Hydraulic Modeler Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

This position is with the Center for Energy Water Sustainability (CEWS) within the CIVE department. This position will report to the director of CEWS, Dr. Kenneth Carlson, and work in a team environment, in collaboration with other employees. The research team conducts floodplain analyses and generates flood hazard maps for the U.S. Air Force. This position requires an experienced hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling professional who can independently develop, run, and review hydrologic and hydraulic models, perform geospatial pre- and post-processing, and support floodplain mapping and flood risk assessment deliverables.

8/13/2026

The CEE Department at CSU is recognized both nationally and internationally for its research, education, and service and outreach programs and is ranked in the top 40 CEE programs in the USA. The CEE Department comprises 34 faculty, 7 research scientists/scholars, 15 research associates, and 10 administrative professionals.Additional information about the CEE Department can be found at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/.

Hydrology and Hydraulic Modeling

• Build, run, and calibrate hydrologic models in HEC-HMS and hydraulic models in HEC-RAS, including 2D applications, in support of floodplain analyses.

• Conduct data pre-processing in ArcGIS, including terrain, land cover, and watershed data preparation.

• Conduct data post-processing and packaging in ArcGIS, including floodplain mapping and flood hazard deliverables (flood depth, velocity, and water surface elevation).

• Perform flood risk assessments, watershed analyses, and related stormwater and drainage evaluations.

• Review model inputs, assumptions, and outputs for accuracy, and support QA/QC of models, maps, and reports.

• Assist with day-to-day hydrology and hydraulics research and technical documentation.

• Communicate with team members to help meet project deadlines.

Pre-employment Background Check - Criminal background check required for all new hires.

Special conditions: The Department will not sponsor a visa for this position.

This position will not have any formal or direct supervisory authority but may provide technical guidance to other team members.

• Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, or a closely related field by the date of hire.

• Demonstrated professional experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, floodplain analysis, or closely related water resources engineering work.

• Demonstrated proficiency building and running hydrologic and hydraulic models in HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS, including 2D hydraulic modeling.

• Demonstrated experience using GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS) for pre-processing, post-processing, and floodplain mapping.

• Knowledge and understanding of hydrology and hydraulics concepts, including rainfall-runoff simulation, riverine hydraulics, and flood risk assessment.

• Team player with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document technical work clearly.

• Experience with AI native workflows and automations

• Experience with FEMA floodplain study processes, such as LOMR, CLOMR, and No-Rise certifications.

• Experience with additional hydrologic, hydraulic, and stormwater tools such as PCSWMM

• Experience supporting U.S. federal, DoD, or municipal flood risk projects.

To apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance,CSUis where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

• Review our detailed benefits information here.

• Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.

• For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.

• Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations,CSUconducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.