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Hydrologist

Who we are: First Street is the industry standard for physical climate risk data. We use transparent and peer-reviewed methodologies to calculate the past, present, and future climate risk for every property in the world. We started eight years ago by working with the world’s leading climate scientists to create groundbreaking, climate-adjusted, property specific models and haven’t stopped. 

Our mission: We exist to connect climate change to financial risk

Our data: We create physics-based, deterministic models of flooding, wildfire and hurricanes, and advanced statistical models of extreme heat, air quality, drought, hail, severe convective storms, winter storms, and more. All of this data is used to create property-level financial risk metrics and macroeconomic variables to quantify the impacts of climate change. 

Our customers: We empower governments at the highest levels to make smart regulations, businesses to avoid bad investments, and everyday Americans to understand their personal risk from climate change. We are relied on every day by:

  • Agencies ranging from the U.S. Department of Treasury to Fannie Mae

  • The world's biggest banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo 

  • Institutional investors like Nuveen and Blackstone 

  • Millions of users on Redfin, Realtor.com, Homes.com, and more 

We believe:  Our work needs to match the pace and scope of the climate problem. This is why we have invested tens of millions of dollars into our science, data, people, and products and have raised tens of millions more to move even faster.  Read more about our culture here.

Come join us and use your talents to create solutions to address humanity's biggest problem.

Team & Role Overview:

We are looking for a Hydrological Scientist with a specialization in flood analysis and modeling to join our team. This person will need to have several years of postdoctoral professional experience and the ability to lead projects independently.

What you’ll do:

  • Conduct hydrological analysis and modeling to evaluate extreme flood events and their impacts.

  • Develop models for extreme events addressing regional flood frequency, precipitation Intensity-Duration-Frequency (IDF) relationships, and water level frequency analysis.

  • Develop and operate the First Street Flood Model to produce high-resolution hazard maps at national and regional scales.

  • Innovate and implement new methodologies to enhance flood model performance and assess flood risks with high spatial resolution.

  • Oversee model production processes, including quality control and ongoing evaluation/validation.

  • Identify, acquire, and integrate new data inputs and methodologies into the First Street Flood Model to improve accuracy and usability.

  • Manage workflows for model and data processing using commercial cloud platforms and local cluster computing resources.

What you’ll need:

  • An advanced degree (e.g., M.S. or Ph.D.) in hydrology, water resources engineering, or a related field.

  • Strong foundation in understanding and modeling hydrological cycles and extreme events enhanced by climate change.

  • Strong knowledge of probability, statistics, and extreme value analysis related to precipitation and flood frequency.

  • Strong experience in handling and analyzing time series data and gridded weather variable datasets.

  • Strong knowledge of climate projection data such as CMIP6

  • Demonstrated experience in flood modeling and risk assessment.

  • Proficiency in big data analysis, high-capacity processing workflows, machine learning, and cloud computing.

  • Advanced programming skills using both compiled and scripted languages (e.g., Python, Matlab, UNIX shell, C++, Fortran, SQL) and GIS software (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS).

  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative team environment.

What will make you stand out:

  • Skills/Experience in developing large-scale extreme value models.

  • Skills/Experience in modeling inland, coastal, and/or compound flooding events.

  • Skills/Experience in creating satellite-based flood inundation maps for validation and calibration purposes.

  • Experience authoring peer-reviewed scientific publications

How we work: 

  • Impact: We only focus on things that move the needle 

  • Drive: We are driven by the role we play in connecting climate change to financial risk 

  • Ownership: This is our company and we act accordingly

  • Urgency: We move quickly because the world depends on it 

  • Resilience: We have a growth mindset in all that we do

What we offer: 

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience 

  • Ownership interest in the company via Employee Stock Option Plan 

  • Hybrid Schedule with in-office work days on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 

  • 15 vacation days along with 13 company holidays and 10 sick days 

  • Health benefits covered at 100% for employee or a significant contribution for family plans 

  • Vision and dental benefits with partial employee contribution

  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave 

  • Access to One Medical, Teledoc, HealthAdvocate, Kindbody, and Talkspace

  • Company 401k program 

  • Commuter benefits 

  • Life Insurance

  • Tech startup environment 

  • Weekly team meals and an office stocked with coffee and snacks 

  • Working on the world’s biggest issue with other passionate professionals 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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Average salary estimate

$105000 / YEARLY (est.)
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$90000K
$120000K

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What You Should Know About Hydrologist, First Street

