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Hydrology Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

HYDROLOGIST

Klamath Falls, OR · On-site +1

$89K - $116K/yr

  • PTO

Serve as the area office hydrology subject matter expert on water policy, regulations, and water rights. * Develop project plans, technical reports, and recommendations while coordinating with ...

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Hydrology information

See Oregon salary details

$29.6K

$66.4K

$123.7K

How much do hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology in Oregon is $66,370.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,200.00 and $93,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 at a rate comparable to or faster than the average for all occupations, especially in government agencies, environmental consulting, and research institutions, often requiring strong analytical skills and knowledge of GIS tools.

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 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.

How do you become a hydrologist?

To become a hydrologist, you typically need a bachelor's degree in hydrology, geology, environmental science, or a related field. Gaining experience through internships and developing skills in data analysis, GIS, and modeling are important; advanced positions may require a master's or doctoral degree.

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.

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 software, and may work for government agencies, environmental firms, or research institutions. Certification and knowledge of GIS and hydrological tools are beneficial for these positions.

How much do hydrologists make in the US?

Hydrologists in the United States typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000, with salaries ranging from approximately $50,000 to over $120,000 depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced professionals or those working in specialized fields or high-demand areas can earn higher wages.

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 the most commonly searched types of Hydrology jobs in Oregon? The most popular types of Hydrology jobs in Oregon are:
Infographic showing various Hydrology job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $66,370 per year, or $31.9 per hour.

$61K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

158th of 292 rated public sector bodies


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

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