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Water Scientist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lynker

Environmental Data Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site

Master's in environmental science, ecosystem science, water resources, hydrology, earth science, environmental data science, or a related field; or a Bachelor's plus 2 years applying data science to ...

Lynker Corporation

Environmental Data Scientist

Boulder, CO · On-site +1

$75K - $105K/yr

Master's in environmental science, ecosystem science, water resources, hydrology, earth science, environmental data science, or a related field; or a Bachelor's plus 2 years applying data science to ...

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How much do water scientist jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for water scientist in the United States is $35.95, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.95 and $48.08 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water scientist?

Water Scientists are professionals who study the distribution, movement, quality, and management of water resources. They analyze water samples, monitor environmental changes, and develop solutions to address water-related issues such as contamination, scarcity, and ecosystem health. Water Scientists often work for government agencies, research institutions, or environmental organizations and play a key role in ensuring safe and sustainable water supplies. Their work helps to protect public health, support agriculture, and maintain natural habitats.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a water scientist?

To thrive as a Water Scientist, you need a solid background in environmental science, hydrology, and chemistry, usually supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with water quality testing equipment, GIS software, and data analysis tools, as well as certifications like Professional Hydrologist (PH), are often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret data and share findings with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure accurate water resource management, support regulatory compliance, and promote public and environmental health.

What challenges do water scientists face in fieldwork and data collection?

Water Scientists often encounter challenges related to unpredictable weather conditions, difficult terrain, and ensuring the accuracy of data collected from remote or diverse water sources. Fieldwork may require travel to various locations, sometimes in adverse conditions, and working with specialized equipment that needs regular calibration and maintenance. Collaboration with local authorities, landowners, and other scientists is crucial to gain access to sites and gather comprehensive data. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential for overcoming these obstacles and ensuring high-quality research outcomes.

How much 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 certifications and fieldwork experience.

What can I do with a water scientist degree?

A water scientist degree prepares individuals for roles involving water quality assessment, environmental monitoring, and resource management. They often work in research, consulting, government agencies, or environmental organizations, utilizing skills in data analysis, sampling, and environmental regulations.
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Infographic showing various Water Scientist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,772 per year, or $35.9 per hour.

Research Scientist I, Hydrogeology

Moscow, ID • On-site

University of Idaho Job
See more jobs at University of Idaho Jobexternal

$90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Position Information
Internal Posting? Posting Number SP005330P Position Title Research Scientist I, Hydrogeology Division/College College of Agricultural & Life Sciences Department IWRRI Location Boise Posting Context Statement
We invite applications from collaborative and innovative researchers committed to interdisciplinary approaches in water science and management. We are seeking a Research Scientist with expertise in hydrogeology and numerical groundwater flow modeling (including Modflow) with interests in co-production of research with a wide range of stakeholders and partners. This position is housed in IWRRI and is a non-tenure track research appointment with no formal teaching responsibilities.
Position Overview
Serves as an independent researcher, or a collaborator on a multi-scholar research initiative. May have lead responsibility for discrete components of a larger project under the general direction of a senior or principal researcher.
Duties may include:
  • Perform complex scientific analyses
  • Adjust experimental designs as necessary based on experimental data analysis
  • Direct the development of recommendations for project solutions
  • Perform peer review of scientific projects, studies, or applications and making recommendations
  • Prepare peer reviewed publications or presentations
  • Resolve complex project specific technical and regulatory issues
  • Establish work priorities and performance standards, hiring, training, evaluating staff, assigning, and reviewing work
  • May be responsible for technical project management to include developing the scope of work, budgeting, scheduling, reporting, implementing field projects, and approving scientific documents
  • Other duties as assigned
Unit URL
https://iwrri.uidaho.edu/
Position Qualifications
Required Experience
  • Three years of research experience related to the domain of this position
Required Education
  • Doctoral Degree in Hydrogeology, Hydrology, Engineering, Environmental Science or other related discipline; Master's Degree plus an additional two years of research experience (5 years total) may be substituted for a Ph.D.
Required Other
  • None
Additional Preferred
  • Demonstrated expertise in hydrogeology, numerical groundwater flow modeling and experience developing MODFLOW models for groundwater systems
  • Two years of experience beyond PhD, or MS with 4 years' experience
  • Technical proficiency with quantitative data analytics and workflows (e.g. R, Python, GIS, Modflow, GitHub)
  • Experience with experimental design and complex data analysis
  • Demonstrating ability to work independently
  • Experience conducting research across multiple disciplines and a record of success working effectively in collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including peer-reviewed journals and experience communicating with non-academic audiences
  • Record of 2 or more lead-author publications in peer-reviewed journals
Physical Requirements & Working Conditions
  • None
Degree Requirement Listed degree qualification is required at time of application
Posting Information
FLSA Status Exempt Employee Category Exempt Pay Range $90,000 annually or higher, commensurate with experience Type of Appointment Fiscal Year FTE
1.0
Full Time/Part Time Full Time Funding This position is contingent upon the continuation of work and/or funding. A visa sponsorship is available for the position listed in this vacancy. Yes Posting Date 06/22/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants
Applications received by July 29, 2026, will receive first consideration.
Along with your online application, please provide:
  • CV including contact information for 3 professional references
  • 1-page Cover Letter describing your research interests, how you meet the required and preferred qualifications and how you envision contributing to the applied research mission of IWRRI
  • A 1 paragraph response to the following questions: (upload as PDF to Other Document 1 field)
    • Please describe your experience developing a hydrogeologic model. In your response, outline the assumptions you typically make, the data sources you rely on, and the tools or software you use.

The Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) is one of the nation's 54 water research and technology centers. IWRRI coordinates research to support the water resource needs of the state of Idaho, the northwest region, and the nation. IWRRI also facilitates and develops innovative education and outreach programs that provide research-generated information to water managers, agency research scientists, and the public at large. IWRRI scientists conduct community-identified actionable water research with the opportunity to expand their research agenda by securing extramural competitive grants.

For questions, please contact:
Kendra Kaiser
Idaho Water Resources Research Institute
Email: kkaiser@uidaho.edu
Applicant Resources https://www.uidaho.edu/human-resources/careers/applicant-resources Background Check Statement
Applicants who are selected as final possible candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check.
EEO Statement
The University of Idaho is an equal employment opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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