Assistant Project Hydrogeologist

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.

Application deadline: Our team will begin reviewing applications immediately, and interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates on a rolling basis. The application process will remain open until we have received a robust pool of qualified candidates. Once we have identified suitable individuals, we may close the application process without prior notice. We appreciate the time and effort invested by all applicants and will carefully consider each submission.

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a growing, 1,850+ staff, employee-owned firm providing a full spectrum of environmental services.  Our Vision (the North Star) is to make SWCA the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership. We live our core values: we collaborate as #OneSWCA; we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack.

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 of experience.
• Working knowledge of regulatory frameworks affecting mining, energy development, and water resources in the western United States.
• Demonstrated 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Engineering, or a related technical field.
• Experience with relevant modeling or analysis tools such as MODFLOW, MT3DMS, PHREEQC, HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, Surfer, QGIS, Civil3D, HY‑8, R, AquiferTest, 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

Our Vision (the North Star), Core Values, and Purpose Help drive SWCA to be the best workplace and industry leader in sustainability, bringing sound science and creative solutions to global environmental challenges while maintaining a dedication to employee-ownership.

We are #OneSWCA and collaborate across all our offices, programs, and disciplines. We are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack. We are 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. It is imperative for the successful candidate to fit SWCA's unique culture. Do you appreciate sustainability and environmental awareness? Is giving back to your community a priority? SWCA is a team of scientists, planners, technical experts, and corporate services professionals who are committed to our culture.

SWCA is 100% employee-owned, and we build our success together. With offices across the United States, SWCA is one of the largest environmental compliance firms and ranks among Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms. We offer a supportive, team-oriented work environment and competitive wages and benefits, including an 100% employee stock ownership plan (retirement).  If you are seeking an opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled and diverse professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions, then SWCA will be a great fit for you!

If you need assistance accessing SWCA’s website, completing the online application, or require accommodations at any point during the hiring process due to a disability, please contact us at accommodations@swca.com or call 1-480-581-5378. We’re committed to providing an inclusive and supportive experience for all candidates. This contact information is specifically for accommodation requests; other inquiries will not receive a response. 

SWCA is committed to salary equity and salary transparency for all its employees. In alignment with this commitment, SWCA posts good faith pay ranges on all its advertised job postings to promote pay equity and transparency.

An employee in this Salt Lake City, UT based position can expect a rate of $27.30/hour to $37.33/hour.  Actual pay within this range may depend on experience, qualifications, geographic location, client requirements where applicable, and other factors permitted by law. Regular-status employees are also eligible for performance bonuses. Candidates are also encouraged to consider SWCA’s Total Rewards package, which includes a competitive benefits package (https://www.swca.com/careers/benefits-wellness/), forward-thinking workplace flexibility, outstanding corporate culture, award-winning career development, and more.

 EOE - women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans are encouraged to apply.  At SWCA Environmental Consultants, we celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive work environment. We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds, including those with diverse experiences and veterans, to apply. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce enhances creativity, innovation, and overall organizational success.

 SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate our staff's growth. We recognize the valuable skills and experience our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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