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Entry Level Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Typical projects involve hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater control measures, stormwater quality ... As an entry-level hire, you'll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience.

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$77K - $105K/yr

Typical projects involve hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater control measures, stormwater quality ... Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and ...

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Entry Level Hydrology information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do entry level hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level hydrology 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 types of projects do entry-level hydrologists typically work on, and how do these projects support team goals?

Entry-level hydrologists often participate in projects related to water quality monitoring, data collection from field sites, and assisting with hydrological modeling. These tasks usually involve working closely with senior hydrologists, environmental engineers, and technicians to ensure accurate data is gathered and analyzed. By contributing to larger research initiatives or environmental impact assessments, entry-level hydrologists help their teams make informed decisions about water resource management and project planning. This collaborative environment also provides valuable learning opportunities and a foundation for career advancement.

What is the difference between Entry Level Hydrology vs Entry Level Water Resources Technician?

AspectEntry Level HydrologyEntry Level Water Resources Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related fieldBachelor's in Water Resources, Environmental Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, modelingField surveys, data collection, lab work
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, consulting firms, research institutionsMunicipalities, environmental agencies, consulting firms

Entry Level Hydrology and Entry Level Water Resources Technician roles share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, focusing on water-related data collection and analysis. However, hydrology roles often emphasize modeling and watershed analysis, while water resources technicians focus more on field surveys and data collection. Both positions serve the water industry and often overlap in job functions, but their specific tasks and focus areas differ slightly.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Hydrologist, you need a solid background in environmental science, geology, or civil engineering, usually with a bachelor's degree in hydrology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrologic modeling tools, and data collection instruments is commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and collaborate with teams. These skills ensure reliable water resource management, accurate environmental assessments, and effective project contributions.

What does an entry level hydrologist do?

An entry level hydrologist studies how water moves across and through the Earth's crust. They collect data, conduct fieldwork, and assist in analyzing water samples to assess water quality, quantity, and distribution. Their work often supports environmental protection, water resource management, and flood risk assessment. Entry level hydrologists typically work under the supervision of senior professionals while gaining experience and technical skills.
More about Entry Level Hydrology jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Hydrology jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Hydrology job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrology jobs? The most popular types of Hydrology jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Hydrology jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Hydrology jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Hydrology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 1% 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.

Phoenix, AZ โ€ข On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 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 at 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. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.
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.

Featured Benefits:
โ€ข Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
โ€ข Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
โ€ข Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
โ€ข Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
โ€ข Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
โ€ข Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
โ€ข 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 Livesโ„ข 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.
Location: Bountiful, UT; Phoenix, AZ
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- 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.
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