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Sediment Transport Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Hiring Method, LLC

Geomorphologist

Seattle, WA · On-site

$117K - $199K/yr

Experience with sediment transport modeling and/or coastal geomorphology * Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and geospatial analysis tools * Experience with LiDAR data processing and large-scale watershed ...

Tamus

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Temple, TX · On-site +1

The position involves supporting hydrologic modeling research, including process-based simulations of hydrology and sediment transport, and contributing to the development of decision-support tools.

WSP

Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

... sediment transport models) to inform engineering design and performance evaluation. Responsibilities include completing technical reports, engineering calculations, numerical modeling, and design ...

WSP

Intermediate Coastal Engineer

Tallahassee, FL · On-site

... sediment transport models) to inform engineering design and performance evaluation. Responsibilities include completing technical reports, engineering calculations, numerical modeling, and design ...

WSP

Coastal Engineer-NOLA

New Orleans, LA · On-site

... and sediment transport models) to inform engineering design and performance evaluation. Responsibilities include substantiating technical reports, engineering calculations, modeling results, and ...

WSP

Coastal Engineer-NOLA

New Orleans, LA · On-site

$79K - $105K/yr

... and sediment transport models) to inform engineering design and performance evaluation. Responsibilities include substantiating technical reports, engineering calculations, modeling results, and ...

Intec Sea

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$77K - $101K/yr

... dimensional models, for the runoff analysis, open channel flow analysis, pipeline transients, sediment transport, environmental mixing, hydrodynamic and solute transport; and maintaining and ...

Chloeta

Hydrologist

Tucson, AZ · On-site +1

Perform hydraulic modeling of culverts, bridges, storm drains, ditches, and roadside channels * Support erosion control and sediment transport assessments * Support erosion control and sediment ...

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Sediment Transport Modeling information

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$59K

$89.8K

$122.5K

How much do sediment transport modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for sediment transport modeling in the United States is $89,784.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $62,000.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in sediment transport modeling, and how can they be addressed?

One of the primary challenges in sediment transport modeling is accurately representing complex natural processes, such as variable flow conditions and sediment heterogeneity, within computational models. Modelers often deal with limited or uncertain field data, which can impact calibration and validation efforts. Collaboration with hydrologists, geologists, and field engineers is essential to gather comprehensive data and refine model assumptions. Continuous professional development and staying updated with advances in modeling software and methodology also help address these challenges and improve model reliability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sediment Transport Modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sediment Transport Modeler, you need a solid background in hydrology, civil or environmental engineering, and proficiency in mathematical modeling, often supported by an advanced degree in a related field. Familiarity with modeling software such as HEC-RAS, Delft3D, or SWAT, as well as GIS applications and programming languages like Python or MATLAB, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and convey complex findings to stakeholders. These skills are crucial for accurately predicting sediment dynamics, guiding infrastructure projects, and informing environmental management decisions.

What is sediment transport modeling?

Sediment transport modeling is the process of using mathematical and computational techniques to simulate the movement of sediment—such as sand, silt, and gravel—within water bodies like rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. These models help scientists and engineers understand how sediment is eroded, transported, and deposited over time due to factors like water flow, wind, and human activity. Sediment transport models are essential for managing waterways, predicting changes in landscapes, designing infrastructure, and mitigating environmental impacts. They can range from simple empirical equations to complex, physics-based simulations depending on the project's needs.

What is the difference between Sediment Transport Modeling vs Geotechnical Engineer?

AspectSediment Transport ModelingGeotechnical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil/Environmental Engineering, often with specialized training in hydrology or sediment dynamicsBachelor's or Master's in Civil or Geotechnical Engineering, with licensure often required
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, environmental agencies, consulting firms focusing on water and sediment flowConstruction sites, consulting firms, infrastructure projects involving soil and foundation analysis
Industry UsageHydrology, environmental management, water resource planningConstruction, infrastructure, environmental remediation

While Sediment Transport Modeling focuses on simulating sediment movement in water bodies, Geotechnical Engineers analyze soil and rock stability for construction and infrastructure projects. Both roles require strong engineering backgrounds but serve different aspects of environmental and civil engineering projects.

