General information

Reference

2025-2686  

Position description

Category

F13 Hydrogeology - Engineer / Researcher

Job title

Hydrogeological engineer 

Contract

Permanent contract

Contractual hours

Full-time

Contract duration

Permanent

Context and contributions of the position

The Auvergne - Rhône - Alpes Regional Directorate of BRGM focuses on providing support to Government agencies, public institutions, and local authorities.

Our work spans a wide range of fields and applications related to soil and subsoil, with a particular emphasis on groundwater management. In today's context, growing human pressures and climate change impacts require heightened attention to both the quantity and quality of groundwater resources.

To address these challenges, we aim to enhance hydrogeological knowledge in the region—studying aquifer dynamics, managing water quality and availability, assessing vulnerabilities, and recommending strategies to optimize usage and ensure long-term preservation.

These efforts take various forms, including the monitoring and maintenance of national and local piezometric networks, R&D initiatives, support for public policy development, and technical assistance to Government services, particularly in relation to Water Management and Regulation.

Job description

Joining the French Geological Survey (BRGM) means becoming part of France's leading public institution for Earth Science applications bringing together 1,000 wholeheartedly committed experts across 29 bases in Mainland and Overseas France.

BRGM focuses on enhancing geological knowledge and understanding of surface and sub-surface-related phenomena, with a view to: meeting the challenges of environmental changes through innovative projects with societal implications.

Your key duties will be to:

- Lead projects and provide technical expertise for studies focused on the sustainable management and protection of groundwater resources, including interactions between groundwater and rivers.

- Manage the monitoring and reporting of the regional piezometric network as well as networks in other specific departments, ensuring a high level of operational efficiency;

- Organize and oversee field missions related to water resources (e.g., monitoring boreholes, measuring water levels, flow rates, and piezometric levels) and water quality (e.g., water sampling, field analyses).

- Occasionally perform expert assessments (support for administrations or third parties).

- Supervise studies on seasonal groundwater level forecasting (using the MétéEau Nappe forecasting tool) or modelling projects in collaboration with and supported by specialized central teams

- Actively contribute to the research output of the Auvergne - Rhône - Alpes Regional Directorate, ensuring compliance with quality standards through tasks such as writing research reports and presenting findings orally (e.g., at technical meetings or workshops),

- Build on existing partnerships and help develop regional activities related to water issues—and, depending on your profile, environmental topics—by initiating new projects.

Profile

Requested start date: 01/06/2025
Contract type: CDI
Education: MSc or equivalent higher education qualification
Experience : 5 – 10 years

You should demonstrate the following skills and abilities:

- Mastery of the various disciplines involved in the water cycle (hydrogeology, hydrology, hydrodynamics, hydrogeochemistry) and hydrogeological processes;

- Ability to organize and lead field missions focused on water resources (e.g., borehole monitoring, water level and flow rate measurements) and water quality (e.g., sampling, on-site analyses);

- Excellent writing skills (reports, summaries, and possibly scientific articles);

- Familiarity with data management and GIS tools (QGIS);

- Experience or interest in data management, particularly piezometric data (e.g., databases and data validation routines) and the instrumentation used in hydrogeology;

- Ability to work independently, attention to detail and a sense of accountability;

- Strong analytical skills, listening abilities, and a proactive attitude toward developing research activities;

- Good interpersonal skills, ability to adapt your communication to different audiences;

- Interest in collaborative work in multi-disciplinary teams (hydrogeologists, geologists, geophysicists, socio-economists, etc.) and engaging with participants across different locations.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be a plus: geothermal energy, aquifer modelling and management tools; groundwater flow models; emerging pollutants, contaminated sites and soils.

Working conditions

This is a full-time position based in Villeurbanne (Rhône). It includes regular travel within the region and occasional travel to the Scientific and Technical Center in Orléans or to support other regional sites.

Within an environment that promotes a healthy work/life balance, particularly thanks to remote working, BRGM prides itself on providing a friendly and caring place to work.

Awarded HRS4R certification in 2021, we are committed to supporting you throughout your career at BRGM.

We provide you with a range of tools for developing your skills and expertise, with scope for career progression and geographic mobility.

At BRGM, you will gain from such benefits as a 13th month salary, days off compensating for unpaid overtime, meal vouchers, holiday and leisure options.

At BRGM, you are guaranteed a transparent recruitment process. To apply, please send us your application (up-to-date CV and cover letter) by 16/02/2025.

Because diversity matters to us at BRGM, all of our job vacancies are open to everyone!

We will examine your application as soon as the closing date has passed. If your application is short-listed, we will contact you for recruitment interviews during which you will have the opportunity to talk with the recruitment and HR departments as well as a cross-functional department.

Position location

Job location

France, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Rhone (69)

Location