2

Entry Level Hydrologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

Individual may analyze hydrologic and hydraulic models and computations for storm water and ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Individual may analyze hydrologic and hydraulic models and computations for storm water and ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

Entry Level Site/Civil Engineer

Leesburg, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $85K/yr

Individual may analyze hydrologic and hydraulic models and computations for storm water and ... As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Hydrologist information

See salary details

$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do entry level hydrologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level hydrologist in the United States is $62,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a typical day look like for an entry level hydrologist?

As an entry level hydrologist, your day often involves both fieldwork and office tasks. This may include collecting water samples, operating monitoring equipment, conducting site assessments, and recording environmental data during field visits. Back in the office, you'll analyze data, prepare reports, and use specialized software for modeling or mapping. You can expect to collaborate regularly with more experienced hydrologists, engineers, and environmental scientists, contributing to larger projects while learning industry best practices. This variety provides valuable hands-on experience and helps build a strong foundation for career growth.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Entry Level Hydrologist position, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Hydrologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in hydrology, environmental science, geology, or a closely related field, along with a good grasp of mathematics and data analysis. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrologic modeling tools, and data collection equipment is often expected, and certifications such as the Fundamentals of Geology (FG) can be beneficial. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication abilities help set candidates apart. These skills ensure accurate data analysis, efficient project collaboration, and reliable support for senior hydrologists in managing water resources or addressing environmental concerns.

What is an Entry Level Hydrologist job?

An Entry Level Hydrologist studies the movement, distribution, and quality of water in various environments. They assist in data collection, analysis, and modeling to assess water resources and environmental impacts. Their work often supports water conservation, flood management, and contamination prevention. Entry-level hydrologists may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or research institutions. Strong analytical skills, fieldwork experience, and knowledge of hydrologic software are beneficial for success in this role.

How to get a job as a hydrologist?

To get a job as an entry-level hydrologist, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree in hydrology, environmental science, geology, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in data analysis and modeling, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects. Familiarity with tools like GIS and hydrologic modeling software is also beneficial.

Will hydrology be replaced by AI?

Hydrologists play a key role in analyzing water systems, and AI tools are increasingly used to assist with data modeling and prediction. However, human expertise is essential for interpreting complex environmental data, making decisions, and applying field knowledge, so the profession is unlikely to be fully replaced by AI in the near future.

Are hydrogeologists in demand?

Hydrogeologists, a specialized type of hydrologist, are in demand due to increasing concerns over water resource management, contamination, and sustainable development. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as environmental regulations tighten and demand for groundwater assessment and remediation increases, often requiring skills in GIS, modeling software, and environmental regulations.

How much do hydrologists make a year?

Entry-level hydrologists typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, with salaries increasing with experience, education, and certifications. Experienced hydrologists or those working in specialized fields can earn over $90,000 per year.
More about Entry Level Hydrologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Hydrologist jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Hydrologist job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrologist jobs? The most popular types of Hydrologist jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Hydrologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Hydrologist jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Hydrologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Entry-Level Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer

GFT.

Salt Lake City, UT โ€ข On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a motivated Entry-Level Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer to join our Geotechnical, Dams, and Hydraulics team in Phoenix, AZ or Bountiful, UT. This position follows a hybrid work format, requiring a minimum 3 days of onsite attendance per week.

Joining the dams and hydraulics team atย GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life.ย Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.ย ย 

What you'll be challenged to do:The Entry Level Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer will support hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design across a diverse project portfolio, with approximately 50% of your time dedicated to scour evaluations for electrical transmission line infrastructure (foundations, river crossings, and access roads). The remaining time will support dam safety, hydraulic structures, and flood control projects. You will collaborate with geotechnical, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers through all phases of the project lifecycle.

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • Support analysis and design of water resources projects, including dams, flood control, and hydraulic structures.
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, calculations, and scour evaluations (HEC-18, FCDMC).
  • Conduct field reviews to assess site conditions and support project development.
  • Provide technical support for studies including safe yield, fish passage, stream restoration, bridge scour, and dam safety evaluations.
  • Support H&H analyses for electrical transmission infrastructure, focusing on foundation, crossing, and access road scour.
  • Perform hydrologic calculations using rain-on-grid, Rational, USGS regression, HEC-1, and DDMSW methods.
  • Develop and run 1D/2D HEC-RAS models for steady and unsteady flow.
  • Compile and process survey, GIS, soils, and FEMA data for modeling and analysis.
  • Prepare engineering analyses, technical memoranda, reports, maps, figures, and exhibits for client and regulatory submittals.
  • Document assumptions, methods, calculations, and results clearly and traceably.
  • Prepare drawings, design figures, and other project deliverables in compliance with FCDMC, FEMA, and regional standards.

What you'll bring to our firm:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience in water resources, hydrologic, or hydraulic engineering.
  • Demonstrated interest in water resources, hydrologic or hydrologic engineering through applied academic projects, internships, or prior work experiences.
  • Basic knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, HEC-1, DDMSW, and SITES.
  • Familiarity with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro.
  • Basic proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D.
  • Working proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to work independently or collaboratively as a member of a team.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification or able to receive within six (6) months of hire.

What we prefer you bring:

  • Master's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with emphasis in water resources, hydraulics, or dam engineering.
  • Familiarity with scour evaluation methods (HEC-18, FCDMC) and/or transmission line infrastructure projects.
  • Working experience with two and three dimensional hydraulic modeling tools.
  • Experience with Python or VBA for engineering calculations and automation.
  • Interest in supporting business development through proposal preparation and client engagement.

Compensation:

  • The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
ย Featured Benefits:ย  Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment. Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance. Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan. Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual. Tuition reimbursement for continued education. Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.ย 

Location: Bountiful, UT; Phoenix, AZCore Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PMEmployment Status: Full-Time

Applicants in the County of Los Angeles-ย Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.

Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.#LI-ML2#LI-Hybrid

Employment Type: FULL_TIME