CITY OF BAKERSFIELD CLASS SPECIFICATION: 25310
UNIT: WHITE COLLAR
EE04: TECHNICIANS
CLASS TITLE: HYDROGRAPHER
CLASS SUMMARY:
Under general supervision, performs work of average difficulty involving the operation, maintenance and record keeping for the Kern River ; Kern River Sub -basin; stream flow measurements ; troubleshooting of Water Resource’s Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system; research and data collection; and performs other work as required.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:
The following typical tasks and responsibilities are representative of this classification . They are descriptive, not limiting.
Essential Duties:
Assists Hydrographic Manager with the preparation of Kern River reports, Groundwater reports and record keeping;
Assists with forecasting and management of City’s water supply; Supports operations and maintenance of data loggers and sensors for Water Resource’s SCADA system; Performs open-channel stream flow measurements on the Kern River and adjacent canals; Creates and maintains stream flow rating curves for the Kern River system and groundwater hydrographs for the Kern River Sub-basin;
Participates in the City’s the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) program. Supports the City’s Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) efforts with its Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP);
Monitors groundwater levels for use in the City’s GSP; Assists with requests for information internal/external customers including engineers, consultants, other public agencies, and general public;
Assists with Kern River watershed snow surveys and/or management of snow survey contracts; Trains and assists with overseeing Canal Tender II’s; Performs research work in checking and verifying names establishing ownership, assessed validation and similar projects;
Maintains, calibrates and processes meteorological data; Participates in special hydrological studies, as assigned; Builds and maintains positive working relationships with other District employees and the public using principles of good customer services;
Assists with the preparation of monthly billing invoices; Assists with the monthly data collection required to be inputted into the well field database management system;
Implements and understands historical Agreements related to the Kern River and City; Assists with the accounting and operations of the City’s banking and recovery projects; Meets City Council goals, initiatives, and projects.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
This class is distinguished from the Canal Tender II series that it requires less supervision and direction.
This class works independently and is assigned projects, such as; groundwater level monitoring, open- CLASS TITLE: HYDROGRAPHER (continued) 25310
channel stream flow measurements and SCADA operation and maintenance. Work is carried out under the general direction of the Water Resources Planner and Hydrographic Manager.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge of:
Principles of operations and maintenance of the Kern River; Principles, practices, and equipment of stream flow measuring; General surface and groundwater measurement and recording techniques; City’s water rights and supplies;
Construction, maintenance, and repairs to distribution system; Generating rating curves;
Computer applications related to work.
Ability to:
Prepare clear and precise reports, provide correspondence and other written materials; Ensure accurate stream flow and groundwater level measurements; Coordinate multiple projects and meet deadlines;
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, outside contractors, other water districts, other domestic water systems, public, news media, boards and others contacted in the course of work;
Train assigned staff in record keeping and data collection; Represent the City in meetings with other agencies, boards, and the public; Make public presentations;
Exercise sound independent judgment within guidelines of the Water Resources Hydrographic Superintendent.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited high school or G.E.D; OR Two years of college in an Engineering, Water Systems Technology, or related field; AAAND Two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in stream flow measuring or record keeping and data collection; OR
An equivalent combination of training and ex perience which provides the capabilities to perform the described duties.
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Engineering, Business or Public Administration or related field may be substituted for the required experience.
Licenses, Certificates and Special Requirements:
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C Driver's License Employees will be required to operate City vehicles daily.
Must be able to pass a background check.
Physical Conditions or Special Working Conditions:
Standard office environment.
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions including nights, weekends, and holidays. Ability to inspect and direct activities of city water operations. Available for on-call duty as required.
Approved by the Miscellaneous Civil Service Board: October 21, 2025 CLASS TITLE: HYDROGRAPHER (continued) 25310
Approved by the City Council: