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Hydrology Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for site drainage and stormwater design. * Evaluate site data to provide design decisions. * Ensure designs comply with local, state, and federal regulations ...

Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for site drainage and stormwater design. * Evaluate site data to provide design decisions. * Ensure designs comply with local, state, and federal regulations ...

Preparation of and/or review of hydrologic designs and corresponding information for inclusion in permit applications to a variety of appropriate agencies. Work products may include maps, text, and ...

Preparation of and/or review of hydrologic designs and corresponding information for inclusion in permit applications to a variety of appropriate agencies. Work products may include maps, text, and ...

New

Preparation of and/or review of hydrologic designs and corresponding information for inclusion in permit applications to a variety of appropriate agencies. Work products may include maps, text, and ...

Engineer Permitting

Lynnville, IN · On-site

$90 - $125/hr

Preparation of and/or review of hydrologic designs and corresponding information for inclusion in permit applications to a variety of appropriate agencies. Work products may include maps, text, and ...

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Hydrology information

See Indiana salary details

$26.6K

$59.7K

$111.3K

How much do hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology in Indiana is $59,733.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,200.00 and $84,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is hydrology and what does a hydrologist do?

Hydrology is the scientific study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water on Earth, including the water cycle, water resources, and environmental watershed sustainability. Hydrologists are scientists who analyze how water interacts with the environment, including precipitation, surface water, groundwater, and their impacts on ecosystems and human activities. They often work on managing water resources, predicting floods and droughts, and solving water-related problems such as pollution or scarcity. Their work is essential for agriculture, urban planning, environmental protection, and disaster preparedness.

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

To thrive as a Hydrologist, you need a strong background in environmental science, mathematics, and geology, usually backed by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in hydrology or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, remote sensing tools, hydrologic modeling systems, and sometimes professional certifications like the Professional Hydrologist (PH) credential are commonly required. Excellent analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help hydrologists interpret data and collaborate with diverse teams. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing water resources, predicting water-related risks, and informing sustainable management decisions.

What are some common challenges hydrologists face when working on field studies, and how can they be managed?

Hydrologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, difficult terrain, and limited accessibility to remote study sites during fieldwork. To manage these, professionals typically plan field visits carefully, use specialized equipment for data collection, and collaborate closely with team members to ensure safety and data accuracy. Flexibility and strong problem-solving skills are essential, as hydrologists must adapt to changing conditions and troubleshoot issues in real time. Collaborative teamwork and clear communication also play a crucial role in overcoming logistical obstacles and ensuring successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Hydrology vs Hydraulics?

AspectHydrologyHydraulics
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in hydrology, environmental science, or civil engineeringBachelor's or master's in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data analysis, environmental agencies, research institutionsDesign, testing, and analysis of fluid systems, often in construction or manufacturing
Industry UsageWater resource management, environmental protection, researchFluid system design, hydraulic engineering, infrastructure projects

Hydrology focuses on the study of water movement, distribution, and quality in natural systems, while hydraulics deals with the behavior of fluids in engineered systems. Both fields often overlap but serve different purposes: hydrologists manage water resources and environmental concerns, whereas hydraulic engineers design systems like dams, pipes, and pumps.

Are hydrologists in demand?

Hydrologists are in steady demand due to increasing concerns about water resources, climate change, and environmental management. Employment opportunities are expected to grow as governments and organizations seek expertise in water conservation, flood control, and environmental protection, often requiring skills in data analysis and GIS tools.

Is it worth it to become a hydrologist?

A hydrologist studies water resources and environmental systems, often working for government agencies, consulting firms, or research institutions. The profession typically requires a degree in hydrology, environmental science, or related fields, and offers opportunities in fieldwork, data analysis, and modeling. Job prospects are generally stable, with a median salary around $70,000, but can vary based on experience, location, and specialization.

What is the average salary of a hydrologist?

The average salary of a hydrologist in the United States is approximately $70,000 to $85,000 per year, depending on experience, education, and location. Hydrologists working for government agencies or in specialized fields may earn higher salaries, and advanced certifications can also impact earning potential.

What jobs can a hydrology do?

A hydrologist can work in roles such as water resource management, environmental consulting, flood risk assessment, and research. They often analyze water data, use modeling tools, and may work for government agencies, consulting firms, or research institutions. Certification and knowledge of GIS and hydrological software are valuable in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Hydrology jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Hydrology jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Hydrology jobs in Indiana?

For Hydrology jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Hydrology job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,733 per year, or $28.7 per hour.

$89K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

120th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position is located in the National Weather Service (NWS), Weather Forecast Office (WFO) with vacancies in each listed location. WFOs issue warnings and forecasts for their local area, keeping the public informed of weather hazards and interacting with emergency management partners to mitigate the impacts of weather and water hazards.Qualifications:

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
BASIC REQUIREMENTS: This position requires applicants to meet the Basic Education Requirement in addition to at least one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience in order to be found minimally qualified. You MUST meet one of the following basic education requirements:
To qualify for the 1315 series:
A. Degree: 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
B. Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
-AND-
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE:
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
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.
To qualify at the GS-12 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:

  • Utilizing models, techniques and procedures for hydro-meteorological forecasts; and
  • Representing an organization to stakeholders regarding hydrologic forecast and warning operations.

To qualify at the GS-13 level:
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: In addition to meeting the Basic Requirements above, applicants must also possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service. Specialized experience MUST include all of the following:
  • Maintaining and updating hydro-meteorological models, techniques and procedures for hydrologic forecasts;
  • Analyzing hydrologic forecast and warning processes, procedures, and services to recommend operational improvement; and
  • Representing an organization to internal and external stakeholders regarding hydrologic forecast and warning operations.
Education:

Substitution of education for specialized experience is not applicable to this vacancy.
College Transcript:If you are qualifying based on education, submit a copy of your college transcript that lists college courses detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., Bio 101, Math 210, etc.), name of accredited institution, course title, number of credit hours and grade earned. You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume. You may submit an unofficial copy of the transcript at the initial phase of the application process. If course content cannot be easily identified from the title of the course as listed on your transcript, you must submit an official course description from the college/university that reflects the content at the time the course was taken.
Note: Your college transcript is used to verify successful completion of degree, or college course work. An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.
Education completed in colleges or universities outside the United States may be used to meet the above requirements. You must provide acceptable documentation that the foreign education is comparable to that received in an accredited educational institution in the United States. For more information on how foreign education is evaluated, visit: OPM Foreign Education Evaluation.

Employment Type: OTHER

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