ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Quality Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McCormick Taylor

Water Resources Engineer

Charleston, SC · 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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

Wood Plc

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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsWater Quality Modeler Jobs

Water Quality Modeler information

See salary details

$22

$40

$76

How much do water quality modeler jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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:
What job categories do people searching Water Quality Modeler jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Water Quality Modeler jobs are:
Water Quality Modeler jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Quality Modeler job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.
Staff Water Resources Engineer or Scientist

Staff Water Resources Engineer or Scientist

Geosyntec Consultants, Inc.

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Overview

Do you want to build an impactful career to change the world for the better? 

Geosyntec has an exciting opportunity for a Staff Water Resources Engineer or Scientist in our Santa Barbara, CA office. The position will have the opportunity to apply academic knowledge to real-world situations while solving our clients' water quality challenges related to NPDES, TMDLs and CSOs as driven by CWA requirements, and to develop experience related to water quality and biota sampling, data analysis, and reporting, while also learning the business skills needed for a successful consulting career. 

Geosyntec is an innovative, international engineering and consulting firm serving private and public-sector clients to address new ventures and complex problems involving our environment, natural resources, and civil infrastructure. Our engineers, scientists, technical and project employees serve our clients from offices across the world. Ranked by ENR as one of the top environmental engineering design firms, Geosyntec is internationally known for its technical leadership, broad experience, and exceptional client service.

We invest in our people.  Each employee is unique, and your career at Geosyntec will be too.  We offer competitive pay and benefits, and well-being programs to support you and your family.

To Learn More Visit: http://www.geosyntec.com/careers/.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Design of stormwater BMPs (infiltration-based and flow-through treatment controls) and related hydraulic structures (e.g., stormwater diversion, pump stations, storage);
  • Hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality modeling;
  • Analysis and visualization of water quality data;
  • Field investigations, monitoring, and data collection;
  • Reviewing state and federal regulations & permits pertaining to surface water;
  • Spatial analysis (GIS), database management, and programming; and
  • Technical document preparation, including technical writing and creation of exhibits and maps.
Education and Licensure
  • Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering or related degree. (required)
  • Advanced degree in the same. (strongly preferred)
Skills, Experience and Qualifications
  • Prior internship or work experience in civil engineering or environmental consulting. (preferred)
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. (required)
  • A general understanding of stormwater BMPs (selection, performance, and design). (preferred)
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements related to stormwater management. (preferred)
  • An understanding of urban sources and fate and transport processes for typical stormwater pollutants. (required)
  • Experience with modeling and design software tools such as SWMM, SUSTAIN, HEC-RAS, SBPAT, LSPC, HSPF, ArcGIS, and AutoCAD. (preferred)
  • Experience with programming and data analytics programs and tools such as Python, VBA, R, AGOL, and web applications and dashboards. (preferred)
  • Valid U.S. driver's license and a satisfactory driving record for business travel. (required)

This opportunity will be posted for at least five days. Below are the potential compensation ranges that we in good faith believe are applicable for this role at the time of this posting and are only applicable for jobs to be performed in the specified location(s) below. The typical base salary range for this position is just one component of Geosyntec's total compensation package for employees. Actual compensation will be determined based on education, experience, skill set and location.

  • Minimum: $70,304/year / Maximum: $92,350/year or Minimum: $28.54/hour / Maximum: $33.80/hour (Santa Barbara, CA)

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including, paid holidays, vacation, sick, and personal paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance, 401(k), and other benefits to eligible employees.

 Employment Type: FULL_TIME

Apply