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Water Quality Modeler Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Hydraulic Modeler

Akron, OH ยท On-site

$98K - $168K/yr

... 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 ...

Watershed Modeler

Seattle, WA ยท On-site

$115K - $146K/yr

... future Watershed Modeler (Engineer III) TLT/SDA roles throughout the Department of Natural ... Join us in applying King County's Water Quality Benefits Evaluation (WQBE) toolkit to help evaluate ...

Water Resources Engineer- Boulder, CO

Boulder, CO ยท Hybrid

$88K - $120K/yr

... modeling, and water quality fieldwork and analysis. Technical proficiency with Excel and an understanding of the Colorado water rights system is required. This is a full-time position at offices ...

Lead water quality and predictive water quality modeling (geochemical modeling, geochemist workbench, PHREEQC) and support the site geochemical program * Train and mentor junior technical staff in ...

... water quality models, as well as feasibility studies. Key responsibilities include leading ... distribution system analyses through the development, calibration, and application of hydraulic ...

... water quality models, as well as feasibility studies. Key responsibilities include leading ... distribution system analyses through the development, calibration, and application of hydraulic ...

... water quality models, as well as feasibility studies. Key responsibilities include leading ... distribution system analyses through the development, calibration, and application of hydraulic ...

... water quality models, as well as feasibility studies. Key responsibilities include leading ... distribution system analyses through the development, calibration, and application of hydraulic ...

... water quality models, as well as feasibility studies. Key responsibilities include leading ... distribution system analyses through the development, calibration, and application of hydraulic ...

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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 12, 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 are popular job titles related to Water Quality Modeler jobs?

For Water Quality Modeler jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Water Quality Modeler job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $83,896 per year, or $40.3 per hour.

Sr. Water Quality Engineer

Eagle Mountain, UT โ€ข On-site

$86K - $117K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago


Job description

Senior Water Quality Engineer

Position Summary

The Senior Water Quality Engineer is responsible for providing technical leadership for water quality programs that support the design, construction, commissioning, and operation of mission-critical data center infrastructure. This role focuses on optimizing water quality and treatment for cooling systems, chilled water plants, cooling towers, reclaimed water systems, and other mechanical infrastructure to maximize reliability, efficiency, and sustainability.

Working closely with engineering, EHS, operations, and sustainability teams, the Senior Water Quality Engineer develops water management strategies, establishes technical standards, evaluates emerging technologies, and supports portfolio projects from concept through operations.

This role requires work hours to support a 7X24X365 data center environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES, other duties may be assigned.

  • Lead the development and implementation of water quality strategies for hyperscale and enterprise data center campuses.
  • Establish engineering standards for cooling water chemistry, treatment programs, and system performance.
  • Support the design, commissioning, operation, and maintenance of cooling towers, chilled water systems, heat rejection equipment, and associated water infrastructure.
  • Evaluate municipal, reclaimed, groundwater, and alternative water sources for data center cooling applications.
  • Develop water balance models and optimize facility Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).
  • Collaborate with engineering and sustainability teams to integrate water-efficient cooling solutions into data center designs.
  • Analyze water chemistry, corrosion, scaling, microbiological activity, and treatment performance to ensure long-term equipment reliability.
  • Develop water management plans that comply with applicable regulations and industry standards, including Legionella risk management.
  • Review water treatment vendor performance and recommend improvements to chemical treatment programs.
  • Support commissioning activities, startup procedures, and operational readiness for new facilities.
  • Investigate water quality incidents, equipment failures, and operational issues, performing root cause analyses and implementing corrective actions.
  • Evaluate innovative cooling technologies, including liquid cooling, closed-loop systems, reclaimed water reuse, and alternative cooling strategies.
  • Mentor junior engineers and provide technical leadership across multidisciplinary project teams.
  • Support global infrastructure expansion by providing subject matter expertise on water quality and water stewardship initiatives.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor's of Science degree in Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering, OR equivalent professional experience in lieu of degree
  • Minimum of seven years of experience in industrial water treatment, water quality engineering, cooling water systems, or mission-critical infrastructure.
  • Strong knowledge of cooling water chemistry, corrosion control, scaling prevention, microbiological control, and chemical treatment programs.
  • Experience with cooling towers, chilled water plants, condenser water systems, and industrial water treatment.
  • Experience managing complex engineering projects across multiple stakeholders.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret water quality data and operational trends.
  • Excellent communication, technical writing, and presentation skills.
  • Ability to travel (up to 50%) to other Data Center locations as required.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Ten or more years of experience in industrial water treatment, water quality engineering, cooling water systems, or mission-critical infrastructure, four or more years of which were conducted in hyperscale or enterprise data centers.
  • Knowledge of liquid cooling technologies for high-density computing environments.
  • Experience with ASHRAE guidance related to data center cooling and water systems.
  • Familiarity with water sustainability strategies, water reuse, and alternative water sourcing.
  • Experience supporting commissioning and startup of mission-critical facilities.
  • Knowledge of environmental permitting, industrial wastewater management, and stormwater compliance.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Advanced knowledge of industrial water treatment and cooling water systems.
  • Strong understanding of corrosion science, scaling mechanisms, microbiological control, and water chemistry.
  • Knowledge of water efficiency metrics, including Water Usage Effectiveness (WUE).
  • Familiarity with CFD-informed cooling strategies and heat rejection systems is desirable.
  • Ability to develop engineering standards and best practices for global infrastructure.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills.
  • Ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, BIM collaboration platforms, and water chemistry modeling and data analysis tools.

Working Conditions

  • Combination of office, laboratory, and field work.
  • Periodic travel (up to 40%) to domestic and international data center sites.
  • Site visits may include active construction environments, operating mission-critical facilities, and industrial mechanical plants.
  • Occasional after-hours support during commissioning activities or critical operational events.

Core Competencies

  • Mission-Critical Infrastructure
  • Water Quality Engineering
  • Industrial Water Treatment
  • Cooling Systems Optimization
  • Sustainability & Water Stewardship
  • Engineering Standards Development
  • Root Cause Analysis
  • Project Leadership
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Continuous Improvement

We conform to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We strongly encourage women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply to all of our job openings. We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin, age, disability status, Genetic Information & Testing, Family & Medical Leave, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit retaliation against individuals who bring forth any complaint, orally or in writing, to the employer or the government, or against any individuals who assist or participate in the investigation of any complaint or discrimination claim.

The "Know Your Rights" Poster is included here:

Know Your Rights (English)

Know Your Rights (Spanish)

The pay transparency policy is available here:

Pay Transparency Nondiscrimination Poster-Formatted

QTS is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to talentacquisition@qtsdatacenters.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.