At First Street, we're on a mission to connect climate change with financial risk, and we're looking for a passionate Hydrologist to join our New York City team. In this role, you'll utilize your expertise in hydrology to analyze and model extreme flood events, developing innovative methodologies that enhance our First Street Flood Model. With a strong foundation in predicting flood frequency and precipitation patterns, you'll create detailed hazard maps at both national and regional scales. Your work will significantly contribute to a deep understanding of how climate change impacts flood risks, helping decision-makers, institutions, and everyday Americans make informed choices. As a Hydrologist, you will lead independent projects, conduct rigorous analysis, oversee model production processes, and integrate new data inputs to improve accuracy—all while collaborating with a dedicated team of professionals who share your commitment to addressing one of humanity's biggest challenges. If you have an advanced degree, a robust background in flood modeling, and a passion for driving change in climate risk assessment, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with us!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Hydrologist Role at First Street
What responsibilities will a Hydrologist at First Street have?

As a Hydrologist at First Street, your primary responsibility will involve conducting flood analysis and modeling to evaluate extreme events. You'll develop sophisticated models focusing on regional flood frequency and precipitation patterns. Moreover, you will oversee the production of the First Street Flood Model, ensuring quality control and continuous evaluation to enhance model performance.

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What qualifications do I need to become a Hydrologist at First Street?

To apply for the Hydrologist position at First Street, candidates should possess an advanced degree in hydrology, water resources engineering, or a closely related field. Additionally, a strong foundation in statistical analysis, extreme value modeling, and experience in flood modeling are essential for success in this role.

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How does the team at First Street approach hydrological analysis?

The team at First Street emphasizes innovation and collaboration in hydrological analysis. You will work together with other experts to develop and implement cutting-edge methodologies that improve flood modeling while integrating new data inputs to ensure our models remain accurate and reliable in addressing climate risks.

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What technologies and tools will I use as a Hydrologist at First Street?

In your role as a Hydrologist at First Street, you will utilize a range of technologies including cloud computing platforms for data processing, along with programming languages like Python and MATLAB. Proficiency in GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS will also be essential for visualizing flood hazards and data analysis.

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What is the work culture like for a Hydrologist at First Street?

At First Street, our work culture is driven by a shared mission to tackle climate change issues. We value impact, ownership, resilience, and urgency. The environment is collaborative, allowing Hydrologists to thrive as they innovate and contribute their expertise in a tech startup atmosphere fueled by passion and purpose.

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Common Interview Questions for Hydrologist
Can you explain your experience with flood modeling and risk assessment?

In answering this question, focus on specific projects where you have developed models for flood risk assessment. Highlight your methodologies, tools used, and any successful outcomes that demonstrate your proficiency in modeling extreme flood events.

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What methodologies do you use for hydrological analysis?

Discuss the various methodologies you are comfortable with, such as probability and statistical analysis of extreme events. Mention any techniques you've implemented in prior projects that enhanced model performance and accuracy.

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How do you ensure the accuracy of your flood risk models?

Be prepared to describe your quality control processes, including validation techniques and the use of historical data to test model reliability. Share examples of adjustments you made based on performance assessments.

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What has been your experience with programming and data analysis in hydrology?

Emphasize your programming skills, particularly in Python, SQL, or any other relevant languages. Provide details on how you've applied these skills to analyze large datasets or enhance modeling capabilities in your previous roles.

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Describe a challenging project involving hydrological analysis that you worked on.

Share a specific project that posed significant challenges, explaining how you addressed these issues. Highlight your critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and any collaborative efforts that contributed to the project's success.

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How do you stay updated on emerging trends in climate risk and hydrology?

Discuss any professional associations, workshops, or conferences pertinent to hydrology and climate risk that you participate in. Mention relevant publications you follow to demonstrate your commitment to remaining at the forefront of industry developments.

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What data sources do you rely on for your analyses?

Talk about the various data sources you utilize, including climate projection data, time series datasets, and any specific databases that are crucial for your hydrological analyses and modeling.

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How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects?

Provide examples of how you organize your workload, emphasizing your project management skills. Discuss techniques you employ to ensure deadlines are met and quality is maintained in your analyses.

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What impacts have you observed from climate change on hydrological systems?

Reflect on specific changes you've witnessed in the hydrological cycle due to climate change, providing scientific backing to your observations. Illustrate the implications for flood risk and overall water resource management.

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Why are you interested in working as a Hydrologist at First Street?

Articulate your passion for addressing environmental challenges and your alignment with First Street's mission. Mention how you believe your skills can contribute to the company's goal of providing essential climate risk data.

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Full-time, hybrid
DATE POSTED
December 21, 2024

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