ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Groundwater Modeling Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Tetra Tech

Geologist/Hydrogeologist

Superior, CO · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Proficiency with databases, preferably Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, and groundwater modeling tools, including finite-difference and/or finite-element modeling approaches, is preferred. Attention to ...

Tetra Tech, Inc.

Geologist/Hydrogeologist

Superior, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Proficiency with databases, preferably Microsoft Access, ArcGIS, and groundwater modeling tools, including finite-difference and/or finite-element modeling approaches, is preferred. Attention to ...

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Principal Hydrogeologist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide or critically review numerical and analytical groundwater modeling, including assumptions, uncertainty, limitations, and implications for client decisions. * Translate complex hydrogeologic ...

ITASCA North America

Principal Hydrogeologist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$150K - $200K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Guide or critically review numerical and analytical groundwater modeling, including assumptions, uncertainty, limitations, and implications for client decisions. * Translate complex hydrogeologic ...

Arcadis

Project Hydrogeologist

Highlands Ranch, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiency using hydrogeologic modeling software (e.g., AQTESOLV, MODFLOW, Groundwater Vistas, HEC Software) Why Arcadis? We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best.

Arcadis

Project Hydrogeologist

Highlands Ranch, CO · Hybrid

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Proficiency using hydrogeologic modeling software (e.g., AQTESOLV, MODFLOW, Groundwater Vistas, HEC Software) Why Arcadis? We can only achieve our goals when everyone is empowered to be their best.

ITASCA North America

Senior Hydrogeologist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop, apply, or review groundwater flow and contaminant transport models. * Analyze hydrogeologic, geochemical, and environmental data. * Prepare technical reports, presentations, proposals ...

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Senior Hydrogeologist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$105K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Develop, apply, or review groundwater flow and contaminant transport models. * Analyze hydrogeologic, geochemical, and environmental data. * Prepare technical reports, presentations, proposals ...

ITASCA North America

Senior Project Hydrogeologist

Denver, CO · On-site +1

$85K - $105K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Support groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling, including data preparation, model development, and documentation. * Analyze hydrogeologic, geochemical, and environmental data. * Prepare ...

WSP

Senior Geochemist/Hydrogeochemist

Lakewood, CO · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Conceptual models to describe the fate and transport of constituents in groundwater and surface water * Laboratory and/or field programs to support conceptual and numerical model development

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGroundwater Modeling JobsGroundwater Modeling Jobs in Colorado

Groundwater Modeling information

See Colorado salary details

$15

$32

$53

How much do groundwater modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for groundwater modeling in Colorado is $32.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.26 and $36.15 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is groundwater modeling?

Groundwater modeling is the process of using computer simulations to represent and predict the flow of groundwater and the movement of contaminants through subsurface materials. These models help scientists, engineers, and environmental professionals understand groundwater behavior under various conditions, plan water resource management, and assess the impacts of human activities. Models can range from simple analytical calculations to complex numerical simulations depending on the project's needs.

How to get a job in groundwater modeling?

Jobs in hydrology and groundwater modeling require advanced qualifications. Professionals in the field generally hold a Ph.D., but some positions are available to those with a bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil or environmental engineering, earth sciences, oceanography, or a related focus. In this role, you need to be familiar with modeling tools like the Hydrologic Engineering Center’s River Analysis system and the EPA’s stormwater management model. Additionally, you should have an understanding of computational fluid dynamics models, and you should be comfortable working with very large datasets to produce data visualizations. Excellent communication and project management skills are also important.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a groundwater modeler?

To thrive as a Groundwater Modeler, you need a strong background in hydrogeology, mathematics, and environmental science, typically supported by a relevant degree such as geology, civil engineering, or environmental engineering. Proficiency with groundwater modeling software like MODFLOW, GIS tools, and data analysis platforms is essential, and certifications in hydrology or modeling can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills are crucial for interpreting data and presenting findings to stakeholders. These skills are vital to ensure accurate groundwater assessments and support informed decision-making in water resource management and environmental protection.

