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Forest Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina) Duration: This ... Strong knowledge of fisheries biology, hydrology, and aquatic ecosystem management * Required:

Service Forester

Pierre, SD · On-site

$23.56 - $24.40/hr

... botany; * forest mensuration; * horticulture, hydrology, plant physiology, and silviculture; * federal and state forestry laws and regulations, and department policies and procedures ...

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Forest Hydrology information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do forest hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for forest 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 is a forest hydrologist?

A Forest Hydrology job involves studying how water moves through forested ecosystems, including precipitation, runoff, groundwater flow, and evaporation. Professionals in this field assess the impact of land management, climate change, and human activities on water resources. They work with government agencies, conservation organizations, and researchers to develop sustainable water management practices. Tasks may include data collection, modeling watershed processes, and recommending policies to protect water quality and availability.

What does a forest hydrologist do?

As a Forest Hydrologist, your typical day may involve conducting fieldwork to collect water samples, monitoring streamflow and rainfall, and operating data-logging instruments in forested areas. You would also spend time analyzing data using computer models, preparing reports or maps, and presenting your findings to colleagues or stakeholders. Collaboration with foresters, ecologists, and land managers is common, particularly when advising on sustainable land use or watershed management. The workload often varies seasonally, with more fieldwork during wetter months and data analysis occurring year-round. Balancing both outdoor and office-based tasks is key to succeeding in this dynamic role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a forest hydrologist?

To thrive in Forest Hydrology, you need a strong background in environmental science, hydrology, or forestry, often supported by a relevant degree and field research experience. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools, remote sensing technologies, and potentially certifications like Certified Hydrologist can be highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are essential soft skills for collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and conveying findings. These abilities are crucial for accurately assessing, modeling, and managing the impacts of water movement in forest ecosystems, which supports environmental sustainability and resource management.

More about Forest Hydrology jobs

What states have the most Forest Hydrology jobs?

States with the most job openings for Forest Hydrology jobs include:

Infographic showing various Forest Hydrology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Fisheries/Hydrologist Specialist

Chloeta

Asheville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary
The Fisheries/Hydrologist Specialist provides advanced technical expertise in aquatic resource management, supporting fisheries and watershed restoration, monitoring, and planning efforts. This role leads complex analyses, develops management strategies, and supports environmental compliance for a federal agency.
Supervisory Responsibilities: No
Job Classification: Full time
Duty Station: Ashville, NC (Hybrid, 2 days minimum onsite)
Travel: Travel up to 75% (Travel required throughout the National Forests in North Carolina)
Duration: This role is anticipated to last 6 months, with the possibility of extension pending contract options.
Duties/Responsibilities
  • Develop and implement plans for fisheries and water resource management, including streams, lakes, and wetlands

  • Conduct and lead aquatic resource surveys, data collection, and analysis

  • Evaluate watershed restoration and fisheries improvement projects for effectiveness

  • Provide technical recommendations for habitat management, restoration, and protection

  • Lead hydrologic studies, including water quality and stream flow analysis

  • Analyze and interpret environmental data to support management decisions

  • Prepare technical reports, monitoring summaries, and scientific documentation

  • Support NEPA, ESA, and CWA compliance, including specialist reports and analysis

  • Participate on interdisciplinary teams evaluating environmental impacts and project alternatives

  • Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies, partners, and stakeholders

  • Support development of restoration projects, monitoring programs, and funding opportunities

  • Represent the Forest Service in meetings, partnerships, and coordination efforts

  • Provide input on watershed and fisheries management plans and strategies

  • This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change or new ones may be assigned at any time with or without notice.

Required Skills/Abilities
  • Required: Strong knowledge of fisheries biology, hydrology, and aquatic ecosystem management

  • Required: Ability to conduct and lead field surveys, data analysis, and technical evaluations

  • Required: Knowledge of federal environmental laws and regulations (NEPA, ESA, CWA)

  • Required: Strong technical writing, analytical, and communication skills

  • Preferred: Experience leading fisheries or watershed restoration projects

  • Preferred: Experience preparing NEPA/ESA documentation and specialist reports

  • Preferred: Familiarity with Southern Appalachian aquatic ecosystems

  • Preferred: Experience with GIS tools and spatial/environmental data analysis

Education and Experience
  • Required: Bachelor's degree in Fisheries Management, Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related field

  • Required: Minimum 4 years of experience in fisheries, hydrology, or related field

  • Required: Experience conducting field surveys, data analysis, and restoration planning

  • Preferred: Master's degree in related field

  • Preferred: Experience with federal land management or restoration programs

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to work in field environments, including navigating uneven terrain and waterways for extended periods (up to 8 hours/day)

  • Ability to stand, walk, and perform fieldwork in remote and rugged conditions

  • Ability to work in extreme weather, noise, dust, and outdoor hazards

  • Ability to travel frequently to project sites

  • Could be moderate lifting (~25-40 lbs) typical for field equipment

Benefits
Eligible employees receive the following benefits:
  • Health, Dental and Vision Insurance

  • Health Savings Account (HSA)

  • MDLIVE

  • Benefit Hub

  • Paid Annual Leave/PTO

  • Paid Sick Leave

  • Paid Holidays

  • 401(k)

  • Basic Life

  • Voluntary Life Insurance

  • Accident Insurance

  • Short Term Disability

  • Long Term Disability

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pre-employment Requirements
Due to the nature of Chloeta's services, this position is contingent upon completing with a satisfactory outcome some or all of the following pre-employment background screenings: government security clearance, federal and state criminal background checks, drug test (urinalysis), Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) review, educational history, employment history, and/or credit check. In accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), pre-employment background screenings will require the employee's written authorization and will occur after acceptance of an offer of employment and prior to commencing work. Additionally, employees are required to complete the federal I-9/E-Verify process.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy
Employees may be subject to undergoing additional drug screens and/or alcohol testing at any time during the period of employment, including without prior notice.
EEO Statement
Chloeta provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
About Chloeta
Chloeta is a Native American owned enterprise providing a diverse range of engineering, scientific, and technical solutions to support military, energy, homeland security, emergency preparedness, and critical infrastructure requirements.