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Hydraulic Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McKim & Creed

Hydraulic Modeler

Asheville, NC · On-site

A Hydraulic Modeler develops, updates, calibrates, and maintains water distribution and wastewater collection system models for planning, design, and operational evaluations. DURING YOUR WORK DAY ...

McKim & Creed

Hydraulic Modeler

Asheville, NC · On-site

A Hydraulic Modeler develops, updates, calibrates, and maintains water distribution and wastewater collection system models for planning, design, and operational evaluations. DURING YOUR WORK DAY ...

HDR

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

Woodcliff Lake, NJ · On-site

HDR's Hydraulic Modeling practice focuses on the application of modern mathematical modeling to understand the hydraulics and hydrologic processes. One- and two-dimensional hydraulic models and ...

HDR

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

Woodcliff Lake, NJ

HDR's Hydraulic Modeling practice focuses on the application of modern mathematical modeling to understand the hydraulics and hydrologic processes. One- and two-dimensional hydraulic models and ...

Arcadis

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

Akron, OH · On-site

Arcadis is looking for an experienced Senior Hydraulic Modeler with strong technical leadership and project delivery experience to join our Resilience Water Team! This is an exciting opportunity for ...

HDR

Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler

San Diego, CA · On-site

Developing hydraulic models using GIS data and as-built drawings * Collecting and assessing field data for hydraulic model calibration * Analyzing flow, demand, population, water quality, and ...

Arcadis

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

Akron, OH · On-site

Arcadis is looking for an experienced Senior Hydraulic Modeler with strong technical leadership and project delivery experience to join our Resilience Water Team! This is an exciting opportunity for ...

HDR

Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler

San Diego, CA · On-site

Developing hydraulic models using GIS data and as-built drawings * Collecting and assessing field data for hydraulic model calibration * Analyzing flow, demand, population, water quality, and ...

HDR

Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler

San Diego, CA · On-site

Developing hydraulic models using GIS data and as-built drawings * Collecting and assessing field data for hydraulic model calibration * Analyzing flow, demand, population, water quality, and ...

Ardurra

Hydraulic Modeling Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

Ardurra is seeking a Hydraulic Modeling Engineer to join our Public Works Infrastructure team in Houston, TX! Ardurra is a multidisciplinary civil engineering services firm providing innovative ...

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How much do hydraulic modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for hydraulic modeler in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Hydraulic Modeler vs Civil Engineer?

AspectHydraulic ModelerCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Hydraulic Engineering; certifications in hydraulic modeling softwareBachelor's in Civil, Structural, or Environmental Engineering; PE license often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting agencies, government agencies focused on water resourcesConstruction sites, design firms, infrastructure projects
Industry UsageSpecialized in water flow, flood risk, and hydraulic systemsBroad engineering projects including transportation, structures, water resources

Hydraulic Modelers focus specifically on modeling water systems and hydraulic simulations, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope including infrastructure design and construction. Both roles often collaborate but differ in specialization and project focus.

What are some typical challenges faced by hydraulic modelers when working on large-scale infrastructure projects?

Hydraulic modelers working on large-scale infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as integrating complex data from multiple sources, ensuring model accuracy with limited field data, and adapting models to reflect real-world changes over time. Collaboration with engineers, planners, and environmental scientists is essential to address these issues and ensure models meet regulatory and client requirements. Staying current with modeling software and industry standards also helps overcome these challenges and deliver reliable results.

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

To thrive as a Hydraulic Modeler, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and fluid mechanics, often supported by a relevant degree. Proficiency in modeling software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, InfoWorks, or MIKE, as well as GIS applications, is typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help in interpreting data and conveying complex findings to stakeholders. These skills are crucial for producing accurate models that inform infrastructure planning, flood risk assessment, and water resource management.

What is a hydraulic modeler?

