Charlie Besteder is a PA field office chief at the USGS New York Water Science Center.
Charlie Besteder is the USGS New York WSC’s Milford, PA field office chief. Charlie began his career working for the USGS Montana WSC, as a hydrologic technician in the Billings, MT field office. During his tenure in the Billings office, he spent time streamgaging, collecting water quality samples and participating in project work. Working in Yellowstone National Park, serving two field details to North Dakota during floods of 2009/2011 and exploring the Beartooth Mountains are fond memories.
In 2013, Charlie applied for and accepted a position as a hydrologist in the USGS Montana WSC district office in Helena, MT. In addition to having a stream gage trip, he served as the crest-stage gage (CSG) project chief in cooperation with the Montana Department of Transportation managing 88 CSG’s. He also served as the USGS Wyoming-Montana WSC’s survey specialist. Charlie was a leader among the nation surveying and computing indirect discharge measurements. He operated stream gages jointly with Water Survey Canada and overseen by the International Joint Commission. Charlie served as a charter member for the USGS National Hydrologic Data Advisory Committee (HDAC) from 2014 to 2018. He also established WY-MT WSC’s first large-scale particle image velocimetry (LSPIV) site.
In 2020, Charlie accepted a position as the USGS New York WSC’s Milford PA field office chief. In his new role, he oversees many gages that have been upgraded as part of the USGS Next Generation Water Observing System (NGWOS). Charlie’s grateful for the tremendous mentors he’s worked with since starting with the USGS. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Science in Forestry Watershed Management from the Pennsylvania State University.
Professional Experience
USGS New York Water Science Center as a Milford PA field office chief from 2020- present.
USGS National Hydrologic Data Advisory Committee (HDAC) as a charter member from 2014 to 2018.
USGS Montana Water Science Center as a hydrologist in 2013-2014.
Education and Certifications
Bachelor of Science in Forestry Watershed Management from the Pennsylvania State University.
Science and Products
Montana Crest-Stage Gage Network
Science and Products
- Science
Montana Crest-Stage Gage Network
The purpose of the crest-stage gage network is to inventory and monitor peak discharges throughout the state of Montana, with special emphasis on streams that may damage transportation infrastructure. Recorded data documenting peak streamflow at various sites within the state will be used by the Montana Department of Transportation to support assessments of culvert size, bridge construction, and... - Multimedia