1

Hydrology Engineer Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Hydrologic Modeler

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$80K - $120K/yr

Master's in hydrology, water resources, engineering, hydrologic sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field; or a Bachelor's plus 2 years training and running hydrologic ...

Hydrologic Modeler

Boulder, CO

$81K - $112K/yr

Master's in hydrology, water resources, engineering, hydrologic sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field; or a Bachelor's plus 2 years training and running hydrologic ...

Lead Surface Water Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

Perform and review hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using industry-standard tools and local ... Colorado Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months.

Perform and review hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using industry-standard tools and local ... Colorado Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months.

Hydrologic Modeler

Boulder, CO · On-site

$80K - $120K/yr

Master's in hydrology, water resources, engineering, hydrologic sciences, applied mathematics, computer science, or a related field; or a Bachelor's plus 2 years training and running hydrologic ...

Perform hydraulic and hydrologic analysis for storm drains, detention/retention facilities ... Manage and delegate daily tasks to junior engineers, providing mentorship and guidance on standard ...

Showing results 21-40

Hydrology Engineer information

See Colorado salary details

$40K

$86.9K

$129.3K

How much do hydrology engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology engineer in Colorado is $86,933.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $71,000.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a hydrology engineer do?

A hydrology engineer analyzes water systems, including rainfall, runoff, and groundwater, to design flood control, drainage, and water management solutions. They use modeling software and field data to assess water flow and develop plans for infrastructure projects, often working in environmental or civil engineering contexts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a hydrology engineer?

To thrive as a Hydrology Engineer, you need a strong background in hydrology, environmental engineering, and mathematics, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure such as a PE. Proficiency in modeling software (e.g., HEC-HMS, SWMM), GIS tools, and data analysis platforms is commonly required, along with knowledge of regulations and permitting processes. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication with multidisciplinary teams and stakeholders are important soft skills. These competencies are essential for accurately assessing water resources, managing projects, and ensuring environmentally sound engineering solutions.

What is a hydrology engineer?

A Hydrology Engineer specializes in studying and managing the movement, distribution, and quality of water in natural and built environments. They analyze rainfall patterns, groundwater flow, and river systems to develop solutions for flood control, water conservation, and environmental protection. Their work often involves using computer models and field data to predict water-related impacts and design infrastructure like dams, drainage systems, and irrigation projects. Hydrology Engineers collaborate with environmental scientists, urban planners, and government agencies to ensure sustainable water resource management.

What types of projects do hydrology engineers typically work on, and what does a typical day look like?

Hydrology Engineers often work on projects such as flood risk assessments, stormwater management system designs, watershed studies, and the development of sustainable water supply solutions. A typical day may involve analyzing environmental data, performing hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, preparing technical reports, and meeting with clients or regulatory agencies. You may also spend time in the field collecting samples or monitoring water systems, as well as collaborating closely with civil engineers, environmental scientists, and project managers. This diverse work structure offers hands-on experience and significant opportunities to take on increased project responsibility or move into management roles as you gain expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrology Engineer jobs in Colorado? The most popular types of Hydrology Engineer jobs in Colorado are:
What are popular job titles related to Hydrology Engineer jobs in Colorado? For Hydrology Engineer jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Colorado are hiring for Hydrology Engineer jobs? Cities in Colorado with the most Hydrology Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Hydrology Engineer job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,933 per year, or $41.8 per hour.

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

This announcement is being advertised as a Forest Service National Hiring effort to fill multiple vacancies. Positions may be filled at one or more of the duty locations included in this announcement. Final determination of the duty location will be made at the time of the job offer.
For additional information about the duties of this position, please contact Michelle Hannum at michelle.hannum@usda.gov.Qualifications:In order to qualify, you must meet the eligibility and qualifications requirements as defined below by the closing date of the announcement. For more information on the qualifications for this position, visit the Office of Personnel Management's General Schedule Qualification Standards.
Your application and resume must clearly show that you possess the experience requirements. Transcripts must be provided for qualifications based on education. Provide course descriptions as necessary.

Basic Requirement:
GS-1315 Series:

Degree: Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree that included a major field of study in physical or natural science, or engineering that included at least 30 semester hours in any combination of courses in hydrology, the physical sciences, geophysics, chemistry, engineering science, soils, mathematics, aquatic biology, atmospheric science, meteorology, geology, oceanography, or the management or conservation of water resources. The course work must have included at least 6 semester hours in calculus (including both differential and integral calculus), and at least 6 semester hours in physics. Calculus and physics, as described above, are requirements for all grade levels.
OR
Combination of education and experience -- coursework as shown above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Acceptable experience must have included performance of scientific functions related to the study of water resources, based on and requiring a professional knowledge of related sciences and the consistent application of basic scientific principles to the solution of theoretical and practical hydrologic problems. The following is illustrative of acceptable experience: field or laboratory work that would require application of hydrologic theory and related sciences such as geology, geo-chemistry, geophysics, or civil engineering to making observations, taking samples, operating instruments, assembling data from source materials, analyzing and interpreting data, and reporting findings orally and in writing. In some cases, professional scientific experience that is not clearly water resource experience may be acceptable if such experience was preceded by appropriate education in hydrology or by professional hydrology experience.
In addition to meeting the basic requirement, you must also possess experience and/or directly related education in the amounts listed below.
For the GS-9 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-7 grade level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Assisted senior hydrologists by carrying out routine projects; Assisted in implementing well-established hydrology programs or projects.
  • Assisted with assessing the water resource capability/suitability and identifying goals and concerns for water resource management.
  • Conducted water resource inventories and prepared the resulting data for application into the land management planning process.
  • Assisted with water resource inventories following established procedures to assemble databases required to support management programs and planning.
OR
A master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education in a hydrological program of study, LL.B. or J.D., if related
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and education (only graduate education in excess of 18 semester hours may be used to qualify applicants for this grade level). The education must have been obtained in an accredited college or university and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to do the work.
For the GS-11 level: Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-9 level. Qualifying specialized experience is defined as one or more of the following:
  • Collected, analyzed, and interpreted watershed data for input to environmental reports.
  • Participated as a member of interdisciplinary teams working on land management planning, emergency burn rehabilitation, or similar projects.
  • Followed prescribed project plans, applied conventional methods to analyze water samples and determine the causes of data anomalies.
  • Prepared and carried out water quality monitoring programs, including preparation of plans, collection and analysis of samples, and interpretation of data.
OR
3 years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree in a hydrological program of study
OR
An appropriate combination of specialized experience and graduate level education (beyond what is required for a master's degree, i.e., more than 36 semester hours leading to a Ph.D.).
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.Education:See above for education that may be qualifying for the specific grade level.Employment Type: OTHER