ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Water Quality Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HDR

Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler

San Diego, CA · On-site

Analyzing flow, demand, population, water quality, and facilities condition data * Performing ... Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler, hydraulic modeling, InfoWater, InfoSewer, InfoWorks ICM ...

HDR

Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler

San Diego, CA · On-site

Analyzing flow, demand, population, water quality, and facilities condition data * Performing ... Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler, hydraulic modeling, InfoWater, InfoSewer, InfoWorks ICM ...

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 ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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 Sep 5, 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:

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 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/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler

HDR

San Diego, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago

HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 452 rated engineering

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we work to weave diversity, equity, and inclusion into our work and foster a sense of belonging throughout the company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.


In the role of Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler, we'll count on you to: 

  • Developing hydraulic models using GIS data and as-built drawings 
  • Collecting and assessing field data for hydraulic model calibration 
  • Analyzing flow, demand, population, water quality, and facilities condition data 
  • Performing hydraulic analyses utilizing a variety of software programs 
  • Performing technical research into product information, design codes, and regulatory standards 
  • Preparing technical reports and master plans, including the development of text, tables and figures 
  • Communicating effectively with all project team members 
  • Maintaining task/project budgets and schedules 
  • Managing multiple priorities and deadlines 
  • Assisting with marketing activities, including client outreach and proposal development 
  • Maintaining professional competency, which may require attending education classes and seminars, reading professional publications, and attending professional society meetings           #LI-JF1

Keywords: Water/Wastewater Hydraulic Modeler, hydraulic modeling, InfoWater, InfoSewer, InfoWorks ICM, InfoSWMM, XPSWMM, SewerGEMs, WaterGEMs, EPANet, ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro, water/wastewater planning, hydraulic analysis

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering 
  • Experience with modeling software applications such as InfoWater, InfoSewer, InfoWorks ICM, InfoSWMM, XPSWMM, SewerGEMs, WaterGEMs, EPANet, and ArcGIS/ArcGIS Pro
  • Strong understanding of best practices for developing, calibrating, and using hydraulic models and managing GIS databases
  • Strong interest in a career in water/wastewater planning and hydraulic analysis
  • Proficiency in fundamentals of water/wastewater hydraulics and the analysis of demand and supply aspects of both pressure and gravity pipe systems and pump stations 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft tools including Outlook, Word, Excel, Access and PowerPoint
  • Excellent computational analytics, writing and communication skills 
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
  • Previous experience executing technical studies, analyses, and/or designing and creating plans and specifications for water focused projects
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license
  • Ability to make independent decisions and be accountable for the results
  • Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of a task
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917

View All HDR Jobs

Apply