Assistant Project Hydrogeologist

About the Opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding its Water Resources technical team and is seeking an Assistant Project Hydrogeologist to support projects in the mining, renewable energy, and water resources sectors across the United States. The role will be based in Salt Lake City, UT with a hybrid or remote arrangement for highly qualified candidates.

• Conduct hydrogeologic investigations and field studies, including aquifer characterization, slug and pumping tests, groundwater quality sampling, and monitoring well design and installation.
• Analyze groundwater and surface water systems using statistical methods and modeling tools to evaluate water balances, groundwater–surface water interactions, dewatering systems, contaminant fate, and transport.
• Manage and interpret environmental datasets, including high‑frequency monitoring data and public sources such as USGS and state water rights databases.
• Support water resource evaluations for mining and infrastructure projects across all life‑cycle stages.
• Prepare technical reports, data visualizations, dashboards, and other deliverables to communicate hydrogeologic findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Manage small to mid‑size tasks or projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives and performing QA/QC on deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to support integrated environmental and water resource solutions.
• Provide technical support to internal teams and contribute to the development of SWCA’s hydrogeology and water resources services.
• Support business development through client interaction, conference participation, professional organizations, and technical publications.
• Maintain a strong safety culture by implementing safety procedures and ensuring safe field operations.
• Travel to project sites and conduct fieldwork in remote locations, including rugged terrain, inclement weather, and high elevations, and carry field equipment up to 40 pounds.

• Bachelor’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of water resource or hydrogeology experience related to permitting or environmental phases of mine development and operations (4 years preferred). A Master’s degree may substitute for some experience.
• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting mining, energy development, and water resources in the western United States.
• Experience conducting hydrogeologic investigations, field programs, and statistical analysis of complex environmental datasets.
• Experience with groundwater modeling or hydrogeologic analysis tools.
• Strong data management and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office.

• Master’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience with modeling or analysis tools such as MODFLOW, MT3
  
  DMS, PHREEQC, HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, Surfer, QGIS, Civil3D, HY‑8, R, Aquifer Test, Adobe Acrobat, or similar software.
• Experience developing analytical tools, dashboards, or automated reporting workflows.
• Established industry connections and an interest in supporting business development in high‑growth regions.

• Ability to travel approximately 25% of the time, including overnight stays.

An hourly rate of $27.30 to $37.33, commensurate with experience and qualifications. SWCA offers a competitive benefits package, including a 100% employee stock ownership plan, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive total rewards program.

SWCA is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.