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Water Quality Modeling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Quality Lead

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $209K/yr

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

Water Quality Lead

Kirkland, WA · On-site +1

$143K - $209K/yr

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

Water Quality Lead

Sacramento, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $209K/yr

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

Water Quality Lead

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$143K - $209K/yr

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

Water Quality Lead

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$143K - $209K/yr

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

Water Quality Lead

Kirkland, WA · On-site +1

$143K - $209K/yr

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

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Water Quality Modeling information

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, strong analytical skills, and experience with hydrology and water chemistry. Familiarity with modeling software such as SWAT, HEC-RAS, or QUAL2K, as well as GIS applications and relevant certifications, is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills help convey complex findings and collaborate on multidisciplinary projects. These competencies are crucial for accurately assessing water systems, informing policy or remediation, and ensuring environmental and public health.

What is water quality modeling?

Water quality modeling is the process of using mathematical and computational techniques to simulate how water pollutants move and change within rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and groundwater systems. These models help scientists and engineers predict the impacts of human activities, such as agriculture or industrial discharge, on water quality. Water quality models are essential tools for managing water resources, developing pollution control strategies, and complying with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in water quality modeling, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in water quality modeling often encounter challenges such as handling incomplete or inconsistent data, adapting models to diverse environmental conditions, and communicating technical findings to non-specialist stakeholders. Addressing these requires strong data management skills, continuous learning about new modeling techniques, and effective collaboration with field scientists and policymakers. Additionally, keeping up with regulatory changes and advancements in modeling software can help ensure reliable and actionable results.

What is the difference between Water Quality Modeling vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectWater Quality ModelingWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsEnvironmental or Civil Engineering degree, certifications in modeling softwareHigh school diploma or equivalent, state licensing
Work EnvironmentOffice, laboratory, field data analysisWater treatment facilities, plant operations
Industry UsageDesigning models, analyzing water quality dataOperating treatment equipment, ensuring water safety

Water Quality Modeling focuses on creating simulations to predict water quality changes, while Water Treatment Plant Operators manage daily operations of water treatment facilities. Both roles require understanding water systems but differ in their primary tasks and work settings.

More about Water Quality Modeling jobs
What cities are hiring for Water Quality Modeling jobs? Cities with the most Water Quality Modeling job openings:
What states have the most Water Quality Modeling jobs? States with the most job openings for Water Quality Modeling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Water Quality Modeling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution.

Water Quality Lead

WeBuildIdaho.org

Sacramento, CA • On-site, Remote

$143K - $209K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 hours ago


Job description

McMillen, Inc.

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.

Overview

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

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 mania 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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

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