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Hydrology Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer IV

Grants, NM · On-site

$89K - $155K/yr

Typically requires a bachelors degree, masters degree or PhD in Geology, Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Engineering Geology, Civil Engineering, or related from an accredited institution and progressive ...

Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, or a related scientific discipline from an accredited institution. * Professional experience ...

Lead Water Resources Engineer-Atlanta

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$76K - $103K/yr

Minimum of 5 years of experience in hydraulic and hydrology engineering or a related field. * Proficiency in engineering software such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, and GIS. Preferred Qualifications:

Hydrology & Hydraulics Design Engineer

Jackson, MS · Hybrid

$71K - $92K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field required * 4 to 8 years of relevant hydrology and hydraulics experience * Experience with H&H modeling software (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, HY-8, etc.

Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, or a related scientific discipline from an accredited institution. * Professional experience ...

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Hydrology Engineering information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do hydrology engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology engineering in the United States is $62,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Will hydrology be replaced by AI?

Hydrology engineering involves analyzing water systems and requires expertise in data interpretation, field measurements, and environmental considerations. While AI tools can assist with data analysis and modeling, they are unlikely to fully replace the need for human judgment, fieldwork, and professional certification in hydrology engineering.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hydrology Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hydrology Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and mathematics, usually backed by a relevant degree and professional engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with hydrologic modeling software (such as HEC-HMS or SWMM), GIS systems, and data analysis tools is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills are essential to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and convey complex findings. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing water resources, designing sustainable solutions, and ensuring the safety and resilience of infrastructure projects.

What jobs can you get with a hydrology degree?

A hydrology degree can lead to careers such as hydrologist, water resources engineer, environmental consultant, or floodplain manager. These roles often involve data analysis, modeling, and fieldwork, and may require knowledge of GIS software and environmental regulations.

What does a hydrology engineer do?

A hydrology engineer analyzes water flow, distribution, and resources to design flood control systems, drainage, and water management projects. They use tools like GIS and modeling software and often require knowledge of environmental regulations and field data collection. Their work supports sustainable water use and infrastructure planning.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior hydrology engineers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership roles in large organizations can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with bonuses and profit sharing. High compensation is often associated with specialized skills, management responsibilities, and working in industries like consulting, energy, or government agencies.

What are some typical challenges faced by hydrology engineers when working on water resource projects?

Hydrology engineers often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, limited historical data, and changing land use, which can complicate accurate water flow modeling and forecasting. Additionally, balancing the needs of various stakeholders—including environmental groups, government agencies, and local communities—requires strong communication and negotiation skills. Working with interdisciplinary teams is common, and successful hydrology engineers are adept at collaborating with civil engineers, environmental scientists, and urban planners to develop sustainable water management solutions.

What is the difference between Hydrology Engineering vs Civil Engineering?

AspectHydrology EngineeringCivil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Hydrology, Civil, or Environmental Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for licensed engineers
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, modeling, research in water-related projectsDesign, construction, and maintenance of infrastructure like roads, bridges, and water systems
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental firms, water resource companiesConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firms

Hydrology Engineering focuses specifically on water flow, flood management, and water resource systems, while Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects. Both roles often require similar credentials and may work together on projects involving water infrastructure.

More about Hydrology Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Hydrology Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Hydrology Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrology Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Hydrology Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Hydrology Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Hydrology Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Hydrology Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Entry-Level Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer

GFT.

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

GFT is seeking a motivated Entry-Level Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer to join our Geotechnical, Dams, and Hydraulics team in Phoenix, AZ or Bountiful, UT. This position follows a hybrid work format, requiring a minimum 3 days of onsite attendance per week.
Joining the dams and hydraulics team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.
What you'll be challenged to do:
The Entry Level Hydrologic & Hydraulic Engineer will support hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design across a diverse project portfolio, with approximately 50% of your time dedicated to scour evaluations for electrical transmission line infrastructure (foundations, river crossings, and access roads). The remaining time will support dam safety, hydraulic structures, and flood control projects. You will collaborate with geotechnical, civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers through all phases of the project lifecycle.
In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:
  • Support analysis and design of water resources projects, including dams, flood control, and hydraulic structures.
  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, calculations, and scour evaluations (HEC-18, FCDMC).
  • Conduct field reviews to assess site conditions and support project development.
  • Provide technical support for studies including safe yield, fish passage, stream restoration, bridge scour, and dam safety evaluations.
  • Support H&H analyses for electrical transmission infrastructure, focusing on foundation, crossing, and access road scour.
  • Perform hydrologic calculations using rain-on-grid, Rational, USGS regression, HEC-1, and DDMSW methods.
  • Develop and run 1D/2D HEC-RAS models for steady and unsteady flow.
  • Compile and process survey, GIS, soils, and FEMA data for modeling and analysis.
  • Prepare engineering analyses, technical memoranda, reports, maps, figures, and exhibits for client and regulatory submittals.
  • Document assumptions, methods, calculations, and results clearly and traceably.
  • Prepare drawings, design figures, and other project deliverables in compliance with FCDMC, FEMA, and regional standards.

What you'll bring to our firm:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an ABET-accredited program.
  • 0-3 years of relevant experience in water resources, hydrologic, or hydraulic engineering.
  • Demonstrated interest in water resources, hydrologic or hydrologic engineering through applied academic projects, internships, or prior work experiences.
  • Basic knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, HEC-1, DDMSW, and SITES.
  • Familiarity with GIS software such as ArcGIS Pro.
  • Basic proficiency with CAD software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D.
  • Working proficiency in MS Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • Ability to work independently or collaboratively as a member of a team.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certification or able to receive within six (6) months of hire.

What we prefer you bring:
  • Master's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering with emphasis in water resources, hydraulics, or dam engineering.
  • Familiarity with scour evaluation methods (HEC-18, FCDMC) and/or transmission line infrastructure projects.
  • Working experience with two and three dimensional hydraulic modeling tools.
  • Experience with Python or VBA for engineering calculations and automation.
  • Interest in supporting business development through proposal preparation and client engagement.

Compensation:
  • The salary range for this position is $70,000 - $90,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits:
• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships - that's why we're the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry's brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.
Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives™ is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans' status or other characteristics protected by law.
Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.
GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.
Location: Bountiful, UT; Phoenix, AZ
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time
Applicants in the County of Los Angeles- Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.
Applicants in the City of San Francisco- Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Applicants in the State of California-Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the California Fair Chance Act.
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