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Hydrology Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$85K - $116K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university is required, Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus in hydrology and hydraulics is preferred. * California Professional ...

Hydrologic and Hydraulic Engineer

Irvine, CA · On-site

$84K - $115K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited university is required, Master's degree in Civil Engineering with a focus in hydrology and hydraulics is preferred. * California Professional ...

Hydrologic & Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer

Orange, CA · On-site

$140/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Job Summary As a Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) Engineer, you will be key to our design team, leading drainage design, water resources engineering, and hydraulic modeling for complex rail projects ...

Stormwater Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

$80K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hydrology mapping and calculations using hand calculations and hydrology software. * Perform hydraulic calculations to size stormwater devices. * Write clear, thorough reports to explain and ...

Stormwater Engineer

Santa Ana, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hydrology mapping and calculations using hand calculations and hydrology software. * Perform hydraulic calculations to size stormwater devices. * Write clear, thorough reports to explain and ...

Drainage Engineer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hydrology and hydraulic analyses to support design decisions, permitting, and regulatory compliance. * Assist with stormwater permitting, erosion and sediment control approvals, and ...

Drainage Engineer

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Perform hydrology and hydraulic analyses to support design decisions, permitting, and regulatory compliance. * Assist with stormwater permitting, erosion and sediment control approvals, and ...

Prepare hydraulic, hydrology, and Low Impact Development (LID) reports. * Prepare retaining wall calculations and structural engineering reports. * Coordinate permitting with local agencies and ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Prepare hydraulic, hydrology, and Low Impact Development (LID) reports. * Prepare retaining wall calculations and structural engineering reports. * Coordinate permitting with local agencies and ...

Senior Civil Engineer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$150K - $190K/yr

Prepare hydraulic, hydrology, and Low Impact Development (LID) reports. * Prepare retaining wall calculations and structural engineering reports. * Coordinate permitting with local agencies and ...

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Showing results 1-20

Hydrology information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$29.2K

$65.5K

$122.1K

How much do hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for hydrology in Riverside, CA is $65,490.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,600.00 and $92,300.00 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of Hydrology jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What job categories do people searching Hydrology jobs in Riverside, CA look for?

The top searched job categories for Hydrology jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for Hydrology jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most Hydrology job openings:

Infographic showing various Hydrology job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,490 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

FUL - Hydrologic Technician

A-Z List | U.S. Geological Survey

Redlands, CA • On-site

$50K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

As a Hydrologic Technician you will perform technical work in support of professional or technical employees engaged in hydrologic data collection activities.

Pay will vary based on grade level and duty location for which you're selected. First time hires to the Federal government normally start at the step 1 rate. Locality pay tables can be found here.

Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) is authorized at the following locations/rates:
Alaska 1.49%
Honolulu, Hawaii 8.64%
Puerto Rico 2.49%

Qualifications:

Requirements Continued...
Under applicable law, the employment of an individual serving a probationary or trial period automatically terminates when that period ends unless the agency affirmatively certifies, in writing, that the individual's employment should continue and that their appointment should be finalized. In the absence of agency action to affirmatively certify continued employment beyond the probationary or trial period, such appointments are terminated.
Upon completion of your probationary your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Qualifications:
All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement-08/14/2026-unless otherwise stated in this vacancy announcement.
To receive credit for experience, your resume MUST state either "full-time" (or "40 hours a week") or "part-time" with the number of hours worked per week to ensure proper crediting of specialized experience. Failure to adequately provide information needed to determine number of hours worked in each position may result in that time not being credited when evaluating qualifying experience.

Minimum Qualification Requirements: To qualify for this position, you must meet the following minimum qualifications:

To qualify for this position at the GS-07 grade level:

  • Specialized Experience Requirement: you must possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-06 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors). Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience: work as a technician or aid in engineering, earth, physical, or natural science, forestry, soil conservation, or surveying; trades or crafts work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology; drafting; construction estimating. Experience installing, adjusting, inspecting and maintaining hydrologic instrumentation; collecting surface water, ground water, water quality or sediment samples; observing and documenting field conditions; and downloading, reviewing and analyzing hydrologic records. You must include the hours worked per week.
-OR-
  • Education: Successful completion of at least 1 year of appropriate graduate level education (18 semester hours, 27 quarter hours, or the equivalent) in hydrology or other field of study directly related to the work of this position. You must include transcripts.
-OR-
  • Combination of education and experience. To combine education and experience, first take graduate-level education in excess of the amount required for the next lower grade level. Then take the number of months of full-time experience and divide by 12 months. Add the percentages together. The total must equal at least 100 percent to qualify. You must include transcripts.
Volunteer Experience: 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:

You must submit a copy of your transcript(s) to support claimed education if substituting education for experience. Transcripts must include your name, school name, grades, credit hours earned, major(s), grade point average or class ranking, and date the degree was conferred, if applicable. A typed list of courses, grades, semester/quarter hours, GPA, etc. will not be accepted. Non-submission may result in being rated not qualified for the position. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable, but if you are selected for this position and you used your education to qualify, you must provide official transcripts before you begin work.

Foreign Education: To receive credit for education completed outside the United States, you must show proof that the education has been submitted to a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign educational credentials and such education has been deemed at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education programs. Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | U.S. Department of Education. https://www.ed.gov/about/initiatives/international-affairs/recognition-of-foreign-qualification

Employment Type: OTHER