What are common challenges faced by professionals working in groundwater modeling?

Groundwater modeling professionals often encounter challenges such as limited or inconsistent data availability, which can make it difficult to calibrate and validate models accurately. They also need to account for complex geological conditions and variability in aquifer properties that can impact model reliability. Collaboration with hydrologists, engineers, and regulatory agencies is essential to gather comprehensive data and align modeling efforts with project goals. Additionally, staying updated with evolving software tools and best practices is important for producing reliable results and supporting effective decision-making.

What is the difference between Groundwater Modeling vs Hydrogeologist?

AspectGroundwater ModelingHydrogeologist
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in geology, environmental science, or related field; certifications in modeling software are commonRequires a degree in geology, hydrogeology, or earth sciences; professional licensure may be preferred
Work EnvironmentPrimarily office-based with computer modeling; fieldwork for data collectionMix of fieldwork and office analysis; site assessments and data collection
Industry UsageUsed in water resource management, environmental impact assessments, and contamination studiesInvolved in groundwater exploration, contamination assessment, and resource management

Groundwater Modeling focuses on creating computer simulations of underground water systems, while Hydrogeologists conduct field investigations and analyze groundwater data. Both roles are essential in water resource management but differ in their primary methods and focus areas.

More about Groundwater Modeling jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Groundwater Modeling jobs in Colorado?

The most popular types of Groundwater Modeling jobs in Colorado are:

What are popular job titles related to Groundwater Modeling jobs in Colorado?

For Groundwater Modeling jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Groundwater Modeling jobs in Colorado look for?

The top searched job categories for Groundwater Modeling jobs in Colorado are:

What cities in Colorado are hiring for Groundwater Modeling jobs?

Cities in Colorado with the most Groundwater Modeling job openings:

Groundwater Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Groundwater Modeling job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,823 per year, or $32.1 per hour.

Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler

Itasca Consulting Group, Inc.

Denver, CO • On-site, Remote

$105K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 29 days ago

Job description

Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler
ITASCA North America | U.S.-based
About the role
ITASCA North America is seeking a Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler to support challenging groundwater, mine water, and environmental projects across the U.S. and North America.
This role is suited for a technically strong professional with experience in groundwater flow modeling, hydrogeologic interpretation, and practical consulting. The successful candidate will serve as a modeling expert, technical reviewer, mentor, and project contributor within ITASCA's hydrogeology practice.
Mining experience is strongly valued, particularly in mine dewatering, depressurization, pit inflow, pore-pressure estimation, water balance, closure, groundwater recovery, and hydrogeologic support for mine planning and operations.
Why this role matters
Groundwater models are most valuable when they help clients make better decisions. At ITASCA North America, modeling is not treated as a stand-alone exercise; it is used to understand complex hydrogeologic systems, test assumptions, evaluate uncertainty, and support practical decisions about water, risk, operations, permitting, and closure.
As a Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler, you will help translate field data, conceptual models, numerical simulations, and project constraints into clear technical insight. Your work may support mine water management, dewatering and depressurization strategies, groundwater impact assessment, contaminant transport evaluation, closure planning, and long-term water management.
You will also help advance ITASCA's modeling capabilities by mentoring staff, reviewing technical work, improving modeling practices, and contributing to the continued development and application of ITASCA's groundwater modeling tools.
What you'll do
  • Develop, calibrate, apply, and review numerical groundwater flow models for mining, environmental, and water-resource projects.
  • Support modeling related to mine dewatering, depressurization, pit and underground working inflows, groundwater recovery, contaminant transport, seepage, closure, and water management.
  • Develop and interpret conceptual hydrogeologic models using geology, field data, monitoring records, hydraulic testing, groundwater chemistry, and project constraints.
  • Evaluate model assumptions, calibration, uncertainty, sensitivity, limitations, and implications for client decisions.
  • Prepare technical reports, model documentation, presentations, proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and work plans.
  • Serve as a technical reviewer and internal resource for groundwater modeling quality.
  • Mentor junior and intermediate staff in modeling methods, hydrogeologic interpretation, and technical communication.
  • Work independently on complex assignments and manage modeling tasks or projects.
  • Collaborate with hydrogeologists, geomechanics engineers, engineering geologists, geochemists, data scientists, and software developers.
  • Support continued improvement of ITASCA's modeling skills, workflows, training materials, and technical capabilities.
  • As appropriate, work with the MINEDW product manager and in-house software staff to support groundwater model code development, feature improvements, user training materials, and marketing content.

