Jason Gerlich is a Regional Drought Information Coordinator at the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) for the Pacific Northwest and Missouri River Basin Drought Early Warning Systems (DEWS). In this position he supports NIDIS and their tribal, local, state, and federal partners in development and implementation of the regional DEWS.

In 2019, Jason completed a Bachelor of Science at Colorado State University (CSU) in watershed science along with a minor in soil science. During his time at CSU he worked on projects in snow pack persistence along the continental divide, to the development of best management practices (BMPs) in agronomic systems in order to improve water quality. Gerlich, went on to receive his Master of Science in soil science and global change (IMSOGLO) through a joint university program at the University of Ghent, Belgium, and University of Aarhus, Denmark, in 2021. There his research focused on the use of soil amendments that reduce soil erosion and subsequent non-point source pollution issues.

Returning back to the states at the beginning of 2022, Gerlich went on to work at the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) as a research specialist. During his time at TWRI he led field based water quality monitoring and data collection efforts. He worked across the state in developing various watershed protection plans and implementation plans to address non-point source pollution issues in surface water bodies. Furthermore he collaborated with stakeholders to relay information and prepared educational resources to help stakeholders make the best informed decisions.

Outside of the office, Jason is an ardent traveler, returning to Europe every year to visit friends. He is also an enthusiastic outdoorsman who enjoys hunting, fishing, biking, snowboarding, and surfing.