Hydrologic Operations Program Manager
Harris County
Houston, TX 77092
Description
JOB
About Harris County Flood Control District: The Flood Control District has the mission to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.7 million, including the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city. The Flood Control District has jurisdiction over the primary stormwater facilities in the county, which consist of approximately 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles in length, as well as more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins, totaling more than 10,000 acres and several wetlands mitigation banks including Greens bayou. What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District: The Harris County Flood Control District is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Hydrologic Operations Program Manager.The Hydrologic Operations Program Manager plays a critical role in delivering precise and timely information for the program. This position combines meteorological expertise with program management skills to drive advancements in flood forecasting, enhance predictive accuracy, and lead initiatives in collaboration with emergency response teams, engineers, and local officials.Beyond daily forecasting duties, this position will strategically oversee forecasting programs related to the hydrologic operations division, manage cross-functional projects, coordinate research efforts, and ensure operational readiness during extreme weather conditions. Given the high-stakes nature of disaster response, this position requires flexibility to work beyond standard business hours when public safety is at risk.Essential Functions and Duties: Program Management & StrategyDefine, plan, and oversee meteorological forecasting programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.Manage flood forecasting initiatives, providing guidance, coordination, and direction to the team.Develop and maintain forecasting schedules, risk assessments, and program budgets to optimize efficiency.Implement best practices in meteorological program management to improve forecasting accuracy and response efforts.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for meteorological programs and continuously evaluate success metrics.Lead strategic collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to enhance forecasting capabilities.Weather Monitoring & ReportingMonitor and report local weather forecasts to include all weather hazards that could impact Harris County and District operations.Provide timely, clear, and actionable weather updates through written and verbal communication to relevant stakeholders.Deliver real-time assessments of watershed conditions by providing critical insights to internal teams and external partners.Develop and provide weather-related reports, briefings, and presentations in various formats and settings to ensure informed decision-making.Data Analysis & ResearchAnalyze historical, real-time, and forecast hydrologic and meteorological data from various data sourcesLead collaborative research projects and developmental efforts with universities, federal agencies, and related professional organizations to advance flood forecasting methodologies.Research, document, and implement forecasting techniques, models, and processes to improve flood forecast system capabilities.Produce reports, summaries, and exhibits of forecast processes, model calibration, and of post-event summaries.Collaboration & ConsultationCoordinate and consult with other agencies, academia, and the private sector to identify and/or develop opportunities for enhanced forecast techniques.Serve as a key collaborator in flood response efforts and work closely with a team of forecasters and flood operations staff during weather events.Forecasting & Model SupportEvaluate and interpret weather forecast models to support critical flood forecasting decisions.Implement best techniques for model selection and rainfall-based forecasts.Create an understanding of available weather forecast models to support flood forecasters judgment and implement best option techniques of rainfall-based forecasts.Identify strategic locations for additional field data collection sites to enhance forecasting capabilities.Flood Damage AssessmentConduct post-event flood damage assessments and collect high-water mark data to support recovery efforts and future mitigation planning.Additional Responsibilities and SupportAttend meetings and coordinate with other District departments, consultants, and agencies.This position is essential during adverse weather conditions. Work may be outside of regular business hours.Carry out additional duties as assigned or as the evolving needs and scope of the position may require. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, or a related field from an accredited educational institutionExperience: Minimum of ten (10) years of operational forecasting experience, with expertise in flood prediction and meteorological risk assessment, tropical cyclone analysis and preparedness, and mesoscale meteorology focused on numerical weather analysis and prediction methodsExperience utilizing and evaluating weather forecast models, including understanding their strengths and limitations.Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling applications for flood analysis and forecasting.Licensure: Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s LicenseKnowledge Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of principles and theories of hydrology and hydrological characteristics of rivers, bayous, creek, and drainagebasins.Working knowledge of data processing/analysis of time series data, GIS, and scripting is a plus.Technical proficiency with operational weather forecasting, weather forecast models, and flood forecasting.Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access).Good organization and communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation skills.Demonstrate professional judgment in applying guidelines, policies, and procedures and adapting standard methods tofit scientific facts and conditions.Work independently with limited supervision.Build and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.Work well under pressure and public scrutiny.Effectively prioritize, identify, solve problems, and manage multiple tasks/initiatives.Be successful in a time and deadline-driven environment.Write and maintain legible documentation, forms, and records for forecasting activities.NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Position Type, Salary: Regular | Full-TimeSalary: To be discussed at interviewLocation: Flood Forecasting | 9900 Northwest FreewayHouston, TX 77048Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time.Ocassional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, file drawers and related materials and equipment required for clerical operations.Occasional stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 15 pounds.Occasional ascending/descending stairs.Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic controls.Work is performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions and noise levels.Requires extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used in cleaning offices and/or work areas.May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used for photographic or photocopier development or reproduction. Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
