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Water Modeling Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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Water Modeling information

See Illinois salary details

$37.8K

$108.9K

$150.2K

How much do water modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for water modeling in Illinois is $108,888.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,500.00 and $132,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water modeling do?

A water modeler develops and analyzes computer simulations of water systems, such as rivers, lakes, or urban water networks, to predict flow, pressure, and water quality. They use specialized software and data to support infrastructure design, flood risk assessment, and environmental management.

What is a water modeling job?

A Water Modeling job involves using computer simulations and analytical techniques to study water systems such as rivers, lakes, groundwater, and stormwater drainage. Professionals in this field develop models to predict water flow, quality, and availability, helping to inform decision-making for water management, environmental protection, and infrastructure development. They often work with engineers, hydrologists, and policymakers to address challenges like flood control, drought planning, and pollution mitigation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the water modeling position, and why are they important?

To excel in Water Modeling, you need a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, or a related field, along with analytical and quantitative skills. Proficiency with modeling software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, MIKE, or ArcGIS and familiarity with relevant certifications or regulatory standards is highly valued. Excellent problem-solving abilities, clear communication, and collaboration skills set top professionals apart. These competencies are vital for accurately simulating water systems, interpreting complex data, and effectively delivering actionable insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a water modeling professional?

As a Water Modeling professional, your daily responsibilities often include developing and calibrating hydrologic and hydraulic models, analyzing simulation results, preparing technical reports, and presenting findings to project teams or clients. You may collaborate closely with engineers, environmental scientists, and urban planners to ensure model outputs support design and decision-making processes for projects such as floodplain mapping, stormwater management, or infrastructure planning. Routine tasks also involve data collection, quality assurance, and staying current with the latest modeling techniques and regulatory requirements. This role offers a dynamic mix of independent analysis and teamwork, providing valuable experience on diverse water resource projects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Modeling jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Water Modeling jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Water Modeling jobs in Illinois? For Water Modeling jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Modeling jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Water Modeling jobs in Illinois are:
Water Modeling jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Modeling job openings in Illinois 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 96% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $108,888 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Experienced Civil EIT - Water Resources

Kimley-Horn

Chicago, IL

$80K - $115K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 28 days ago

Kimley-Horn rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 86 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 446 rated engineering

Job description

Overview

Kimley-Horn's Chicago, IL office is seeking a Civil Engineer-in-Training (EIT) with 2+ years of experience to join their Surface Water team. This is not a remote position. 

Responsibilities
  • The successful candidate can expect to work in a dynamic team environment on a range of projects including:
    • Surface water management studies
    • Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling
    • Analysis and design
    • Flood studies, resiliency and vulnerability assessments
    • Green infrastructure planning and design
  • As a critical member of the team, you will perform a variety of engineering tasks and will receive both on-the-job and formal training as well as mentorship and exposure to plan production, project financials, and client interactions
Qualifications
  • 2+ years of experience with surface water modeling and/or design
  • Bachelors or Masters from an ABET accredited university in the field of Civil Engineering
  • "Engineer-In-Training" or "Engineering Intern" certification (or ability to obtain within 12 months)
  • Experience building and calibrating Hydraulic/Hydrology models such as ICPR4, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS (1D and 2D), and SWMM
  • Working knowledge of ESRI ArcGIS (AutoCAD Civil 3D or Microstation a plus) 
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal skills
  • Strong sense of urgency and self-initiative to meet client deadlines
  • Detail-oriented with an ability to contribute to a positive work environment
  • Ability to work independently and as a team
  • Python programing experience desired but not required

Salary range: $80,000 - $115,000. 

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 19 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

What Kimley-Horn employees say

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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

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