Senior Hydrologist

Senior Hydrologist

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves:
What is our impact on the world? Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. We believe transportation is more than movement, it's the foundation of connected, thriving communities. As part of HDR's Transportation Business Group, you'll help shape the systems that move people and goods safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

This isn't just a job, it's a chance to lead progress, drive meaningful impact, and leave a legacy of smarter, more connected transportation networks.

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Hydrologist to support and grow our Transportation Business Group. This role is ideal for a technically strong, client-focused professional with a proven track record delivering complex drainage, stormwater, and hydraulic design solutions for transportation infrastructure projects.

The successful candidate will serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor to transportation clients, particularly in the freight railroad and highway (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). with opportunities to contribute across municipal and industrial markets.

Primary Responsibilities

In the role of Senior Hydrologist, we'll count on you to:

• Lead hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design for transportation projects, including:
• Stormwater management systems
• Culverts, bridge hydraulics, and drainage structures
• Storm sewer systems and detention/retention facilities
• Develop and review design plans, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, drainage studies, and feasibility analyses
• Perform and oversee H&H modeling
• Conduct quality control reviews and maintain compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
• Lead permitting efforts for transportation projects, including coordination with agencies such as USACE, USCG, state environmental agencies, and local jurisdictions
• Prepare permit applications and supporting technical documentation
• Maintain compliance with environmental regulations including Section 404/401 permitting, NPDES stormwater regulations, and floodplain regulations
• Assist Project Managers with task management, budget and schedule updates to support successful project delivery
• Proactively identify and mitigate project risks
• Support proposal development, including technical approach, fee development, and pursuit strategy
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through consistent, high-quality delivery
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to staff (not necessarily with direct supervisory responsibility)
• Collaborate with internal teams across multiple offices and business groups to develop innovative solutions and share best practices
• Contribute to continuous improvement of technical standards, tools, and workflows

Preferred Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in hydrology and hydraulic engineering and design
• Demonstrated experience delivering transportation-related drainage and stormwater projects
• Strong experience with hydrologic/hydraulic modeling software
• Strong understanding of permitting processes and regulatory requirements
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Demonstrated project management knowledge including scope, schedule, and budget oversight
• Professional Hydrologist (PH), Professional Engineer (PE), or ability to obtain either
• Working experience with transportation clients in the freight rail, DOT, and/or transit industries
• Experience with fast-paced and/or large-scale infrastructure projects or programs
• Experience with alternative project delivery (CM/GC, design-build, etc.)

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Water Resources or closely related field
• 10 or more years of analysis, modeling and design and management experience
• Project management skills a plus
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute.