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Groundwater Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Groundwater Expert

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$78K - $99K/yr

... Groundwater Expert typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Associate or Senior Associate level. * Associate range: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 * Senior Associate range: $140,000.00 - $160,000 ...

Groundwater Expert

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$78K - $99K/yr

... Groundwater Expert typically would be placed at a Shannon & Wilson Associate or Senior Associate level. * Associate range: $125,000.00 - $150,000.00 * Senior Associate range: $140,000.00 - $160,000 ...

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Groundwater information

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$30

$51

How much do groundwater jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for groundwater 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 a Groundwater job?

A Groundwater job typically involves studying, managing, and protecting underground water resources. Professionals in this field analyze groundwater flow, monitor water quality, and develop solutions for water conservation or contamination issues. They may work in environmental consulting, government agencies, or research institutions. Common roles include hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, and water resource engineers. Duties can range from field sampling and data analysis to policy development and infrastructure planning.

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

To thrive as a Groundwater Specialist or Hydrogeologist, you need a solid background in geology, hydrology, and environmental science, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with groundwater modeling software (such as MODFLOW), GIS tools, and field instrumentation is typically required, along with relevant certifications like Professional Geologist (PG) or equivalent where applicable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and clear communication skills are crucial for data interpretation and effective collaboration. These skills help ensure accurate groundwater assessments, regulatory compliance, and successful multidisciplinary project outcomes.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in groundwater roles?

Groundwater professionals often encounter challenges such as interpreting complex subsurface data, dealing with unpredictable field conditions, and ensuring compliance with evolving environmental regulations. They may also need to balance the interests of multiple stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, property owners, and project developers. Collaborative problem-solving and adaptability are important, especially when working on teams with engineers, environmental scientists, and public agencies. Overcoming these challenges requires a mix of technical expertise, clear communication, and effective project management. Successfully addressing these obstacles can lead to valuable experience and professional growth in the environmental and geoscience fields.

More about Groundwater jobs
What cities are hiring for Groundwater jobs? Cities with the most Groundwater job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Groundwater jobs? The most popular types of Groundwater jobs are:
What states have the most Groundwater jobs? States with the most job openings for Groundwater jobs include:
Infographic showing various Groundwater job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, and 95% Full Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,549 per year, or $30.6 per hour.
Principal Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeler

Principal Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeler

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Rancho Cordova, CA โ€ข On-site

$73K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago


Job description

Overview
Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better?
Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Principal Quantitative Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeler in our Sacramento, California office. This position is well-suited for a talented, highly experienced individual who is interested in contributing to innovative and challenging projects involving contaminated site assessment and remediation, groundwater management and water supply, litigation support, and contaminant fate and transport.
Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.
We invest in our people. Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too. We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.
To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Manage challenging technical projects while leveraging your existing knowledge and experience to help Geosyntec expand its current practices and capabilities through business development and client management.
  • Task and project management, including planning and implementing investigation and remediation projects, budgeting and budget management, adherence to schedule, quality, client satisfaction, and profitability.
  • Serve as the technical specialist on impacted groundwater projects.
  • Design and oversight of field investigations and development of conceptual hydrogeologic models.
  • Design strategy and oversee aquifer testing and hydrogeologic data analyses.
  • Design strategy and oversee data analysis/visualization of site investigation data including the preparation of tables, maps, and figures using both industry-standard and cutting-edge applications.
  • Design strategy and oversee preparation of, review of, and certify technical reports, letters, memoranda, plans, specifications, and proposals.
  • Lead meetings with clients, regulatory personnel, and other parties.
  • Lead proposal efforts and other business development activities.
  • Develop a client portfolio by acquiring new clients and effectively managing relationships to encourage repeat business.
  • Foster trust-based relationships with clients, regulatory personnel, and other project stakeholders.
  • Mentor, guide, and motivate early career staff assigned in the areas of project performance, cost, schedule management, client expectations and career development; work with employees to correct deficiencies.
  • At times, the job may also include fieldwork including client and regulator site tours and health and safety auditing.
  • Drive personal, company, and rental vehicles to client or company project or office sites, and other business locations, as needed.

Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, environmental sciences, civil engineering, environmental engineering, or similar. (required)
  • Advanced degree of the same. (preferred)
  • Professional registration (i.e., P.G., P.E.) (preferred)

Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • At least 10 years of related experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience. (required)
  • Experience with developing and analyzing aquifer performance tests. (required)
  • Demonstrated interest in contaminant remediation and quantitative hydrogeology. (required)
  • Experience with visualization tools (e.g., ArcGIS, Leapfrog) and/or groundwater flow and geochemical modeling (Modflow, MT3D, geochemical equilibrium models). (preferred)
  • Experience with multi-disciplinary project teams. (required)
  • Demonstrated success in the development and management of clients. (required)
  • Ability to succeed in a fast-paced consulting environment, handling multiple project assignments, meeting strict deadlines, and traveling to client facilities as needed. (required)
  • Serve as a Testifying Expert on litigation matters involving hydrogeologic fate and transport. (preferred)
  • Current OSHA 40-hr HAZWOPER training and refreshers. (preferred)
  • Health & Safety training, medical monitoring, and client-driven drug and background testing may be required.
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec's total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.
  • Minimum Salary: $149,330/year / Maximum Salary: $209,060/year (Sacramento)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.
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