About Harris County Flood Control District: The Flood Control District has the mission to reduce the risk of flooding in Harris County, the third most populated county in the United States, with a population in excess of 4.7 million, including the City of Houston, the nation’s fourth largest city. The Flood Control District has jurisdiction over the primary stormwater facilities in the county, which consist of approximately 1,500 channels totaling nearly 2,500 miles in length, as well as more than 60 regional stormwater detention basins, totaling more than 10,000 acres and several wetlands mitigation banks including Greens bayou. What you will do at Harris County Flood Control District: The Harris County Flood Control District is seeking qualified candidates for the role of Hydrologic Operations Program Manager.The Hydrologic Operations Program Manager plays a critical role in delivering precise and timely information for the program. This position combines meteorological expertise with program management skills to drive advancements in flood forecasting, enhance predictive accuracy, and lead initiatives in collaboration with emergency response teams, engineers, and local officials.Beyond daily forecasting duties, this position will strategically oversee forecasting programs related to the hydrologic operations division, manage cross-functional projects, coordinate research efforts, and ensure operational readiness during extreme weather conditions. Given the high-stakes nature of disaster response, this position requires flexibility to work beyond standard business hours when public safety is at risk.Essential Functions and Duties: Program Management & StrategyDefine, plan, and oversee meteorological forecasting programs, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives.Manage flood forecasting initiatives, providing guidance, coordination, and direction to the team.Develop and maintain forecasting schedules, risk assessments, and program budgets to optimize efficiency.Implement best practices in meteorological program management to improve forecasting accuracy and response efforts.Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for meteorological programs and continuously evaluate success metrics.Lead strategic collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, and private-sector stakeholders to enhance forecasting capabilities.Weather Monitoring & ReportingMonitor and report local weather forecasts to include all weather hazards that could impact Harris County and District operations.Provide timely, clear, and actionable weather updates through written and verbal communication to relevant stakeholders.Deliver real-time assessments of watershed conditions by providing critical insights to internal teams and external partners.Develop and provide weather-related reports, briefings, and presentations in various formats and settings to ensure informed decision-making.Data Analysis & ResearchAnalyze historical, real-time, and forecast hydrologic and meteorological data from various data sourcesLead collaborative research projects and developmental efforts with universities, federal agencies, and related professional organizations to advance flood forecasting methodologies.Research, document, and implement forecasting techniques, models, and processes to improve flood forecast system capabilities.Produce reports, summaries, and exhibits of forecast processes, model calibration, and of post-event summaries.Collaboration & ConsultationCoordinate and consult with other agencies, academia, and the private sector to identify and/or develop opportunities for enhanced forecast techniques.Serve as a key collaborator in flood response efforts and work closely with a team of forecasters and flood operations staff during weather events.Forecasting & Model SupportEvaluate and interpret weather forecast models to support critical flood forecasting decisions.Implement best techniques for model selection and rainfall-based forecasts.Create an understanding of available weather forecast models to support flood forecasters judgment and implement best option techniques of rainfall-based forecasts.Identify strategic locations for additional field data collection sites to enhance forecasting capabilities.Flood Damage AssessmentConduct post-event flood damage assessments and collect high-water mark data to support recovery efforts and future mitigation planning.Additional Responsibilities and SupportAttend meetings and coordinate with other District departments, consultants, and agencies.This position is essential during adverse weather conditions. Work may be outside of regular business hours.Carry out additional duties as assigned or as the evolving needs and scope of the position may require. Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx If you need special services or accommodations, please call (713) 274-5445 or email ADACoordinator@bmd.hctx.net. This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.
EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences, Meteorology, or a related field from an accredited educational institutionExperience: Minimum of ten (10) years of operational forecasting experience, with expertise in flood prediction and meteorological risk assessment, tropical cyclone analysis and preparedness, and mesoscale meteorology focused on numerical weather analysis and prediction methodsExperience utilizing and evaluating weather forecast models, including understanding their strengths and limitations.Experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling applications for flood analysis and forecasting.Licensure: Valid Class "C" Texas Driver’s LicenseKnowledge Skills, and Abilities: Knowledge of principles and theories of hydrology and hydrological characteristics of rivers, bayous, creek, and drainagebasins.Working knowledge of data processing/analysis of time series data, GIS, and scripting is a plus.Technical proficiency with operational weather forecasting, weather forecast models, and flood forecasting.Strong skills in Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, and Access).Good organization and communication skills, including written, verbal, and presentation skills.Demonstrate professional judgment in applying guidelines, policies, and procedures and adapting standard methods tofit scientific facts and conditions.Work independently with limited supervision.Build and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.Work well under pressure and public scrutiny.Effectively prioritize, identify, solve problems, and manage multiple tasks/initiatives.Be successful in a time and deadline-driven environment.Write and maintain legible documentation, forms, and records for forecasting activities.NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
Position Type, Salary: Regular | Full-TimeSalary: To be discussed at interviewLocation: Flood Forecasting | 9900 Northwest FreewayHouston, TX 77048Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions: Frequent standing and walking; prolonged sitting for extended periods of time.Ocassional sorting, filing, shelving, and handling of documents, books, files, file drawers and related materials and equipment required for clerical operations.Occasional stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying of items up to 15 pounds.Occasional ascending/descending stairs.Occasional driving of a vehicle with automatic controls.Work is performed indoors in a normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature, air conditions and noise levels.Requires extensive use of a video display terminal (computer monitor).May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used in cleaning offices and/or work areas.May be exposed to fluids, compounds or chemicals used for photographic or photocopier development or reproduction. Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.
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