Hydrology
Performs professional hydrology work including study of water resources, groundwater, and surface water systems.
💰GS-1315 Salary Information
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1315
Degree: physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
• Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Evaluation of Experience: Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
Applicants with related experience in hydrology gained through earlier Federal Government employment might have gained that experience in one or more occupational series. Such series include Soil Conservation, GS-457; Forestry, GS-460; Soil Science, GS-470; Civil Engineering, GS-810; Chemistry, GS-1320; Meteorology, GS-1340; and Geology, GS-1350. Comparable non-Federal experience may be given similar credit.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ⚠️Note: Degree required for this series.
📝How to Qualify for GS-1315
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal hydrology position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your Grade Level
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1315
Construction Engineering Technician
This role involves working with water resource projects and conducting site surveys, which aligns well with hydrological studies.
Engineering Aid
Engineering Aids often work on projects involving water systems and environmental assessments, providing a strong foundation for hydrology.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct hydrological studies and investigations
- •Analyze water resource data
- •Model groundwater and surface water systems
- •Assess water quality and quantity
- •Support water resource management
- •Prepare hydrological reports
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of surface water and groundwater systems.
Skill in developing and applying water models.
Ability to analyze hydrological and water quality data.
Knowledge of flood prediction methods.
Understanding of water quality parameters and standards.
Proficiency in GIS applications for hydrology.
Ability to conduct field measurements and surveys.
Skill in preparing hydrological assessments and reports.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1315
What is a Hydrologist?
A GS-1315 Hydrologist studies water resources—both surface water and groundwater systems. These scientists conduct hydrological investigations, model water systems, analyze water quality and quantity, forecast floods, assess water availability, and support water resource management for agencies like USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, and EPA.
How much does a federal Hydrologist make?
Federal Hydrologists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Hydrologist earns $75,706-$98,422. USGS, Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation are major employers with positions across the country.
What are the requirements for GS-1315 positions?
GS-1315 requires a degree in physical or natural science, or engineering with at least 30 semester hours combining hydrology, physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, meteorology, geology, or water resource management. Critically, you must have at least 6 hours of calculus AND 6 hours of physics—these are mandatory at all grade levels.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1315?
The required degree cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, veterans with environmental science or engineering degrees combined with military water operations experience have excellent backgrounds. Experience in water supply systems, water quality testing, environmental compliance, or civil engineering units provides valuable qualifying experience when combined with required education.
What is the career progression for Hydrologist?
Hydrologists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior scientists and project leads reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in flood forecasting, groundwater modeling, or water quality assessment. Some transition to regional water resource management positions or headquarters policy roles.
How do I apply for GS-1315 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Hydrologist" under series 1315. USGS (largest employer), Army Corps of Engineers, Bureau of Reclamation, NWS, and EPA hire extensively. Highlight hydrological modeling experience, GIS skills, field investigation capabilities, and water quality expertise. Include specific software proficiency and any publications in your federal resume.
Ready to Apply for GS-1315?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.