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Surface Water Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Green Bay, WI

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Intec Sea

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$77K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities include analysis, evaluation and design of storm-water management and site drainage facilities; surface water hydrology and flood protection measures; pipeline systems (gravity flow ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Minneapolis, MN

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Green Bay, WI

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Minneapolis, MN

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Duluth, MN

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Madison, WI

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Duluth, MN

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Madison, WI · On-site

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

Foth

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Madison, WI

$50K - $70K/yr

Support hydrogeology and surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry * Conduct field investigations, including aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and ...

INTEC SEA

Hydraulic & Hydrology Engineer

Houston, TX · On-site

$77K - $101K/yr

Responsibilities include analysis, evaluation and design of storm-water management and site drainage facilities; surface water hydrology and flood protection measures; pipeline systems (gravity flow ...

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC

Hydrologist

Savannah, GA · Remote

Strong understanding of surface water hydrology, groundwater systems, watershed management, and floodplain analysis. * Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to ...

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Surface Water Hydrology information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do surface water hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for surface water 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 is surface water hydrology?

Surface water hydrology is the study of how water moves above the ground, including the distribution, movement, and properties of water in rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands. Hydrologists in this field analyze rainfall, runoff, evaporation, and the impact of land use on water bodies. Their work helps manage water resources, predict floods, and develop sustainable solutions for water-related challenges. Surface water hydrology is essential for environmental protection, urban planning, and agricultural management.

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

To thrive as a Surface Water Hydrologist, you need a solid background in hydrologic processes, water resource management, data analysis, and typically a degree in hydrology, environmental science, or civil engineering. Familiarity with hydrologic modeling software (such as HEC-HMS), GIS applications, and data collection instruments is essential, and certifications like Professional Hydrologist (AIH) can be advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills help in interpreting data and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. These competencies ensure accurate water resource assessments and support responsible environmental management and decision-making.

What is the difference between Surface Water Hydrology vs Hydrologist?

AspectSurface Water HydrologyHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Hydrology, Environmental Science, or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, data collection, modeling, researchResearch, data analysis, fieldwork, policy advising
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, environmental consulting, research institutionsGovernment agencies, research institutions, consulting firms
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Surface Water Hydrology focuses specifically on the study and management of surface water resources like rivers, lakes, and streams. A Hydrologist has a broader role, often encompassing both surface and groundwater studies, and may work in research, policy, or environmental consulting. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Surface Water Hydrology is more specialized in surface water systems.

What are some common challenges faced by surface water hydrologists in managing water resources?

Surface water hydrologists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather patterns, limited or incomplete data for modeling, and balancing the needs of various stakeholders like municipalities, agriculture, and environmental groups. Additionally, they must stay updated on evolving regulations and integrate new technologies for monitoring and analysis. Collaboration with engineers, ecologists, and policy makers is key to addressing these issues and ensuring sustainable water resource management.
More about Surface Water Hydrology jobs
What job categories do people searching Surface Water Hydrology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Surface Water Hydrology jobs are:
Surface Water Hydrology jobs near you
Infographic showing various Surface Water Hydrology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 2% Contract, 20% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 84% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist

Harrison Consulting Solutions

Madison, WI • Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Science and engineering consulting firm with over 85 years of success is adding a Hydrogeologist/Hydrologist to their team in Madison! This is a hybrid position.


Responsibilities:

  • Support hydrogeology/surface water hydrology projects in the environmental services industry
  • Conduct field investigations (aquifer testing, surface water discharge gauging, and geologic logging/mapping)
  • Support project permitting, industrial development, and site remediation through the development/application of numerical groundwater flow and transport models
  • Develop/execute technical investigations for hydrologic characterization of groundwater systems in environments comprised of unconsolidated deposits, sedimentary rock, and fractured crystalline rock
  • Perform quantitative analysis of hydrologic and hydrogeological data (probabilistic analysis/forecasting)
  • Develop technical reports/memos to support the permitting of natural resource development projects
  • Provide construction support/administration


Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, or related engineering
  • Master’s degree in water resources engineering, geology, or a related field preferred
  • 2+ years of experience in water resources or hydrogeology, preferably supporting mining applications preferred
  • Experience performing hydrogeological and hydrologic investigations, analysis, and modeling, through internships or co-ops
  • Experience with report preparation and technical writing
  • Proficient with groundwater and surface water modeling tools (MODFLOW/MT3D, FEFLOW, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, XP-SWMM, or similar numerical codes)
  • Experience developing and applying numerical groundwater flow, constituent transport, and surface water hydrology/hydraulic models, including work in unconsolidated, sedimentary, fractured rock, and deep bedrock environments preferred
  • Experience planning, coordinating, and executing hydrogeologic and hydrologic field investigations, including packer testing, multi-well aquifer testing, and analysis of field and large data sets preferred
  • Demonstrated ability to perform data analysis, statistical/probabilistic modeling, and time-series forecasting for hydrologic and hydrogeologic systems preferred
  • Experience integrating hydrogeologic and hydrologic analyses with feasibility studies, alternatives analyses, and mine permitting efforts preferred
  • Familiar with NEPA processes/documentation and mine permitting preferred


Salary is commensurate with experience.


Successful applicants must be authorized to work in the USA without sponsorship.


All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin.


Please contact Laura Harrison for further information!


www.harrisonconsultingsolutions.com


517-906-6926