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Water Modeling Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

As a Water Planning Engineer, you will be involved in the hydraulic modeling, planning, and design of water and wastewater collection systems, with an emphasis on addressing complex issues related to ...

As a Water Planning Engineer, you will be involved in the hydraulic modeling, planning, and design of water and wastewater collection systems, with an emphasis on addressing complex issues related to ...

As a Water Planning Engineer, you will be involved in the hydraulic modeling, planning, and design of water and wastewater collection systems, with an emphasis on addressing complex issues related to ...

Principal Engineer

Chesterfield, VA · Hybrid

$84K - $128K/yr

Professional Engineer (PE) designation with water modeling, project management, and supervisory experience strongly preferred. The successful candidate will be a self-starter, possess a strong ...

Water Resources Designer I

Glen Allen, VA · On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

Job Title Water Resources Designer I Job Type Full-Time Location Glen Allen - Glen Allen, VA 23060 ... Perform Hydrologic and Hydraulic modeling using WinTR-55/TR-20, HEC-RAS, Inroads Storm and Sanitary ...

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

... modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and ... Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning ...

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA

$79K - $108K/yr

... modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and ... Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning ...

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Water Modeling information

See Virginia salary details

$38.7K

$111.4K

$153.7K

How much do water modeling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for water modeling in Virginia is $111,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water modeler do?

A water modeler develops and uses computer simulations to analyze water flow, distribution, and management in various environments. They often work with specialized software, collect data, and create models to support infrastructure planning, flood risk assessment, and environmental protection projects.

How can I get into the water industry?

To pursue a career in water modeling, typically a degree in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field is required. Gaining experience with water systems, hydraulic modeling software, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

What career tests water?

Water modeling is a specialized field within environmental or civil engineering where professionals use software tools to simulate water flow and quality in natural and built systems. Careers in water modeling typically require knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, and proficiency with modeling software such as HEC-RAS or SWMM, often supported by relevant certifications and a background in engineering or environmental science.

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.

Are hydrologists in high demand?

Hydrologists, including those specializing in water modeling, are in moderate demand due to increasing concerns over water resources and climate change. Employment opportunities are expected to grow at a steady rate, especially for those with strong technical skills and proficiency in modeling software like HEC-RAS or SWMM. Certification and advanced degrees can enhance job prospects in this field.

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 Virginia? The most popular types of Water Modeling jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Water Modeling job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 5% As Needed, 85% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $111,404 per year, or $53.6 per hour.
CO - P0143 - Water Supervisor

CO - P0143 - Water Supervisor

Virginia.gov

Richmond, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

4.9

Company rating: 4.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

680th of 692 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This position serves as a Water Supervisor by supervising, planning, administering, and leading the implementation of the Emerging Contaminant water program team which is focused on coordinating PFAS program development and implementation.  The position ensures the delivery of consistent, accurate, and technically and legally defensible water permits, monitoring activities, planning and analysis determinations and reports, compliance activities, and/or grant and contractual projects.

Please note this is an Agency-Only Recruitment, this position is open to current DEQ employees only. 

Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia.

This is a restricted position. Continued employment is contingent on the availability of grant or non-general funds.

  • Knowledge and experience in personnel management, program planning and development, program evaluation, resource management and fiscal planning, policy analysis, project management, public speaking and engagement. 
  • Technical knowledge of scientific or engineering principles related to one of more of the following: aquatic ecology, aquatic toxicology, chemistry, environmental engineering, environmental science, marine or estuarine ecology, hydrogeology, hydrology or related fields. 
  • Thorough knowledge of one or more of the following: state and federal water laws and regulations; water quality or quantity data collection, management and analysis; public participation processes. 
  • Demonstrated ability to lead and develop others, communicate effectively both verbally and in written communication. 
  • Demonstrated experience with state or federal water programs.
  •  Demonstrated experience in effective communication, both verbally and in writing, with various levels of stakeholders. Demonstrated experience with computer systems, data analysis, and statistics. 
  • Experience with state and federal public participation guidelines; demonstrated experience in developing, evaluating or implementing procedures and/or guidance.
  • Demonstrated skills and experience in developing, evaluating, or implementing procedures, guidance, and regulations. 
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively use computer systems and software to include Microsoft Office products. 
  • Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and abilities in workflow/business process management.
  • Demonstrated ability to respond to problems by identifying issues and proposing alternative solutions, seeking to correct the underlying causes of problems rather than the symptoms.
  • Strong analytical skills, organizational skills, negotiation skills, facilitation skills, and interpersonal skills. 
  • Must be able to work independently and lead a fast-paced, productive team. 
  • Must be able to work with multiple stakeholders as necessary to resolve issues while being efficient, transparent, fair and consistent.
  • Additional knowledge, skills and abilities are specified in the Employee Performance Profile (EPP) Core Responsibilities and may include: Geographic Information Systems (GIS); data management; QA/QC principles and techniques; interpretation of environmental assessments; field sampling/surveys; plan review; surface water modeling techniques; water quality modeling; interpretation of hydrogeologic information such as well cuttings, cores, geophysical logs; and technical writing.
  • This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required.  
  • Combination of education and/or training with major coursework in engineering, environmental science, natural and physical science, or related field. 
  • Demonstrated experience in the technical and legal requirements of the Clean Water Act, State Water Control Law, and DEQ water program processes such as water permitting, water quality continuous planning, or water supply planning processes. Demonstrated experience in DEQ water program processes is a plus. 
  • Other special license, registration, or certification such as pertaining to stormwater review, wetland delineation, or incident management may be specified in specific position responsibilities.

The primary responsibilities of this position will be to:

  • Identify problems and needs, set work tasks and schedules, and allocate staff and other resources. 
  • Provide technical/regulatory guidance or training to regional and central office water program staff. 
  • Develop and implements guidance, procedures, policies and regulations; provide superior customer service to facilitate compliance with environmental regulations and effectively describe Departmental programs and procedures to permittees, project partners and the public. 
  • Ensure timely quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reporting on assigned water program activities, as well as effective management of any assigned contractual and cooperative projects. 
  • Respond to requests for technical and regulatory assistance from the regulated community, consultants, and the public for complex projects or enforcement cases. 
  • Evaluate programs for effectiveness and efficiency and conformance to state/federal laws/regulations.
  • The incumbent elevates appropriate issues to management; and clearly and concisely communicates issues and general status updates. 
  • The incumbent also provides technical team leadership and expertise on duty-specific areas that may include wetlands, Virginia Discharge Elimination System requirements, stormwater, water withdrawals, land application, water quality and supply planning and analysis, water quality monitoring, regulatory compliance and enforcement, sound engineering and ecological practices, and pollution prevention approaches. 
  • Evaluates programs for effectiveness and efficiency and conformance to state/federal laws/regulations.

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