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Water Quality Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide project decisions. * Contribute to relicensing documentation, environmental reports, and compliance deliverables. * Ensure ...

Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide project decisions. * Contribute to relicensing documentation, environmental reports, and compliance deliverables. * Ensure ...

Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide project decisions. * Contribute to relicensing documentation, environmental reports, and compliance deliverables. * Ensure ...

Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide project decisions. * Contribute to relicensing documentation, environmental reports, and compliance deliverables. * Ensure ...

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

Akron, OH · On-site

$98 - $168/hr

... and water quality models, as well as feasibility studies. * Lead distribution system analyses ... through the development, calibration, and application of hydraulic models. * Apply data analytics ...

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Water Quality Modeler information

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How much do water quality modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for water quality modeler in the United States is $40.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31.25 and $43.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water quality modeler?

Water Quality Modelers are environmental professionals who use computer models to simulate and predict the quality of water in natural and engineered systems, such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wastewater treatment plants. They analyze how pollutants, nutrients, and other substances move and change in water bodies, helping inform decisions related to water management, pollution control, and environmental protection. Their work supports regulatory compliance, environmental impact assessments, and the development of strategies to maintain or improve water quality.

How does a water quality modeler typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams during a project?

Water Quality Modelers often work closely with environmental engineers, hydrologists, GIS specialists, and regulatory agencies to ensure accurate and comprehensive modeling outcomes. Collaboration usually involves sharing data, integrating different modeling tools, and interpreting results to inform decision-making. Effective communication is essential, as modelers must translate complex technical findings into actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This teamwork helps address diverse environmental challenges and ensures compliance with regulatory standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water quality modeler, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Quality Modeler, you need a solid background in environmental science or engineering, hydrology, and water resource management, typically with a relevant degree. Proficiency with modeling software such as HEC-RAS, SWMM, or QUAL2K, as well as experience with GIS and data analysis tools, is essential. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help convey complex modeling results to diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate predictions, informed decision-making, and effective solutions for managing and protecting water resources.

What is the difference between Water Quality Modeler vs Hydrologist?

AspectWater Quality ModelerHydrologist
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in environmental science, civil engineering, or related fields; experience with modeling softwareBachelor's or Master's in geology, hydrology, or environmental science; often includes fieldwork experience
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with computer modeling; some field data collectionFieldwork-focused; data collection and analysis in natural settings
Industry UsageWater resource management, environmental consulting, government agenciesWater resource management, environmental agencies, research institutions

While both roles focus on water systems, Water Quality Modelers specialize in creating computer models to predict water quality, whereas Hydrologists analyze water movement and distribution in natural environments. The roles often overlap in environmental projects but differ in daily tasks and focus areas.

More about Water Quality Modeler jobs

What states have the most Water Quality Modeler jobs?

States with the most job openings for Water Quality Modeler jobs include:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Modeler job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Water Quality Lead (Kirkland)

WeBuildIdaho.org

Kirkland, WA • On-site

$143K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Water Quality Lead

McMillen, Inc is seeking a highly motivated and self‑directed Water Quality Lead to provide technical and leadership support for complex water quality projects across the Northwest. The ideal candidate will be a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with expertise in water quality modeling, technical documentation management, and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities
  • Lead and supervise teams conducting water quality investigations, laboratory research, and regulatory impact analyses.
  • Oversee the preparation and review of technical documentation, study plans, and water quality reports.
  • Review and interpret analytical results from bacteriological and chemical analyses to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Manage the response to water quality issues, including incident investigations and corrective action implementation.
  • Support water quality modeling, data management, and interpretation to guide project decisions.
  • Contribute to relicensing documentation, environmental reports, and compliance deliverables.
  • Ensure adherence to all applicable federal and state environmental regulations.
  • Implement and maintain management policies, quality assurance protocols, and operating practices.
  • Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to advance project objectives.
  • Provide mentorship and guidance to junior staff and technical specialists.
Qualifications
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Ph.D. in Environmental Science, Water Resources, or related field preferred.
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or related technical discipline.
  • 8+ years of relevant professional experience, including supervisory or project management roles.
  • Demonstrated expertise in water quality modeling and regulatory documentation management.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong technical and analytical abilities.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
  • Willingness to travel to project sites as needed and perform occasional fieldwork in varying weather conditions.
  • Flexible work schedule with both office and remote work options.
Compensation Package
  • Pay Range: $143,846 - $209,199
  • Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program consisting of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 Paid Holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for Stock Ownership and Wellness Reimbursement.
Who We Are

McMillen, Inc. (McMillen) is an engineering, environmental, and construction firm providing scalable, multi-disciplinary capabilities. We are a design and build firm providing clients with balanced perspective and realistic solutions. With experts in the United States, Canada, Australia, and France, our staff bring best practices from the water resources, energy, dams, infrastructure, fisheries, aquaculture, and restricted access markets.

We balance technical precision with collaborative delivery throughout all project phases. We have the resources and expertise to contribute to a project at the feasibility and planning stage, navigate the regulatory and permitting requirements, develop detailed designs, self‑perform construction, and participate in startup, testing, and commissioning. We offer strategic planning, technical expertise, comprehensive project management, and integration of multi‑disciplinary studies for traditional and alternative project delivery methods.

We want our employees to make a career doing what they love to do. We aren't looking for the complacent or the comfortable. We are looking for the highly technical, the creators, the manic obsessives, the outliers who know being the best is a journey, not a finish line. We support our employees' efforts to stay on the cutting edge of technology while fostering a great work‑life balance.

EEO

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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