What you bring
Required
  • Advanced degree in hydrogeology, geochemistry, environmental engineering, or a related field.
  • Approximately 10-20 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Proven record of technical excellence in groundwater flow modeling.
  • Strong experience developing, calibrating, applying, and interpreting numerical groundwater models.
  • Experience with conceptual hydrogeologic models, hydrogeologic data interpretation, and model documentation.
  • Ability to critically evaluate model assumptions, calibration, uncertainty, sensitivity, and limitations.
  • Experience working independently on complex technical assignments.
  • Ability to supervise, manage, mentor, and review the work of others.
  • Strong technical writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to support proposals, work programs, and client communication.

Strongly valued
  • Experience with MINEDW, MODFLOW, FEFLOW, HydroGeoSphere, MIKE SHE, Groundwater Vistas, MT3D/transport modeling tools, PEST, or related modeling platforms.
  • Mining industry experience, particularly mine dewatering, depressurization, pit inflow, pore-pressure estimation, water balance, closure, groundwater recovery, or operational hydrogeology.
  • Experience with finite-element and/or finite-difference groundwater modeling approaches.
  • Experience with contaminant transport modeling, parameter estimation, uncertainty analysis, sensitivity analysis, or stochastic modeling.
  • Programming or scripting experience using Python, R, VBA, or similar tools.
  • Experience with GIS, 3-D visualization, large datasets, database tools, or model pre/post-processing workflows.
  • Experience with field investigation design, aquifer testing, hydraulic testing, groundwater monitoring, or data collection programs.
  • Experience developing modeling workflows, training materials, software documentation, or user-facing technical materials.
  • Professional registration by a recognized organization, or ability to obtain registration where required.

Why ITASCA
For more than 45 years, ITASCA has helped clients solve complex geomechanics, hydrogeology, and engineering geology challenges through technical depth, practical judgment, and innovation.
At ITASCA, you will work on challenging projects where standard approaches are often not enough. Our work combines field experience, scientific and engineering interpretation, advanced analysis, and state-of-the-art ITASCA software to help clients make better decisions.
We are a collaborative, collegial, employee-owned company where technical excellence, curiosity, mentorship, mutual respect, and shared success matter. This is a place for senior modelers who want to stay deeply technical while helping shape the tools, methods, and people behind ITASCA's hydrogeology practice.
Location and travel
This is a full-time position based in the United States. Preferred locations are Denver/Lakewood, Colorado, or Minneapolis, Minnesota, but other U.S. locations, including hybrid/remote work options, may be considered for the right candidate.
Travel may be required for client meetings, site visits, field programs, conferences, and internal collaboration.
ITASCA may provide employment-based visa sponsorship (e.g. H1-B, L-1, TN, etc.) for this role, subject to business needs, candidate qualifications, and immigration regulations.
Compensation and benefits
We value your contributions and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Performance bonuses, including cash and company stock
  • Health, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
  • Generous paid time off from day one
  • Paid holidays
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid parental leave
  • Company-paid short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance

The anticipated salary range is $105,000-$130,000. Final compensation will depend on experience and qualifications.
Take the next step in your career and become a valued member of our employee-owned company. Join us at ITASCA, where innovation meets excellence!
ITASCA is an equal opportunity employer, a drug-free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.

Apply