50% Project Assistantship opportunity in hydrology
Job No: 512162
Division/Organization: Extension
Department: Wisconsin Geological & Natural History Survey
Job Type: UW Student Assistant
Remote Eligbility: Partially Remote
Location: MINERAL POINT RD 3817
Salary/Wage Range or Lump Sum: $37.05
Job Categories: Critical Thinking/Problem Solving, Teamwork/Collaboration, Agriculture and Natural Resources, STEM, Data Analysis, Graduate Assistant-Programs/Projects

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

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
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

Preferred Qualifications




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

Position Summary/Job Duties
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 chance 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

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

Advertised: October 02, 2026 09:00 AM Central Daylight Time
Applications close: October 25, 2026 11:55 PM Central Daylight Time

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📌 50% Project Assistantship opportunity in hydrology (British Columbia)
🏢 University of Wisconsin Madison
📍 British Columbia