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Environmental Modeling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Execute and refine predictive hazard models, data simulations, and trend analysis within complex CBRN environments to anticipate adversarial threats. * Translateraw CBRN threat data and complex ...

Execute and refine predictive hazard models, data simulations, and trend analysis within complex CBRN environments to anticipate adversarial threats. * Translate raw CBRN threat data and complex ...

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Environmental Modeling information

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$36.7K

$66.5K

$96.7K

How much do environmental modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for environmental modeling in Virginia is $66,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $55,500.00 and $79,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced in Environmental Modeling roles?

Professionals in Environmental Modeling often deal with challenges such as managing incomplete or inconsistent environmental data, staying updated with rapidly evolving modeling technologies, and interpreting complex results for non-technical stakeholders. You may also encounter tight deadlines when responding to environmental incidents or regulatory changes. Overcoming these challenges involves continuous learning, creative problem-solving, and clear communication with scientists, engineers, and policymakers. These aspects can make the role demanding but also provide opportunities for professional growth and meaningful impact.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Environmental Modeling position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Environmental Modeling, you need a solid background in environmental science, mathematics, and computer programming, often supported by a relevant degree such as environmental engineering or earth sciences. Familiarity with modeling software like MATLAB, ArcGIS, or Python, as well as certifications in GIS or environmental data analysis, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills enable you to interpret complex data and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are essential for producing reliable models that inform environmental policy, planning, and sustainability efforts.

What is an Environmental Modeling job?

An Environmental Modeling job involves using computer models and simulations to study environmental systems and predict changes due to natural or human influences. Professionals in this field analyze data related to climate change, pollution, water resources, and ecosystems to support decision-making in policy, conservation, and resource management. They often work with geographic information systems (GIS), statistical analysis tools, and programming languages to develop accurate models. Environmental modelers collaborate with scientists, engineers, and policymakers to address environmental challenges and create sustainable solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Environmental Modeling jobs in Virginia? For Environmental Modeling jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Research Scientist - Hydroinformatics, Adaptive AI, and Watershed Modeling

Research Scientist - Hydroinformatics, Adaptive AI, and Watershed Modeling

Virginia Tech

Blacksburg, VA • On-site

Other

Posted 19 days ago


Virginia Tech rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 65 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

197th of 544 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Research Scientist - Hydroinformatics, Adaptive AI, and Watershed Modeling

Apply now Back to search results Job no: 536699
Work type: Research Faculty
Senior management: College of Engineering
Department: Civil & Environmental Engineering
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia
Categories: Engineering, Research / Scientific

Job Description

The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Virginia Tech invites applications for a Research Scientist in Hydroinformatics, Adaptive AI, and Watershed Modeling. The successful candidate will join Dr. Siddharth Saksena's research group (the "FLOODGEEKS") to lead the technical execution and expansion of advanced watershed management frameworks. The primary research mission is to develop next-generation forecasting and nutrient loading estimation engines.

Required Qualifications

Ph.D. in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Hydrology, Data Science, Geosciences, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field.
Demonstrated expertise in process-based watershed modeling, hydroinformatics, or water quality simulation.
Advanced programming skills in Python (specifically for model automation, machine learning pipelines, or geospatial big data processing) and/or R.
Proven track record of grant writing and contributing to competitive research proposals for federal or state funding agencies.
Strong peer-reviewed publication record in reputable hydrology, water resources, or environmental modeling journals.
Excellent communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to present complex computational workflows to engineering and non-engineering audiences alike.

Preferred Qualifications

Familiarity with physics-informed machine learning (PIML), deep learning architectures for time-series forecasting (e.g., LSTMs, Transformers), or adaptive AI agents.
Experience working with large-scale meteorological forcing datasets (e.g., MRMS, HRRR, climate reanalyses) and satellite-derived surface observations.
Experience building, documenting, and maintaining open-source toolkits or Python APIs for environmental model automation.
Demonstrated experience working in collaborative, interdisciplinary teams that directly interface with water resource managers, utilities, or environmental stakeholders.

 

Overtime Status

Exempt: Not eligible for overtime

Appointment Type

Restricted

Salary Information

Starting at $79,000; commensurate with experience

Hours per week

40

Review Date

6/29/2026

Additional Information

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School, and Honors College. The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including Blacksburg, the greater Washington, D.C. area, the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke, sites in Newport News and Richmond, and numerous Extension offices and research institutes. A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $650 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech endorses and encourages participation in professional development opportunities and university shared governance.  These valuable contributions to university shared governance provide important representation and perspective, along with opportunities for unique and impactful professional development.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Dr. Siddharth Saksena at siddha1@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: June 15, 2026
Applications close:

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About Virginia Tech

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Virginia Tech, guided by its motto "Ut Prosim" (That I May Serve), embraces a hands-on, interdisciplinary approach to educate scholars as leaders and problem-solvers. As a comprehensive land-grant institution, it enriches the quality of life in Virginia and worldwide, fostering an inclusive community focused on knowledge, discovery, and creativity. With over 280 majors, the university serves a diverse student body of more than 36,000 across undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs. Virginia Tech's presence extends throughout Virginia, including campuses in Northern Virginia, Roanoke, Newport News, and Richmond, along with multiple Extension offices and research centers. As a prominent global research institution, it conducts over $500 million in research annually.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Blacksburg, VA, US

Year founded

1872

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