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Mountain Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydrologic Technician

Roswell, NM · On-site +1

$45K - $59K/yr

Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Rocky Mountain Region, New Mexico Water and Science ... The education must be related directly to hydrology or another field of study directly related to ...

Work with Engineering Managers supporting our hydraulics and hydrology groups across the Mountain West region and nationally. * Join an established project team completing projects that include tasks ...

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

... the Rocky Mountain Region as well as collaborate with various offices across the US. Typical ... Perform surface water hydrologic and hydraulic modeling utilizing HY-8, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, XPSWMM ...

Mid-Level Water Resources Engineer

Denver, CO · On-site

$81K - $111K/yr

... the Rocky Mountain Region as well as collaborate with various offices across the US. Typical ... Perform surface water hydrologic and hydraulic modeling utilizing HY-8, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, XPSWMM ...

Project Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$79K - $135K/yr

Using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and computations tools to design and analyze complex ... With employees across multiple offices in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Western ...

Project Engineer

Las Cruces, NM · On-site

$79K - $135K/yr

Using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and computations tools to design and analyze complex ... With employees across multiple offices in the Midwest, Southwest, Rocky Mountain, and Western ...

Mountain Region. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience designing and evaluating fish ... Hydrologic analyses including flood frequency estimates, statistical hydrology, model preparation ...

Mountain Region. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience designing and evaluating fish ... Hydrologic analyses including flood frequency estimates, statistical hydrology, model preparation ...

Mountain Region. The ideal candidate brings extensive experience designing and evaluating fish ... Hydrologic analyses including flood frequency estimates, statistical hydrology, model preparation ...

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Showing results 1-20

Mountain Hydrology information

See salary details

$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do mountain hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for mountain hydrology 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.

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

To thrive as a Mountain Hydrologist, you need a strong background in hydrology, environmental science, and geospatial analysis, typically supported by a relevant degree such as in hydrology, geology, or environmental engineering. Proficiency with GIS software, remote sensing tools, hydrological modeling systems, and sometimes certifications like Professional Hydrologist (PH) are commonly required. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and effective communication help in interpreting complex data and conveying findings to diverse stakeholders. These skills are vital for accurately assessing water resources, predicting flood risks, and informing water management strategies in sensitive mountain environments.

What is mountain hydrology?

Mountain hydrology is the study of how water moves through mountain environments, including precipitation, snowmelt, glaciers, rivers, and groundwater. It examines the processes that govern the distribution, timing, and quality of water in mountainous regions. This field is important because mountains are critical sources of freshwater for much of the world's population, and understanding mountain hydrology helps manage water resources, predict natural hazards, and assess the impacts of climate change.

What is the difference between Mountain Hydrology vs Hydrologist?

AspectMountain HydrologyHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Environmental Science, or GeosciencesBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Environmental Science, or Geosciences
Work EnvironmentFieldwork in mountainous regions, data collection, modelingVaried; fieldwork, data analysis, research in diverse environments
Industry UsageSpecialized in mountain water systems, snowpack, runoffBroader; rivers, lakes, groundwater, including mountain areas
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Mountain Hydrology focuses specifically on water systems in mountainous regions, including snowpack, runoff, and mountain streams. Hydrologists have a broader scope, working on water resources across various environments. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and skills, Mountain Hydrology is specialized for mountain-related water issues, making it ideal for projects in alpine regions.

How does a mountain hydrologist typically collaborate with other environmental professionals on projects?

Mountain hydrologists often work closely with ecologists, geologists, climatologists, and engineers to assess water resources, model watershed behavior, and predict the impact of climate change in mountainous regions. Collaboration can include joint fieldwork, data sharing, and integrating hydrological models with ecological or geological assessments to develop comprehensive solutions for water management. These interdisciplinary teams commonly meet to align objectives, share findings, and address challenges such as remote data collection or complex terrain. Strong communication and teamwork skills are essential for success in this collaborative environment.
More about Mountain Hydrology jobs
Infographic showing various Mountain Hydrology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

$45K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

These positions serve as Hydrologic Technician's, GS-1316-06 with the Department of the Interior, U.S. Geological Survey, Office of the Director, Rocky Mountain Region, New Mexico Water and Science Center.

Qualifications:

Qualifications:

All qualifications must be met by the closing date of this announcement 08/17/2026 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. For periods of time that reflect military service, the DD-214 or Statement of Service is sufficient to meet the full and/or part-time hours requirement as the service dates will be reflected.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

Specialized Experience:
GS-06
To qualify for the GS-06, you MUST possess at least one full year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-05 grade level in the Federal service, or comparable experience not gained through Federal service. Specialized experience is experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled. Specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience:
1) Experience working in trade or craft work in maintenance or construction of facilities or equipment related to hydrology.
To qualify you MUST meet the specialized experience statement above.
-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 for the required 1 year of specialized experience if it provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work of this position. You must include transcripts. (Unofficial Okay)
-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. The education must be related directly to hydrology or another field of study directly related to the work of this position. (CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO COMBINE EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE)
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