Hydrogeologist Jobs in California
Hydrogeologist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in environmental consulting, water resource management, state and local government agencies, and energy sector remediation, with openings at every level from field technician support roles through senior project hydrogeologist. The greatest hiring volume is in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, where firms like Arcadis, Jacobs, and Stantec maintain long-established California operations. Groundwater contamination assessment, PFAS remediation, and drought-response water supply studies are the specialties drawing the most consistent demand across the state. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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INTRODUCTION
INTERA Incorporated is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Hydrogeologist or a Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead technically complex projects for sophisticated clients in California. In this position, you will support both Project Management and Technical Lead functions on a wide variety of projects: groundwater sustainability planning, conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater resources managed aquifer recharge, indirect potable reuse, migration of seawater intrusion, contaminated groundwater remediation, and other groundwater engineering and management projects. Your work will be a valuable contribution to INTERA’s Water Resources Line of Business Strategy, which focuses on four areas: Water Resources Planning, Groundwater Recharge and ASR, Groundwater Engineering, and Groundwater Supply (including high-capacity Municipal and Industrial Wells).
To succeed in this role you will need a strong background in conceptual hydrogeology, numerical modeling GIS, and previous experience with MODFLOW and other codes as both a high-level user and a technical team lead. You should also be familiar with the key regulatory drivers in California, including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), California Environmental Quality Act, Title-22 Regulations for Recycled Water Recharge, Groundwater Well permitting requirements, and evolving regulations on emerging contaminants such as PFAS. This role lets you apply your expertise in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment while helping clients navigate complex groundwater and water supply challenges. Our purpose is Innovation and stewardship for a sustainable tomorrow. Join us today to deliver excellence, expertise, and sound science to solve our clients’ water resource and supply challenges!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead multidisciplinary teams of hydrogeologists, engineers, numerical modelers, and GIS analysts to execute and deliver client solutions on schedule and within budget
- Work with clients to identify appropriate solutions, and develop the coinciding scopes of work and cost estimates
- Guide clients successfully through complex regulatory programs such as California Title 22 and SGMA
- Support the growth of our California and Western Regional team through business development and mentorship of junior staff
- Support internal initiatives related to AI/ML tool development
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS in Hydrogeology, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience that showcases a successful track record of team leadership and client engagement
- Strong technical skills
- Adept planning, time management, organizational skills, and efficient decision-making ability
- Effective project management skills with a focus on the client
- Experience with California-specific hydrologic, geologic, and groundwater quality datasets
- Previous experience with developing MODFLOW-based groundwater models
- Experience analyzing/manipulating data, ideally with a scripting language, such as Python or R
- Experience with Data Analytics, AI/ML, and Data Management Systems
- Clear, well-rounded communication skills and the ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships
- Excellent writing and presentation skills
- Able to collaborate across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrated success with client relationship management, business development, proposal support, and mentoring technical staff
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- California PE, PG, or CHg license
- Experience with groundwater sustainability planning, managed aquifer recharge, ASR, indirect potable reuse, seawater intrusion, or groundwater remediation projects
- Familiarity with California water resources regulations, including SGMA, CEQA, Title 22, groundwater well permitting, and emerging contaminant regulations
- Experience leading MODFLOW-based groundwater modeling projects
- Experience using Python, R, GIS, data analytics, AI/ML, or data management systems to support water resources projects
ABOUT INTERA & OUR BENEFITS
INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!
Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
- Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
- Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage – paid 100% by the company
- Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time
- Opportunities for stock ownership
- Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
- Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
- Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
- Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more
These are just some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows.
INTRODUCTION
INTERA Incorporated is seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Hydrogeologist or a Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead technically complex projects for sophisticated clients in California. In this position, you will support both Project Management and Technical Lead functions on a wide variety of projects: groundwater sustainability planning, conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater resources managed aquifer recharge, indirect potable reuse, migration of seawater intrusion, contaminated groundwater remediation, and other groundwater engineering and management projects. Your work will be a valuable contribution to INTERA’s Water Resources Line of Business Strategy, which focuses on four areas: Water Resources Planning, Groundwater Recharge and ASR, Groundwater Engineering, and Groundwater Supply (including high-capacity Municipal and Industrial Wells).
To succeed in this role you will need a strong background in conceptual hydrogeology, numerical modeling GIS, and previous experience with MODFLOW and other codes as both a high-level user and a technical team lead. You should also be familiar with the key regulatory drivers in California, including the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA), California Environmental Quality Act, Title-22 Regulations for Recycled Water Recharge, Groundwater Well permitting requirements, and evolving regulations on emerging contaminants such as PFAS. This role lets you apply your expertise in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment while helping clients navigate complex groundwater and water supply challenges. Our purpose is Innovation and stewardship for a sustainable tomorrow. Join us today to deliver excellence, expertise, and sound science to solve our clients’ water resource and supply challenges!
