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Hydrology Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Lynker Corporation

Hydrologist

Leesburg, VA · On-site +1

D. in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline, and 3+ years of experience; OR * A Master's Degree in a related discipline with at least 7+ years of specialized ...

Lynker Corporation

Hydrologist

Leesburg, VA

D. in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a relateddiscipline, and 3+ years of experience; OR * A Master's Degree in a related discipline with at least 7+ years of ...

Lynker Corporation

Hydrologist

Leesburg, VA

D. in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a related discipline, and 3+ years of experience; OR * A Master's Degree in a related discipline with at least 7+ years of specialized ...

H&H

Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

H&H is offering an exciting opportunity for a Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer to join our growing Reston, VA office. H&H is a nationally recognized, full-service infrastructure engineering firm ...

H&H

Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

H&H is offering an exciting opportunity for a Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer to join our growing Reston, VA office. H&H is a nationally recognized, full-service infrastructure engineering firm ...

H&H

Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer

Reston, VA · On-site

H&H is offering an exciting opportunity for a Hydraulics and Hydrology Engineer to join our growing Reston, VA office. H&H is a nationally recognized, full-service infrastructure engineering firm ...

WSP

Stormwater Engineering Consultant

Virginia Beach, VA · On-site

$70K - $96K/yr

Perform concept level design of treatment works and analyze hydrologic and hydraulic models and computations for storm water and watershed master planning, stream restoration, and water quality ...

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Hydrology information

See Virginia salary details

$27.8K

$62.2K

$116K

How much do hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology in Virginia is $62,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,700.00 and $87,700.00 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 Virginia?

The most popular types of Hydrology jobs in Virginia are:

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

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

What job categories do people searching Hydrology jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydrology jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Hydrology jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Hydrology job openings:

Hydrology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hydrology job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,236 per year, or $29.9 per hour.

Hydrologist

Lynker Corporation

Leesburg, VA • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview
Lynker is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Hydrologist to serve as Lead, supporting Lynker government contracts, and our Lynker consulting team. As a senior technical authority on site, you will spearhead the experimental implementation of forecast systems, transforming mature research into operational protocols. You will act as a primary architect for bridging the gap between scientific innovation and real-time flood forecasting, while also mentoring junior staff and influencing future R&D directions through the Operations-to-Research (O2R) feedback loop.
Support & Collaboration:
The Hydrologist selected will also be backed by a robust support network. You will have direct access to the technical resources and subject matter experts at Lynker. This ensures you have the institutional backing, data access, and collaborative power needed to succeed in our high-visibility initiatives. The ideal Hydrologist for this position will be situated somewhere on the East Coast. This work is contingent on finalization and approval of an upcoming contract modification.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Hydrologist selected will include the following:
Strategic Leadership & Implementation
  • Spearhead Initiatives: Lead the design, testing, and operational deployment of
    advanced hydrologic models and forecasting techniques.
  • Strategic Liaison: Serve as the authoritative liaison between researchers, Lynker
    management, and client leadership; successfully negotiate and align research
    capabilities with operational constraints.
  • Model Architecture & Integration: Oversee the technical integration of new modeling
    systems into forecasting systems, ensuring robustness and reliability for critical public safety forecasts.
  • Advanced Analysis: Direct high-level data analysis and visualization efforts to validate
    model performance, ensemble forecast generation, and reservoir inflow predictions.

Mentorship & Technical Oversight
  • Technical Mentorship: Act as a subject matter expert and mentor to junior hydrologists
    and forecasting staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.
  • Workflow Optimization: Evaluate existing operational workflows and author recommendations for modernization that enhance efficiency and forecast accuracy.
  • Publishing & Thought Leadership: Lead the preparation of high-impact annual scientific reports and peer-reviewed journal articles; represent the project as a keynote or primary presenter at national scientific conferences.

Qualifications
The Hydrologist selected should have the following:
  • Education & Experience:
    • A Ph.D. in Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Atmospheric Science, or a related
      discipline, and 3+ years of experience; OR
    • A Master's Degree in a related discipline with at least 7+ years of specialized
      professional experience in operational hydrology or hydrologic modeling.
  • Operational Systems Expertise: Deep technical proficiency with operational forecasting
    systems and hydrologic modeling suites (e.g., SAC-SMA, HEFS, physically-based
    models).
  • Advanced Technical Skills: Expert-level capability in programming (Python, R) and data
    management for large-scale hydrologic datasets.
  • Leadership capability: Proven track record of leading complex technical projects,
    managing stakeholder relationships, and driving consensus across multi-agency teams.

The Ideal Hydrologist selected will have the following:
  • Ensemble Forecasting: Extensive experience with hydrologic ensemble forecast services (HEFS), probabilistic verification, and risk-based decision support tools.
  • Software Engineering: Familiarity with modern software development practices (version
    control, containerization) to streamline model deployment.
  • Mentoring Experience: Demonstrated success in supervising or mentoring junior scientists, with specific examples of guiding professional development.

About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.
⚠ Fraud Alert: Recruitment Scam Warning: Lynker has been made aware of fraudulent individuals posing as Lynker recruiters and offering fake job opportunities. All legitimate Lynker job postings are listed on our official careers page. Communication from Lynker recruiters will come from an official @lynker.com email address.

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