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Surface Water Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydrologist

Mobile, AL ยท On-site

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

Surface Water Engineer

Orlando, FL

$73K - $100K/yr

... Surface Water team! This is not a remote position. * Support our growing Roadway and water ... Prepare Hydraulic/Hydrology studies, drainage areas maps, storm sewer networks, pipe profiles ...

New

$54K - $68K/yr

Successful candidates will have 0 to 5 years of experience and have a general familiarity with surface water hydrology and hydraulics. * Must have an interest in the evaluation and computer-aided ...

... years of experience to join their Surface Water team! This is not a remote position ... Prepare Hydraulic/Hydrology studies, drainage areas maps, storm sewer networks, pipe profiles ...

New

Lead Surface Water Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Surface Water Engineer will support junior engineers in developing designs for ... Perform and review hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using industry-standard tools and local ...

Lead Surface Water Engineer

Denver, CO ยท On-site

$110K - $188K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Surface Water Engineer will support junior engineers in developing designs for ... Perform and review hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using industry-standard tools and local ...

Senior Surface Water Engineer-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV ยท On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

The Senior Surface Water Engineer will support junior engineers in developing designs for ... Perform and review hydrologic and hydraulic analyses using industry-standard tools and local ...

Civil Engineer - Surface Water

Mankato, MN ยท On-site

$75K - $150K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Civil Engineer - Surface Water Department: Civil Employment Type: Full Time Location: Mankato, MN ... Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to predict stormwater behavior and design effective ...

Showing results 21-40

Surface Water Hydrology information

See salary details

$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do surface water hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 13, 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
Infographic showing various Surface Water Hydrology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Hydrologist

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC

Mobile, AL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

About Company:

Kundlas Consulting Group LLC is a professional consulting firm specializing in construction inspection and compliance services for public infrastructure projects. Our core services include on-site inspection of roadway, bridge, and utility construction to ensure adherence to engineering specifications, safety standards, and contract requirements. We support clients with daily reporting, materials testing coordination, schedule tracking, and quality assurance oversight. Additional services include project management, grants management for federally funded infrastructure and disaster recovery programs.

About the Role:

The Hydrologist will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) READI contract by performing hydrologic studies, flood assessments, and watershed analyses in support of disaster response, emergency recovery, infrastructure resiliency, and environmental management projects. This role provides technical expertise in evaluating surface water and groundwater systems, assessing hydrologic impacts, and supporting flood risk management initiatives in accordance with federal standards and project-specific requirements.

The Hydrologist will conduct data collection, hydrologic modeling, watershed evaluations, and environmental analyses to support emergency stabilization and long-term recovery operations. The position requires collaboration with engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, and regulatory agencies to develop technically sound and sustainable solutions that support public safety, environmental protection, and resilient infrastructure systems.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources, Environmental Science, Geology, Civil Engineering, or a related scientific discipline from an accredited institution.
  • Professional experience performing hydrologic studies, flood analysis, watershed assessments, or water resource evaluations.
  • Experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software and GIS applications, including ArcGIS or similar platforms.
  • Strong understanding of surface water hydrology, groundwater systems, watershed management, and floodplain analysis.
  • Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to water resources and environmental protection.
  • Excellent analytical, technical writing, communication, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to conduct field investigations and support emergency response activities in varying environmental conditions.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Master’s degree in Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Science, or related discipline.
  • Experience supporting USACE, FEMA, EPA, or other federal disaster recovery and infrastructure programs.
  • Familiarity with advanced hydrologic modeling software, remote sensing technologies, and watershed simulation tools.
  • Professional Hydrologist (PH) certification or related professional credential.
  • Experience supporting flood risk management, watershed restoration, or emergency response operations.
  • Experience leading multidisciplinary environmental or water resource projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Perform hydrologic studies, flood assessments, and watershed analyses supporting disaster response and recovery operations.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret hydrologic, meteorological, groundwater, and surface water data for infrastructure and environmental projects.
  • Conduct environmental impact evaluations related to flooding, stormwater management, erosion, and watershed conditions.
  • Utilize GIS software and hydrologic modeling tools to develop maps, watershed models, floodplain analyses, and spatial data assessments.
  • Support the development of flood mitigation, watershed management, and resiliency strategies for emergency stabilization and infrastructure recovery projects.
  • Prepare technical reports, hydrologic analyses, field documentation, and recommendations in compliance with USACE and federal requirements.
  • Coordinate with engineers, geologists, environmental scientists, project managers, and regulatory agencies to support multidisciplinary project delivery.
  • Participate in field inspections, site assessments, and post-disaster evaluations as required.

Skills:

The ideal candidate must possess strong technical knowledge of hydrology, watershed management, floodplain analysis, and groundwater systems to support accurate hydrologic assessments and disaster response activities. Experience conducting water quality evaluations, environmental impact assessments, and hydrologic data analysis is essential for assessing environmental conditions and infrastructure resilience. Proficiency in ArcGIS and related GIS applications is required to develop spatial analyses, watershed maps, and hydrologic models that support project planning and regulatory compliance. The candidate should demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret complex hydrologic data and develop practical, sustainable solutions for flood risk management and recovery operations. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary for preparing technical reports, coordinating with multidisciplinary teams, and supporting stakeholder engagement. Familiarity with federal environmental regulations, USACE engineering guidance, and emergency management procedures is highly desirable. The ability to safely conduct fieldwork and adapt to dynamic disaster response environments is critical to successful project execution under the USACE READI contract.