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Watershed Hydrology Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hydrology & Hydraulics Design Engineer

Jackson, MS · Hybrid

$71K - $92K/yr

Watershed Hydrology and Drainage Studies * Open Channel Hydraulics Design and Analysis * Channel Stabilization * Hydraulic Modeling (HEC-RAS 1D/2D, MS DOT, HydroWIN, FHWA HY-8 and Hydraulic Toolbox)

Hydrology & Hydraulics Design Engineer

Jackson, MS · Hybrid

$71K - $92K/yr

Watershed Hydrology and Drainage Studies * Open Channel Hydraulics Design and Analysis * Channel Stabilization * Hydraulic Modeling (HEC-RAS 1D/2D, MS DOT, HydroWIN, FHWA HY-8 and Hydraulic Toolbox)

Strong understanding of surface water hydrology, groundwater systems, watershed management, and floodplain analysis. * Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to ...

Strong understanding of surface water hydrology, groundwater systems, watershed management, and floodplain analysis. * Knowledge of federal, state, and local environmental regulations related to ...

Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for watershed studies, drainage systems, stormwater infrastructure, floodplain analysis, and resiliency projects * Prepare technical reports, drainage ...

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Watershed Hydrology information

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$28K

$62.8K

$117K

How much do watershed hydrology jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for watershed hydrology in the United States is $62,774.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $88,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs pay $500,000 a year in the US?

In watershed hydrology, high-paying roles such as senior hydrologists, environmental consultants, or executive positions in water resource management can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require specialized skills, certifications, and a strong understanding of hydrological modeling, environmental regulations, and project management.

Are hydrogeologists in demand?

Hydrogeologists, a specialized role within watershed hydrology, are in demand due to increasing concerns over water resource management, contamination, and climate change impacts. Employment opportunities are often found in environmental consulting, government agencies, and research institutions, with a need for skills in groundwater modeling and environmental assessment.

Where do hydrologists get paid the most?

Hydrologists tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with strong environmental, government, or consulting sectors, often in states or countries with significant water resource management needs. Salaries are also higher in areas with a high cost of living and demand for specialized skills such as GIS and hydrological modeling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Watershed Hydrology position, and why are they important?

To excel in Watershed Hydrology, a solid background in hydrology, water resource management, and environmental science—often supported by a relevant degree—is essential. Familiarity with Geographic Information Systems (GIS), hydrological modeling software (such as HEC-HMS or SWAT), and data analysis tools is typically required, along with certifications like Professional Hydrologist (PH) being advantageous. Strong communication, analytical thinking, and collaboration skills help professionals convey technical findings and work effectively in multidisciplinary teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring accurate water resource assessments and developing effective watershed management solutions.

What are typical responsibilities for someone working in Watershed Hydrology?

Professionals in Watershed Hydrology are commonly tasked with conducting field investigations, collecting and analyzing water samples, and using advanced modeling tools to predict water flow and quality throughout a watershed. They frequently prepare technical reports, present findings to stakeholders, and help develop strategies for water conservation or flood mitigation. Collaboration with engineers, government agencies, and environmental consultants is a regular part of the job, ensuring that water management plans are comprehensive and effective. This role is dynamic, often combining both office-based data analysis and on-site environmental assessment.

Will hydrology be replaced by AI?

Watershed hydrology as a field involves analyzing complex environmental systems, and while AI tools are increasingly used for data modeling and analysis, they complement rather than replace hydrologists. Human expertise is essential for interpreting results, making decisions, and understanding ecological and social contexts. Hydrologists need skills in data analysis, GIS, and environmental science to effectively utilize AI technologies.

What is a Watershed Hydrology job?

A Watershed Hydrology job focuses on studying the movement, distribution, and management of water within a watershed. Professionals in this field analyze rainfall, runoff, groundwater flow, and water quality to ensure sustainable water resources. They work on flood control, erosion prevention, and water conservation projects, collaborating with engineers, environmental scientists, and policymakers. These roles are often found in government agencies, environmental consulting firms, and research institutions.

More about Watershed Hydrology jobs
What states have the most Watershed Hydrology jobs? States with the most job openings for Watershed Hydrology jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Watershed Hydrology jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Watershed Hydrology jobs are:
Infographic showing various Watershed Hydrology job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,774 per year, or $30.2 per hour.

Research Associate - National Center for Computational Hydroscience and Engineering (NCCHE)

University of Mississippi

Oxford, MS

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


University Of Mississippi rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

205th of 614 rated colleges and universities


Job description

The University of Mississippi - fondly referred to as Ole Miss - stands as a premier public research institution with a proud legacy of academic distinction. We are devoted to nurturing a vibrant, inclusive community where every member - student, faculty, and staff - can achieve their fullest potential.

Job Summary:

The successful candidate will support research focused on watershed hydrology, surface water systems, flooding, and water quality through the development and application of advanced hydrologic and hydraulic models. Responsibilities include developing, implementing, calibrating, verifying, and validating numerical models; simulating watershed processes; evaluating the effects of land use change, climate variability, and extreme weather events on water resources; and supporting the development of computational tools and decision-support systems for flood forecasting, watershed planning, and water resources management.

Job Description:

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

  • Develop, implement, and apply surface water, watershed, and flood models for hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality analyses.
  • Verify and validate hydrologic and hydraulic models using field observations, monitoring data, and historical flood events.
  • Simulate watershed processes, including rainfall-runoff transformation, streamflow routing, flood inundation, sediment transport, and pollutant fate and transport.
  • Evaluate the impacts of land use change, climate variability, and extreme weather events on flooding, watershed hydrology, water quantity, and water quality.
  • Support the development of computational tools and decision-support systems for flood forecasting, watershed planning, and water resources management.

Job Responsibilities:

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
  • Experience in numerical modeling of watershed hydrology, surface water systems, flood processes, and/or water quality.
  • Experience in model calibration, verification, and validation using field, laboratory, and/or observational datasets.
  • Experience in writing peer-reviewed scientific publications.
  • Experience in scientific programming (e.g., FORTRAN, Python, R).
  • Excellent oral, written, and presentation skills (both technical and non-technical).
  • Experience with CCHE numerical models is preferred.
  • Experience in laboratory and/or field experimental studies related to hydrology, hydraulics, watersheds, flooding, or water quality is preferred.
  • Experience in computer systems development, scientific software development, or computational tool development is preferred.
Preferrd Education:
  • Graduate degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Environmental Science, Atmospheric Science, Earth Science, Hydrology, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related discipline. Candidates who are expected to receive their degree by the end of the current semester are also encouraged to apply.

* This position is fully or partially funded by external research grants. Continued employment is contingent upon satisfactory performance and the ongoing availability of funding.


** Applicants are requested to attach a Resume/CV with their application.

Education Qualifications:

Master's (Required)

Experience:

Interview Requirement:

Interview Requirements: Any candidate who is called for an interview must notify the Department of Equal Opportunity/Regulatory Compliance in writing of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

EEO Statement:

The University of Mississippi provides equal opportunity in any employment practice, education program, or education activity to all qualified persons. The University complies with all applicable laws regarding equal opportunity and does not unlawfully discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based upon race, color, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, ethnicity, citizenship, age, disability, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Background Check Statement:

The University of Mississippi is committed to providing a safe campus community. UM conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Join the Ole Miss Family - Build Your Legacy Here!


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