23 Watershed Geomorphologist Jobs Hiring Near You

Location: Seattle, WA (Pacific NW, could live in Portland, Tacoma, or Bellingham as well)

Work Setting: Hybrid field and office; travel to project sites throughout the Pacific Northwest

Relocation: Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

Base Salary: $117,000 – $199,000 dependant on experience

Bonus: Annual bonus eligibility

Benefits: Full medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with employer match, paid time off, and comprehensive employer benefits package

Position Summary

The Managing Geomorphologist is a senior-level leadership role focused on leading and delivering complex river, coastal, and watershed restoration projects across the Pacific Northwest. This position combines deep technical expertise in geomorphic processes with project leadership, multidisciplinary collaboration, and client engagement.

This individual will guide geomorphic assessments, inform restoration design strategies, and support projects from concept through construction. The role requires a strong understanding of sediment transport, channel evolution, and landscape dynamics, along with the ability to translate scientific data into practical, design-ready solutions.

As a key technical leader, this role will also mentor staff, support business development, and contribute to the continued growth of a leading environmental consulting practice focused on restoration and ecosystem resilience.

What You’ll Do

• Lead geomorphic assessments for rivers, streams, floodplains, watersheds, and coastal systems
• Evaluate sediment transport, channel evolution, hydrologic patterns, and long-term landscape dynamics
• Develop restoration strategies including floodplain reconnection, channel design, and habitat enhancement
• Provide senior technical review of reports, analyses, and design documentation
• Translate field data and modeling results into actionable restoration solutions
• Lead and manage restoration projects from scoping through design and construction support
• Oversee project budgets, schedules, scopes, and interdisciplinary coordination
• Direct field investigations including surveys, sediment characterization, and channel mapping
• Support adaptive design and troubleshooting during construction
• Engage with clients, agencies, tribes, and environmental stakeholders
• Support business development through proposal development and client relationship building
• Mentor and supervise junior to mid-level scientists and technical staff

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Geomorphology, Geology, Earth Sciences, or related discipline
• 10+ years of professional experience in geomorphology (12+ years preferred for managing level)
• Strong expertise in fluvial geomorphology, river restoration, and watershed processes
• Experience with hydraulic/hydrologic modeling (e.g., HEC-RAS 1D/2D, SRH-2D or similar)
• Proven project management experience leading complex, multidisciplinary efforts
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience with field data collection, geomorphic assessments, and construction observation
• Licensed Geologist (LG) or ability to obtain preferred

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with sediment transport modeling and/or coastal geomorphology
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro and geospatial analysis tools
• Experience with LiDAR data processing and large-scale watershed analysis
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest geomorphic systems and regulatory frameworks
• Experience with drone-based data collection and photogrammetry
• Background in large wood design and process-based restoration
• Prior mentorship and team leadership experience

What You Get

• Competitive base salary in the $117K–$158K range
• Annual bonus plan with eligibility to earn performance-based incentives
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, and 401(k) match
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
• Opportunity to lead high-impact environmental restoration projects across the Pacific Northwest
• Clear path into project director and technical leadership roles
• Professional growth, mentorship opportunities, and leadership visibility
• Collaborative, science-driven work environment focused on environmental impact