For more information on diversity and inclusion on campus, please visit: diversity.wisc.edu

Accommodation Statement:

If you need to request an accommodation because of a disability, you can find information about how to make a request at the following website:https://employeedisabilities.wisc.edu/disability-accommodation-information-for-applicants/