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Graduate Hydrologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Hydrologist

Moab, UT · On-site

$50K/yr

... hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics ... OR An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience; OR Superior ...

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Graduate Hydrologist information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do graduate hydrologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a graduate hydrologist?

To thrive as a Graduate Hydrologist, you need a solid background in hydrology, environmental science, or civil engineering, typically with a relevant degree. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools, and data analysis platforms is often required, along with knowledge of regulatory standards. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with teams and convey complex findings to stakeholders. These competencies enable accurate water resource assessments and support sound environmental decision-making.

What is a graduate hydrologist?

Graduate hydrologists are entry-level professionals who have recently completed a degree in hydrology, environmental science, or a related field. They support the study and management of water resources, often assisting with data collection, analysis, and reporting on water cycles, quality, and distribution. Graduate hydrologists commonly work under the supervision of experienced hydrologists, contributing to environmental assessments, flood risk management, and water conservation projects. Their role is crucial in addressing water-related challenges and supporting sustainable resource management.

What is the difference between Graduate Hydrologist vs Hydrologist?

AspectGraduate HydrologistHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in hydrology, environmental science, or related field; entry-level certificationBachelor's or master's degree; professional certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, research projects, often supervisedMore independent research, project management, and data interpretation
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental consultancies, research institutionsSimilar employers, with increased responsibilities and specialization

The main difference between a Graduate Hydrologist and a Hydrologist is experience level and responsibility. Graduate Hydrologists are typically entry-level professionals with relevant degrees, focusing on learning and supporting projects. Hydrologists usually have more experience, handle complex analyses, and take on greater responsibilities in water resource management and research.

What are some typical challenges a graduate hydrologist might face in their first year on the job?

As a Graduate Hydrologist, you may encounter challenges such as adapting to fieldwork in varied and sometimes remote environments, learning to use specialized hydrological software, and interpreting complex data sets. Balancing office-based analysis with on-site data collection can be demanding, especially when working within tight project deadlines or during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, environmental scientists, and government agencies—requires strong communication skills and a willingness to learn from others' expertise.
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What job categories do people searching Graduate Hydrologist jobs look for?

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Graduate Hydrologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Hydrologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 20% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Hydrologist

Recruitment and Hiring | US Forest Service

Ephraim, UT • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

This announcement is being advertised as a Forest Service National Hiring effort to fill multiple vacancies. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Todd Butler at todd.butler@usda.gov.Qualifications:

In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.
Basic Requirement:
GS-1315 Series:
Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- coursework as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement listed above, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
Specialized Experience Requirement:
For the GS-07 level: Applicants must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-05 level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:

  • Gathered, consolidated, and prepared data for charts, lists of study findings, and statistical tables;
  • Operated technical equipment or instruments to take readings and perform routine testing tasks, under the direction of a supervisor;
  • Assisted in the preparation of technical reports, including assisting in the analysis of data and test findings; and/or
  • Assisted in analysis of environmental effects of earth disturbing or other human activities on hydrologic resources.
OR
Applicants must have one full year of graduate level education (coursework directly related to position being filled);
OR
An appropriate combination of graduate level education and specialized experience;
OR
Superior Academic Achievement (click the link to determine if you are eligible: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-policies/
For the GS-09 level: Applicants must have one-year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-07 level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Assisted senior hydrologists by carrying out routine projects;
  • Assisted in implementing well-established hydrology programs or projects;
  • Helped in assessing the water resource capability/suitability and identifying goals and concerns for water resource management;
  • Conducted water resource inventories and prepared the resulting data for application into the land management planning process; and/or
  • Assisted in water resource inventories following established procedures to assemble databases required to support management programs and planning.
OR
A Master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D., if related;
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See above for education that may be qualifying for the specific grade level.Employment Type: OTHER

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