Infographic showing various Sediment Transport Modeling job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,784 per year, or $43.2 per hour.

Senior Hydrology & Hydraulic Modeling Lead

Rizzo International, Inc

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

$120K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted yesterday

Job description

Position Description: RIZZO International, Inc. is seeking a highly experienced Senior Hydrology & Hydraulic Modeling Lead to provide technical leadership and oversight in integrated hydrology, hydraulics, and advanced numerical modeling for complex water-related infrastructure projects.
This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with extensive experience in dam engineering, hydropower development, nuclear cooling water systems, tailings dams, flood control infrastructure, and large-scale drainage systems. The selected candidate will serve as a technical authority responsible for high-level modeling strategy, design oversight, regulatory support, and mentorship of junior engineers across domestic and international projects.
Skills & Requirements
Responsibilities:
  • Lead hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for dams, hydropower facilities, nuclear power plants, tailings dams, levees, flood control systems, and major drainage infrastructure
  • Provide technical supervision and quality control for 1D/2D hydraulic and hydrologic models
  • Perform and oversee:
    • Flood frequency and PMP/PMF studies
    • Water availability and water balance analyses
    • Dam break and inundation mapping studies
    • Embankment erosion and sediment transport modeling
    • Scour analyses and river morphodynamic assessments
    • Cooling water intake/discharge hydraulic and thermal studies
  • Develop, review, and validate advanced numerical models using:
    • HEC-RAS (1D/2D)
    • HEC-HMS
    • FLOW-3D
    • OpenFOAM
    • RiverFlow2D
    • FLO-2D
    • ANSYS
  • Support reservoir operations modeling and climate change impact assessments
  • Provide input on project planning, budgets, scheduling, and modeling strategies
  • Prepare technical scopes of work, proposals, reports, and client presentations
  • Attend and lead domestic and international client and regulatory meetings
  • Mentor and supervise junior and intermediate engineers
  • Support interdisciplinary coordination across geotechnical, structural, and environmental teams

Experience Requirements:
  • B.S. in Civil, Hydraulic, or Water Resources Engineering (M.S. or Ph.D. preferred)
  • 15+ years of progressive experience in hydrology and hydraulic modeling
  • Professional Engineer (P.E.) license or ability to obtain licensure
  • Demonstrated leadership and technical oversight on complex water infrastructure projects
  • Extensive numerical modeling experience in surface water hydrology and hydraulics
  • Strong foundation in:
    • Fluid mechanics
    • Surface water hydrology
    • Hydraulic structures design
    • Statistics and flood frequency analysis
    • Sediment transport and river hydraulics
  • Experience with GIS and CADD software
  • International project experience preferred
  • Coastal modeling experience considered an asset

Preferred Experience:
  • Hydropower development and rehabilitation
  • Dam safety reviews and regulatory support
  • Nuclear power plant cooling water systems
  • Tailings dam hydrology and dam breach assessments
  • Climate resilience and extreme event modeling
  • Design-build infrastructure delivery

Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (commensurate with experience)
Competitive Compensation Package:
  • 401(k)
  • Accident/Wellness insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Dependent care spending account
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Company-paid life, AD&D, and short/long term disability
  • Paid time off (vacation, paid sick leave, holidays)
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Employee referral program
  • Relocation assistance (as applicable)
  • Vision insurance
  • Optional work from home Fridays
  • Twelve (12) annual work from home days

BACKGROUND
RIZZO International, Inc. is a woman-owned, highly focused consulting firm specializing in all aspects of civil engineering, earth sciences, and field/testing services for dams, nuclear power plants, and other power-related markets. Our firm has worked around the world on unique, challenging, and technically demanding projects. We take pride in our commitment to providing personal and professional services in a responsive, high quality manner, and continually strive to exceed our clients' expectations by providing innovative and economically smart solutions. To learn more about our global experience visit us at .
EOE M/F/Disability/Veteran
EEOC Disclaimer: RIZZO International, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer in that our policy, in accordance with Federal and State laws, prohibits employment discrimination solely on the basis of a person's race, color, creed, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, or disability except where a reasonable, bona fide occupational qualification exists.
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