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead multidisciplinary teams of hydrogeologists, engineers, numerical modelers, and GIS analysts to execute and deliver client solutions on schedule and within budget
- Work with clients to identify appropriate solutions, and develop the coinciding scopes of work and cost estimates
- Guide clients successfully through complex regulatory programs such as California Title 22 and SGMA
- Support the growth of our California and Western Regional team through business development and mentorship of junior staff
- Support internal initiatives related to AI/ML tool development
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- MS in Hydrogeology, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field
- 10+ years of experience or an equivalent combination of education, skills, and experience that showcases a successful track record of team leadership and client engagement
- Strong technical skills
- Adept planning, time management, organizational skills, and efficient decision-making ability
- Effective project management skills with a focus on the client
- Experience with California-specific hydrologic, geologic, and groundwater quality datasets
- Previous experience with developing MODFLOW-based groundwater models
- Experience analyzing/manipulating data, ideally with a scripting language, such as Python or R
- Experience with Data Analytics, AI/ML, and Data Management Systems
- Clear, well-rounded communication skills and the ability to maintain strong interpersonal relationships
- Excellent writing and presentation skills
- Able to collaborate across diverse, multidisciplinary teams
- Demonstrated success with client relationship management, business development, proposal support, and mentoring technical staff
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- California PE, PG, or CHg license
- Experience with groundwater sustainability planning, managed aquifer recharge, ASR, indirect potable reuse, seawater intrusion, or groundwater remediation projects
- Familiarity with California water resources regulations, including SGMA, CEQA, Title 22, groundwater well permitting, and emerging contaminant regulations
- Experience leading MODFLOW-based groundwater modeling projects
- Experience using Python, R, GIS, data analytics, AI/ML, or data management systems to support water resources projects
ABOUT INTERA & OUR BENEFITS
INTERA is a Top Workplaces USA 2025 award winner!
Founded in 1974, INTERA has grown into an international geosciences and engineering consulting firm that helps clients make informed business decisions, mitigate risk, and drive optimal outcomes in a multitude of industries. Building and sustaining a strong company culture is at the heart of INTERA’s practice of good stewardship. We strive to foster an environment where people love the work that they do and the place that they work because we believe that our employees are our most valuable asset. As an employee-owned company, we are committed to investing in our people’s needs for security, health, and well-being with:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance that includes a free health plan option for employee-only coverage
- Paid parental leave – up to 12 weeks for birthing and non-birthing parents
- Group term life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short-term and long-term coverage – paid 100% by the company
- Paid holiday, vacation, and sick time
- Opportunities for stock ownership
- Performance-based bonuses and award programs for technical paper publication and employee referrals
- Career coaching instead of performance evaluations
- Tuition reimbursement, financial assistance for professional licensure and registration, and one paid membership to a professional society
- Pet insurance, LegalShield, IDShield, and more
These are just some of the reasons why many of our employees have spent 10 to 25 years at INTERA. We love what we do, and it shows.
See All 14 Hydrogeologist Jobs in California
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Find Hydrogeologist JobsHydrogeologist Jobs by City in California
Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Hydrogeologist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- HAZEN AND SAWYER6
- Geosyntec Consultants5
- HALEY & ALDRICH1
- INTERA Incorporated1
- Tetra Tech1
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services11
- Technology & Software1
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in hydrogeologist jobs across California.
- California Professional Geologist license or licensure eligibility required by most employers
- Bachelor's or master's degree in geology, hydrogeology, or earth sciences
- Experience with groundwater modeling software such as MODFLOW or FEFLOW
- Familiarity with California DTSC and State Water Board regulatory frameworks
- Ability to conduct field investigations including well installation and aquifer testing
- Strong technical report writing and data interpretation skills for regulatory submissions
Hydrogeologist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a hydrogeologist in California?
To work as a hydrogeologist in California, you typically need a bachelor's degree in geology, hydrogeology, or a closely related earth science, and most employers expect you to hold or be actively pursuing a California Professional Geologist license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists. Licensure requires passing the California Geology examination and meeting experience requirements. Many hydrogeologists also pursue a Certified Hydrogeologist credential through the National Ground Water Association, which carries weight with California environmental agencies.
How much do hydrogeologists make in California?
Hydrogeologists in California earn a median of about $122,110 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $76,110 for the lowest 10% to over $181,360 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire hydrogeologists in California?
Employers hiring hydrogeologists in California right now include HAZEN AND SAWYER, Geosyntec Consultants, and HALEY & ALDRICH, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's large-scale groundwater contamination, PFAS cleanup mandates, and drought-driven water supply projects create ongoing demand across environmental consulting firms, water districts, and state agencies throughout the year.
Which California cities have the most hydrogeologist jobs?
Sacramento, Concord, and Rancho Cordova have the highest concentration of hydrogeologist openings in California. Sacramento leads because of the density of state water agency offices and regional consulting firms clustered near regulatory bodies, while Los Angeles draws demand from industrial remediation and large municipal water systems, and San Francisco anchors hiring through its established environmental consulting sector and proximity to Bay Area technology and energy clients.
Are there remote hydrogeologist jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. About 50% of hydrogeologist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, which reflects how field-dependent the work is by nature. The portions of the role most suited to remote arrangements are data analysis, groundwater modeling, and technical report preparation, while site investigations, monitoring well sampling, and regulatory meetings typically require an on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a hydrogeologist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is applying for a staff geologist or environmental scientist position at a California-based consulting firm, which typically accepts candidates who are sitting for the California Geology examination or have recently graduated. Firms like Arcadis, Stantec, and smaller regional consultancies often bring on new graduates to support senior hydrogeologists on groundwater monitoring and remediation projects. Completing a California-registered summer internship, gaining field hours toward your Professional Geologist license, and developing working knowledge of MODFLOW will meaningfully strengthen your candidacy against more experienced applicants.
Where can I find and apply to hydrogeologist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to hydrogeologist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across environmental consulting, water agencies, and government. Find roles that fit your experience and specialization and apply directly to the employers posting them.
See All 14 Hydrogeologist Jobs in California
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