1

Water Quality Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resources Engineer

Charleston, SC ยท On-site

$75K - $103K/yr

... water quality improvement BMP projects * Understanding and implementation of MS4 Permit requirements, including TMDLs * Completion of watershed studies and modeling * Occasional construction ...

Water Resource Engineer

Jacksonville, FL

$73K - $100K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resource Engineer

West Palm Beach, FL

$76K - $104K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resource Engineer

Tallahassee, FL

$75K - $102K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resource Engineer

Tampa, FL

$74K - $102K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resource Engineer

Lakeland, FL

$73K - $100K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resource Engineer

Pensacola, FL

$74K - $102K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resource Engineer

Gainesville, FL

$71K - $97K/yr

Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling (e.g. ICPR, SWMM, HEC-RAS) is required, statistical analysis, GIS training or knowledge is desired, and water quality modeling and programming skills ...

Water Resources Engineer - Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK ยท Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Kuna is looking for a Water Resources Engineer to lead technical scopes of work and assessments in ... Define technical requirements, deliverables, modeling approaches, and QA/QC expectations for ...

Water Resources Engineer - Anchorage, AK

Anchorage, AK ยท On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Kuna is looking for a Water Resources Engineer to lead technical scopes of work and assessments in ... Define technical requirements, deliverables, modeling approaches, and QA/QC expectations for ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Water Quality Modeler information

See salary details

$22

$40

$76

How much do water quality modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 are Water Quality Modelers?

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.

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.

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 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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 8% As Needed, and 91% Part Time. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Senior Water Resources Engineer

Senior Water Resources Engineer

Freese Nichols

San Antonio, TX โ€ข Hybrid

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Freese and Nichols is seeking a highly motivated Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead stormwater and water quality design projects for our Central Texas Stormwater Group. The ideal candidate will combine technical depth in hydrologic/hydraulic (H&H) modeling, flood mitigation and stormwater control measure (SCM) design, with strong project management and client coordination skills.

This team member will guide multidisciplinary teams in delivering projects that improve watershed health, reduce flood risk, and enhance water quality through innovative green infrastructure and resilient design.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Lead and manage projects involving stormwater management, flood mitigation, and water quality improvement for municipal and regional clients.
  • Oversee design and analysis of stormwater infrastructure including detention/retention basins, open channels, storm drain networks, and SCMs.
  • Perform and direct hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality modeling using software such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS (1D/2D), StormCAD, and EPA SWMM.
  • Prepare and review plans, specifications, and construction documents, ensuring quality control and compliance with local, state, and federal standards.
  • Manage project schedules, budgets, deliverables, and client communications.
  • Support permitting efforts and coordinate with regulatory agencies and local jurisdictions.
  • Provide mentorship and technical guidance to junior engineers, analysts, and technicians.

Why Join Freese and Nichols

  • Opportunity to work on meaningful, community-improving projects for public sector clients across Texas and the U.S.
  • Employee-owned firm with a long-standing commitment to professional growth and excellence.
  • Competitive compensation, benefits, and flexible work arrangements.
  • Collaborative, supportive culture that values technical innovation and mentorship.
Qualifications
  • 8+ years' experience in stormwater management / water resources design
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering (or equivalent)
  • Texas Professional Engineer (PE) license (or ability to expand licensure to include Texas within 6 months)
  • Experience in H&H modeling tools (HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, StormCAD, EPA SWMM), GIS, and AutoCAD
  • Strong understanding of stormwater infrastructure design principles and construction documents preparation. Experience with technical specifications, opinion of probable construction costs, and permitting.
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills

Preferred

  • CFM Certification and/or experience in floodplain management practices
  • Experience in Central Texas and familiarity with local criteria
  • Experience with SCM design and nature based solutions a plus.
  • Experience with business development activities, including fostering client relationships and development of proposals.
About Freese and Nichols

At the heart of our culture is our LEADS values (Learn continuously, Engage as family, Act with integrity, Deliver quality, and Serve always). Each year, our employee engagement survey confirms that our leaders and our employees live our values.

We strive to be the firm of choice for clients and employees through innovative approaches, practical results, and outstanding service. For more than 130 years, we have been planning and designing the infrastructure our communities need: developing water supplies, designing roadways and bridges, preparing for natural disasters, and much more.

Besides our comprehensive benefits package (see more at Benefits That Work for You), we offer paid overtime for salaried employees, an annual bonus, and access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina. We are proud of our flexible work environment which includes a hybrid schedule with up to 40% of remote work, and an alternative work schedule program which provides a day off every other Friday.

Join our team of 1,300+ employees as we grow from Virginia to Colorado. Learn more about working here at Working at Freese and Nichols.

Freese and Nichols is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based upon race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.

#LI-Hybrid