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Principal Hydrogeologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$85 - $120/hr

Hydrogeologist/ Water Resources Professional Job Category : Scientist I Requisition Number ... Collaborating with senior scientists, project managers, and principals on multidisciplinary ...

GC/US Citizen Our client has a unique opportunity for an experienced senior environmental hydrogeologist to join our team, with a principal focus on providing senior leadership on a long-term ...

WI · On-site

$85 - $120/hr

Project Hydrogeologist 12 days ago Requisition ID: 1117 John Shomaker & Associates, Inc. (JSAI), A ... The primary duties include assisting Principals with projects for a wide range of clients in New ...

Senior Hydrogeologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Partners with Principals and Associates to ensure effective execution of multiple projects ... Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, or related field. Master's degree preferred. * 6+ years ...

Senior Hydrogeologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$101K - $152K/yr

Partners with Principals and Associates to ensure effective execution of multiple projects ... Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, or related field. Master's degree preferred. * 6+ years ...

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Principal Hydrogeologist information

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$36.5K

$109.4K

$182K

How much do principal hydrogeologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for principal hydrogeologist in the United States is $109,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $85,000.00 and $125,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a principal hydrogeologist?

Principal Hydrogeologists are senior-level professionals who specialize in the study of groundwater, including its distribution, movement, and quality. They lead and manage complex hydrogeological projects, provide technical expertise, and often supervise teams of hydrogeologists and other environmental scientists. Their work supports activities such as water resource management, environmental impact assessments, contamination remediation, and sustainable groundwater development. These experts typically have advanced degrees and extensive experience in geology, hydrology, or related fields.

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

To thrive as a Principal Hydrogeologist, you need deep expertise in hydrogeology, groundwater modeling, and environmental regulations, usually backed by an advanced degree and professional registration (e.g., P.G. or C.Hg.). Familiarity with technical tools such as MODFLOW, GIS software, and groundwater sampling equipment is essential. Leadership, project management, and excellent communication skills help you effectively guide teams and engage with clients. These competencies ensure accurate analysis, regulatory compliance, and successful delivery of complex water resource projects.

What are some common challenges a principal hydrogeologist faces when managing multidisciplinary project teams?

As a Principal Hydrogeologist, you'll frequently coordinate with engineers, environmental scientists, and regulatory specialists on complex projects. One common challenge is ensuring clear communication across disciplines, as technical priorities and terminologies can differ. Balancing project deadlines, client expectations, and regulatory requirements also adds complexity. Successful Principal Hydrogeologists leverage their leadership and project management skills to foster collaboration and maintain alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
More about Principal Hydrogeologist jobs

What states have the most Principal Hydrogeologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Principal Hydrogeologist jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Principal Hydrogeologist jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Principal Hydrogeologist jobs are:

Infographic showing various Principal Hydrogeologist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,393 per year, or $52.6 per hour.

Principal Hydrogeologist

Civil Environmental Consultants Inc.

Johnson City, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. (CEC) is growing and we have an excellent opportunity for a Principal Hydrogeologist in our Johnson City office. As a Principal with CEC, you will lead teams focused on groundwater and surface water compliance and permitting for solid waste, industrial waste, and coal combustion residual (CCR) landfills.  You will be responsible for managing and mentoring project teams, developing new business, managing existing client relationships, and providing senior technical guidance for a variety of detection, assessment, and corrective measures programs consistent with local, state and federal requirements.   

Our Johnson City office sits in the heart of Northeast Tennessee, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Appalachian Mountains. With easy access to hiking, lakes, and scenic drives, plus a growing downtown and vibrant community culture, Johnson City offers a high quality of life and a welcoming environment for professionals looking to live and grow in a small-city setting.

Key Responsibilities

  • Oversee teams to ensure field efforts, data analysis, and reporting activities are consistent with the site-specific plans and local, state, and federal regulations;
  • Mentor, guide, and motivate early career staff assigned in the areas of project performance, cost, schedule management, client expectations and career development;
  • Task and project management, including developing, planning, and implementing compliance monitoring programs, budget development and management, adherence to schedule, quality, safety, client satisfaction, and profitability.
  • Direct geochemical evaluations of groundwater and surface water quality data, including interpretation of analytical data and contaminant fate and transport. Candidate shall be competent in establishing Water Quality Protection Standards and background limits;
  • Oversee groundwater compliance evaluations, including Alternate Source Demonstrations and statistical analyses, to confirm compliance with applicable regulations. Successful candidate should be experienced in identifying statistically significant increases/trends using industry-standard tools such as Sanitas and DumpStat; 
  • Lead meetings with clients, regulatory personnel, and other parties; and,
  • Lead proposal efforts and other business development activities.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, Geochemistry, Environmental Engineering, or related field (Masters preferred);
  • PG/PE licensure in TN required, with the ability to obtain licensure in AL and GA;
  • Demonstrated experience leading a team of field and administrative personnel, technical staff, project managers focused on groundwater compliance monitoring programs, hydrogeologic investigations, and permitting, with annual revenue of $2M+.
  • Knowledge of general and organic chemistry and geochemistry with the ability to interpret groundwater analytical data (e.g., major ions, trace metals, dissolved gases, and organic constituents) to accurately delineate geochemical conditions, redox zonation, and biodegradation pathways.
  • Proficiency in integrating geochemical data with hydrogeologic data to support remedial decision-making.
  • Candidate should have competence and aptitude for sound data management practices related to long-term compliance monitoring programs;
  • Working knowledge of the applicable groundwater compliance program regulations (TN, AL, GA preferred) as well as the USEPA guidance Statistical Analysis of Groundwater Quality Data (Unified Guidance) and groundwater compliance methodologies;
  • Demonstrated experience managing multiple projects, including budgeting, scheduling, and cost control;
  • Extensive experience preparing and submitting regulatory documentation and technical reports;
  • Established relationships with the applicable state (TN, AL, GA preferred) and federal regulatory agencies;
  • Current OSHA 40-hour HAZWOPER training a plus; and,
  • A valid driver's license with a driving record in good standing required.
About Us

We have experts! CEC is consistently ranked as a Top 500 Design Firm and Top 200 Environmental Firm by Engineering News-Record. We are looking for people who enjoy using their education and experience to solve difficult technical problems and work on interesting projects. You can accomplish this while working with a team of professionals who are equally motivated to provide high levels of service to our clients and to teach you along the way.

We have support! We have a variety of Employee Resource Groups, including CEC Community - focused on giving back to the communities in which we work; CEC Ignite - focused on helping professionals early in their careers to develop their pathway; CEC iDEA - focused on inclusion, diversity, equality, and acceptance; and CEC Women - focused on creating internal and external opportunities for women to network and leverage professional experience!

We care about our people! People and Culture are two of the five elements of our strategic plan. When you care about your people, they will want to grow a career with you - that is our goal. CEC offers you a small-firm work environment with large-firm opportunities. Not only will we help you develop professionally, but we will also provide an opportunity to become an owner of the firm and share in its success.

CEC offers a matching 401(k); profit sharing; a performance bonus; company stock; medical, dental, and vision insurance; short and long-term disability; tuition assistance; professional development; and work-life balance.

CEC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in recruiting, hiring or promotion based on race, color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status), national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis or characteristic prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law.

THIRD PARTY RECRUITERS

If CEC has not expressly requested recruiting services or contractually engaged with you for recruiting services on a specific position, any resumes or candidate profiles sent to CEC shall be considered unsolicited.  Therefore, any such submissions will be considered property of CEC, with no associated fees due to your firm.

Employment Type: FULL_TIME