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Water Science Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

BLN24

Social Science Research Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

$90 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Social Science Research Lead Position Overview BLN24 has an exciting opportunity for a Social ... climate, water, and societal challenges. Working closely with NOAA leadership, researchers ...

AECOM

Program Director, Water/Wastewater

Washington, DC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Director, Water / Wastewater provides senior leadership and oversight for the ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental sciences, construction management, project ...

AECOM

Program Director, Water/Wastewater

Maryland City, MD · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Program Director, Water / Wastewater provides senior leadership and oversight for the ... Bachelor's degree in engineering, environmental sciences, construction management, project ...

Ramboll

Lead Due Diligence Engineer Water

Arlington, VA · Hybrid

$90K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related science discipline ... or water due diligence. Professional Engineer (PE) license, or the ability to obtain licensure ...

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Water Science information

See Washington salary details

$27.7K

$54.8K

$89.5K

How much do water science jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for water science in Washington is $54,807.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43,600.00 and $58,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is water science?

Water science is the study of water, including its properties, distribution, movement, and quality in the environment. It encompasses disciplines such as hydrology, hydrogeology, and water resource management. Water scientists analyze water samples, monitor water systems, and develop solutions for water conservation and pollution prevention. Their work is crucial for ensuring safe drinking water, sustainable water use, and protecting aquatic ecosystems.

What are some common challenges faced by water scientists when conducting field research?

Water scientists often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and limited access to remote sampling sites during field research. Additionally, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of samples can be complex due to contamination risks or equipment malfunctions. Collaboration with local authorities and stakeholders is frequently necessary to gain site access and gather comprehensive data. These challenges require adaptability, strong problem-solving skills, and effective communication to ensure successful research outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water scientist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Water Scientist, you need a strong background in environmental science, hydrology, chemistry, or a related field, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with water quality testing equipment, GIS software, and data analysis tools is often required, along with certifications such as Certified Hydrologist or equivalent. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These qualifications ensure accurate assessment of water resources, inform policy decisions, and support sustainable water management practices.

What is the difference between Water Science vs Water Quality Technician?

AspectWater ScienceWater Quality Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in environmental science, hydrology, or related fieldAssociate's or bachelor's degree in environmental science, chemistry, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, field sites, environmental agenciesWater treatment plants, laboratories, field sampling sites
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental consulting, government agencies, research institutionsMunicipal water treatment facilities, environmental testing labs

Water Science involves studying water systems, conducting research, and analyzing water data, often in research or policy roles. Water Quality Technicians focus on testing and monitoring water quality at treatment plants or field sites. While both roles require knowledge of water analysis, Water Science emphasizes research and data interpretation, whereas Water Quality Technicians concentrate on sample collection and lab testing.

How much money does a water scientist make?

Water scientists typically earn a median annual salary of around $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Advanced roles or those with specialized skills in hydrology or environmental analysis can earn higher salaries, especially with additional certifications or fieldwork experience.

What can I do with a water science degree?

A water science degree prepares individuals for careers in environmental consulting, water resource management, research, and policy development. Graduates often work for government agencies, environmental organizations, or private companies, utilizing skills in data analysis, field sampling, and environmental regulations.

What does a water scientist do?

A water scientist studies the quality, distribution, and movement of water in natural and urban environments. They analyze water samples, use modeling tools, and develop solutions for water management, conservation, and pollution control. Their work often involves fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation to support environmental protection and public health.

What are popular job titles related to Water Science jobs in Washington?

For Water Science jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Science jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Science jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Water Science jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Water Science job openings:

Water Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Science job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 77% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $54,807 per year, or $26.3 per hour.

Sea Ice Model Evaluations and Applications Scientist

Lynker Corporation

Suitland, MD • On-site, Remote

$78K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Overview
Lynker Corporation is seeking a Sea Ice Model Evaluation and Applications Scientist to support the Ocean and Tsunami Center (OTC) and the U.S. National Ice Center (USNIC), to support operational and research activities involving numerical sea ice forecast guidance. The Sea Ice Model Evaluation and Applications Scientist will evaluate guidance from systems such as the Global Forecast System (GFS), Global Ensemble Forecasting System (GEFS), Seasonal Forecast System (SFS), Real-Time Ocean Forecast System (RTOFS), and Navy forecast systems, with primary emphasis on improving the operational use of Arctic sea ice guidance for forecast Days 8-14 and exploratory application at other lead times.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Sea Ice Model Evaluation and Applications Scientist will include the following:
  • The Sea Ice Model Evaluation and Applications Scientist will perform the job duties independently and collaboratively, exercising initiative and applying innovative methods to evaluate and increase the operational use of numerical sea ice guidance.
  • The candidate will work with USNIC forecasters, NWS OTC scientists, model developers, and external collaborators to assess model performance, assess how IMS products could better support model initialization and evaluation, and demonstrate prototype extended-range sea ice guidance for the USNIC.
  • The candidate will also provide recommendations regarding the scientific and operational readiness of evaluated guidance for potential transition to operations.

Qualifications
The Sea Ice Model Evaluation and Applications Scientist selected should have the following:
  • Knowledge of numerical weather, ocean, sea ice, or coupled Earth-system modeling.
  • Experience in model testing, evaluation, or forecast verification.
  • Proficiency in Python for scientific data analysis.
  • Experience working with gridded environmental datasets and formats such as NetCDF or GRIB.
  • Experience working in a UNIX or Linux environment.
  • Ability to communicate technical findings to scientists, software developers, and operational analysts and forecasters.
  • The qualified candidate shall have a degree (e.g., BS, but advanced degree is preferred, e.g., MS or Ph.D.) from an accredited institution in Atmospheric Science, Oceanography, or other Geophysical Sciences, Engineering, Computer Sciences, or Mathematics and have at least 2 years of career experience in related areas.

The Ideal Sea Ice Model Evaluation and Applications Scientist will have the following:
  • Knowledge of sea ice analysis, forecasting, remote sensing, dynamics, or thermodynamics.
  • Experience with ensemble prediction or medium-range and subseasonal forecast evaluation.
  • Experience in workflow development, research-to-operations activities, or operational product development.
  • Experience using ArcGIS Pro, ArcPy, or developing geospatial tools and workflows within an Esri environment.

About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

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