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Surface Water Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

... 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 ...

Senior Surface Water Engineer-Las Vegas

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$99K - $137K/yr

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

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

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

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

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

As a Civil Engineer supporting the Surface Water group, you hold the key to transforming this ... Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic analyses to predict stormwater behavior and design effective ...

Surface Water Lead-Baltimore

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Proficient understanding of and experience with surface water analysis, hydrologic methodologies/models (TR-55, HEC-HMS, etc.), hydraulic models (HEC-RAS, HEC-RAS-2D, HEC-GeoRAS, SRH-2D, etc.), and ...

Surface Water Lead-Baltimore

Baltimore, MD · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Proficient understanding of and experience with surface water analysis, hydrologic methodologies/models (TR-55, HEC-HMS, etc.), hydraulic models (HEC-RAS, HEC-RAS-2D, HEC-GeoRAS, SRH-2D, etc.), and ...

Showing results 41-60

Surface Water Hydrology information

See salary details

$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do surface water hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 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 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.

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.

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:

Infographic showing various Surface Water Hydrology job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 14% 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.

Surface Water Engineer

Kimley-Horn

Orlando, FL • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago


Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

60th of 450 rated engineering


Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Orlando, Florida (FL) office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 4+ years of experience to join their Surface Water team! This is not a remote position.

Responsibilities
  •  Support our growing Roadway and water resources practices and will require working with multi-disciplinary teams for a variety of existing and new public clients 
  • Work in a dynamic team environment on a range of projects including roadway projects (new alignment and widening), pedestrian improvement projects, surface water management studies, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, analysis and design, flood studies, bridge hydraulics, green infrastructure planning and design
  • Prepare Hydraulic/Hydrology studies, drainage areas maps, storm sewer networks, pipe profiles, drainage descriptions, stormwater management facilities/BMPs, drainage reports, design documents, and design plans and specifications for roadway drainage and water resources projects
  • Technical writing in the form of memorandums, feasibility studies, regulatory submittals
  • Assist with developing scopes of work and associated budgets
  • This is an exciting opportunity to work with a team of engineers and designers on a variety of projects
  • You will flourish on both building meaningful internal and external professional relationships
  • You will work closely and collaboratively with other industry leading professionals, various jurisdictions, and contractors
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of relevant engineering design experience
  • Professional Engineering (P.E.) License (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
  • Experience with Microstation/OpenRoads, AutoCAD, ArcGIS, HydroCAD, SWMM, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, StormCAD, and other related hydrologic/hydraulic analysis and roadway design software
  • Experience working on projects reviewed and approved by the state's DOT including application of the state's DOT Drainage Manual and guideline documents
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills
  • Positive attitude, self-motivated; ability to produce high quality work
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Entrepreneurial spirit with the potential/desire to lead a practice and manage clients and a team
Why Kimley-Horn?

At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People, clients, and employees are at the forefront of who we are. Clients know we prioritize achieving their goals and growing their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to provide an environment for everyone to flourish. Our commitment to quality is only as good as the people behind it- that's why we welcome and develop passionate, hardworking, and proactive employees. We take pride in how our employee retention, robust benefits package, and company values have led to Kimley-Horn's placement on the Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work" list for 17 years!

Key Benefits at Kimley-Horn

  • Exceptional Retirement Plan: 2-to1- company match on up to 4% of eligible compensation (salary + bonus) and additional profit-sharing contribution.
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
  • Time Off: Personal leave, flexible scheduling, floating holidays, and half-day Fridays.
  • Financial Wellness: Student loan matching in our 401(k), and performance-based bonuses.
  • Professional Development: Tuition reimbursement and extensive internal training programs.
  • Family-Friendly Benefits: New Parent Leave, family building benefits, and childcare resources.
Education:Bachelor's DegreeEmployment Type: FULL_TIME

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About Kimley-Horn

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We are a full-service consulting firm that provides a wide range of infrastructure and land development planning and engineering services to both public and private clients. Though we have more than 6,000 employees in 100+ offices, we pride ourselves on our small company feel. At Kimley-Horn, we do things differently. People--clients and employees--are at the forefront of our business. Clients know we are laser-focused on their success. Employees know our culture and approach to business are built on a desire to see our staff flourish, one and all. Both groups know that with Kimley-Horn, they can expect more and experience better.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1967