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Groundwater Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Knowledge of groundwater modeling techniques and software. * Experience in the use of MODFLOW and STOMP. * Thorough knowledge of Hanford Site Groundwater treatment operations. * Thorough knowledge of ...

Senior Groundwater Modeler

Redmond, WA · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Work closely with other members of the WSP modeling team Redmond as well as the wider WSP groundwater technical community around the world in a collaborative environment * Exercise responsible and ...

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Groundwater Modeling information

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How much do groundwater modeling jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for groundwater modeling in the United States is $30.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $34.38 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.

What cities are hiring for Groundwater Modeling jobs?

Cities with the most Groundwater Modeling job openings:

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

The most popular types of Groundwater Modeling jobs are:

What states have the most Groundwater Modeling jobs?

States with the most job openings for Groundwater Modeling jobs include:

Infographic showing various Groundwater Modeling job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $63,549 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler - Environmental Services (Kansas City)

Burns & McDonnell

Kansas City, MO • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago


Burns & McDonnell rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 80 rated construction


Job description

As a part of the Remediation Department within Burns & McDonnell's Environmental Services group, the Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler will support a wide variety of projects involving clean and contaminated groundwater on a nationwide/global basis. The Senior Hydrogeologist/Groundwater Modeler will have exemplary skills and knowledge of Hydrogeology including an extensive and practical expertise with the MODFLOW suite of software, and the ability to apply those skills to real-world projects involving groundwater flow, contaminant transport, and soil/groundwater contaminant remediation in a variety of geologic settings. Additional experience with Leapfrog is preferred. Technical knowledge, leadership, and communications skills are key aspects of this position. Individuals should be team-focused and should be well-connected in the water and environmental industry, with the ability to expand our client base.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide senior technical support for a variety of projects including groundwater flow in complex geologic settings, contaminant fate and transport modeling, geospatial data analysis and visualization, contaminant hydrogeology, groundwater remediation, hydrogeological assessments, groundwater sustainability, permitting and environmental impact assessments.

  • Demonstrate proficiency in developing, calibrating, and running both steady-state and transient groundwater flow models using various MODFLOW versions, including MODFLOW-2005, USG, and MODFLOW 6, is highly desirable. Be adept at utilizing associated programs for particle tracking (MODPATH) and flow budget analysis (ZONEBUDGET) and have a strong background in model calibration and uncertainty analysis, utilizing software such as PEST.

  • Experience in characterizing the physical and hydraulic properties of the vadose zone and applying numerical models, such as HYDRUS or the MODFLOW Unsaturated-Zone Flow (UZF) Package, to simulate water movement and contaminant transport is preferred.

  • Proficiency in programming and scripting, preferably with python, for data analysis and model automation is desired.

  • Collaborate closely with Geologists, Engineers, Project Managers, and Program Managers.

  • Manage, design, execute, and supervise groundwater data analysis and groundwater modeling scopes on multidisciplinary projects, including Hydrogeologic Investigations, Feasibility Studies, development of Conceptual Site Models, Regulatory Compliance and Permitting; and Soil and Groundwater Contaminant Remediation.

  • Prepare and/or provide senior review of technical correspondence, project scope and cost proposals, technical reports, memorandums, work plans, and project specifications.

  • Project management and execution, including the development and maintenance of project scopes, schedules and budgets, and coordination of team members.

  • Communicate effectively with peers, clients, and regulators; demonstrate strong written, verbal, computer, and interpersonal skills.

  • Support team business development activities including client interaction and customer relationship management, contribute to business development plans, identify markets/potential clients and related sales targets, and assist the team in preparing responses to Requests For Proposals and Request For Qualifications.

  • Train, mentor, and develop junior and intermediate staff.

  • All other duties as assigned.

  • Bachelor's degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or a related field from an accredited curriculum.

  • Minimum 8 years related experience showing proficiency in hydrogeological field investigations, aquifer analysis, and well design.

  • Ten years of experience in hydrogeology and groundwater modeling projects preferred.

  • Extensive experience with building, calibrating, and optimizing numerical groundwater flow and contaminant transport models using commercial modeling software, (such as MODFLOW, MT3D, and Groundwater Vistas).

  • Outstanding understanding of hydrogeology and its applications.

  • Ability to present complex technical information clearly, both verbally and in writing.

  • Supervisory, project management, and client management experience.

  • Aptitude, capability, and inclination to train, mentor, and develop junior and intermediate staff.

  • Professional Geologist and/or Certified Hydrogeologist registration, or eligibility for registration is desirable.
     

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About Burns & McDonnell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Burns & McDonnell assists clients of all sizes and industries by providing extensive physical services ranging from assessments, integrated security solutions, and large security architecture designs. Services we typically provide include security and safety system design, threat, risk, and vulnerability assessments, security surveys, security master planning, compliance to federal security programs, independent validation and verification of integrated security system operations, management of installation and maintenance, and staff augmentation to develop and implement facility management and protection processes.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Kansas City, MO, US

Year founded

1898

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