Assistant Project Hydrogeologist

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consultants is expanding and seeking a dynamic professional to support its growing Water Resources technical team. We are seeking an Assistant Project Hydrogeologist to work directly with our Business Development Resources and other Hydrogeologists, Water Resources, and Natural Resources Staff to support projects primarily within the mining sector (precious, base, industrial, energy fuels, rare earths, and aggregate markets), renewable energy sector, as well as the water resources sector across SWCA's business lines.

The ideal candidate will be an early- to mid-career technical expert who is motivated to work in a team environment, serve as a technical expert, manage challenging projects, pursue business development opportunities, and use their expertise to craft a rewarding professional career.

This position will be based out of either our Salt Lake City, UT. Hybrid work environments are encouraged, and Distributed (remote) locations for highly qualified candidates will also be seriously considered. This is a regular (with benefits), hourly, exempt, full-time position that can be performed in a hybrid format out of Salt Lake City.

As an Assistant Project Hydrogeologist
, you will serve as a technical specialist in groundwater systems, supporting water resource and mining‑related projects across the western United States, with potential opportunities for international work. This role combines field investigation, data analysis, modeling, and project coordination to support environmental permitting, water resource planning, and long‑term project monitoring. Specific activities include:

• Help conduct or conduct hydrogeologic investigations and field studies, including aquifer characterization, aquifer performance testing such as slug and pumping tests, groundwater quality sampling, and groundwater monitoring well design and installation.
• Help analyze or 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, and potential impacts related to climate or water management scenarios.
• Manage and interpret mid‑sized to large environmental datasets, including high‑frequency monitoring data and publicly available sources such as USGS and state water rights databases.
• Support water resource evaluations for mining and infrastructure projects across the project lifecycle, including exploration, permitting, NEPA analysis, project development, operations, monitoring, and closure or reclamation.
• Help prepare or prepare technical reports, data visualizations, dashboards, and other project deliverables to communicate hydrogeologic findings to internal teams, clients, and regulatory agencies.
• Manage small‑to mid‑sized tasks or projects, ensuring quality, schedule, and budget objectives are met while performing QA/QC on key deliverables.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including resource specialists, project managers, and senior technical experts, to support integrated environmental and water resource solutions.
• Provide technical support or guidance to internal teams and contribute to the continued development of SWCA's hydrogeology and water resources services.
• Support business development and industry engagement through client interaction, conference participation, professional organizations, and technical publications.
• Promote and maintain a strong safety culture by implementing safety procedures, identifying hazards, 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 weighing up to 40 pounds.

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of water resource or hydrogeology experience related to permitting or environmental phases of mine development and operations is required; four (4) years is preferred. A Master's degree may substitute for some years…