A Hydraulic Modeler is a professional who uses mathematical models and computer simulations to analyze and predict the behavior of water flows in natural and engineered systems, such as rivers, stormwater networks, and water treatment facilities. They play a crucial role in designing infrastructure, assessing flood risks, and optimizing water resource management. Hydraulic Modelers often work with specialized software to create accurate models that help inform engineering decisions and environmental planning.
More about Hydraulic Modeler jobs
What states have the most Hydraulic Modeler jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydraulic Modeler jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hydraulic Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hydraulic Modeler jobs are:
Hydraulic Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydraulic Modeler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Hydraulic Modeler

McKim & Creed

Asheville, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago

McKim & Creed rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

68th of 447 rated engineering

Job description

OVERVIEW: A Hydraulic Modeler develops, updates, calibrates, and maintains water distribution and wastewater collection system models for planning, design, and operational evaluations.
DURING YOUR WORK DAY, YOU WILL:
  • Develop, update, calibrate, and maintain water distribution and wastewater collection system models for planning, design, and operational evaluations.
  • Perform scenario analyses such as system capacity and level-of-service evaluations; pipe and pump sizing; booster/pump station evaluations; and fire flow, pressure zone, storage, and water age/water quality screening (as applicable).
  • Compile, review, and validate model input data from GIS, as-builts, asset inventories, SCADA/telemetry, flow monitoring, and field testing.
  • Use GIS (Esri ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro) to prepare, spatially validate, and manage model datasets (e.g., networks, demands, basins, customer meters, assets).
  • Apply data analysis methods to identify trends, data gaps, anomalies, and optimization opportunities; develop dashboards, tables, and clear visualizations for technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Prepare technical memoranda and report sections documenting assumptions, calibration, results, and recommended improvements.
  • Coordinate with multi-discipline teams to support master planning, design, permitting, and construction support activities.
  • Participate in client meetings; communicate modeling approach and findings effectively.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED:
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or related discipline.
  • Masters preferred but not required.
  • EI (Engineer Intern) / EIT certification required (active and in good standing).
  • Demonstrated experience with water and/or wastewater modeling software, such as:
  • Bentley WaterGEMS/WaterCAD, SewerCAD/SewerGEMS
  • InfoWorks ICM/WS Pro, EPANET, SWMM (or comparable tools)
  • Working proficiency with Esri ArcGIS tools and geospatial datasets.
  • Strong data analysis skills (advanced Excel; experience with Python/R and/or SQL is a plus).
  • Strong technical writing and communication skills; ability to work independently and collaboratively on multiple concurrent assignments.
  • Valid driver's license and ability to travel locally as needed for field verification/support (project-dependent).

WHAT WILL MAKE YOU STAND OUT:
  • Very good presentation, technical writing, and public speaking skills.
  • Experience calibrating models using field data (e.g., flow tests, hydrant tests, pressure logging, flow monitoring).
  • Familiarity with utility planning and operations (e.g., CIP support, asset management integration).
  • Experience with model animation/visualization and presentation-ready outputs.
  • Experience with implementation of machine learning and/or AI methods to solve engineering problems
  • Participation in industry organizations is encouraged (e.g., AWWA, WEF, ASCE/EWRI, local utility associations); presenting or publishing is a plus.
  • Progress toward PE licensure (or ability/intent to obtain PE within an established timeframe)

WHAT WE OFFER: Join a company that puts its employees first.
Ranked as one of the Best Firms to Work For, here are just some of the reasons to become part of the McKim & Creed team:
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP): All employees are owners & benefit from profits earned.
  • Competitive pay paid holidays, bereavement, and parental, medical, and military leave
  • Multiple office locations to work from: Stick close to home or travel for a change of scenery.
  • Growth opportunities & training: Grow confidently in your career with our mentoring & training options.
  • Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, early career professional program, online courses & more
  • Work that makes a difference: See the direct impact your work has on our communities.
  • Collaborative, supportive team: People to help you solve problems, cheer successes & encourage you along the way.

McKim & Creed is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor and will consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status and maintains a Drug Free Workplace.
#LI-DNI
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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