CO - P0849 -Water Modeler

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a Water Modeling Specialist to develop and apply surface water models in support of Virginia’s Water Programs. This hybrid role combines in-office and telework, and requires work from Virginia with potential vehicle use.

Key duties include modeling, data analysis, documentation, and coordination with staff and stakeholders to ensure data quality and informed agency decisions. Strong GIS and modeling skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience developing surface water models for water quality/quantity.
• GIS experience with ESRI ArcGIS Desktop/Pro/online.
• Statistics and data management using R, Shiny, Tableau, SQL.
• Familiarity with federal/state policies and regulations.
• Ability to manage complex tasks with competing timelines.
• Experience engaging public/involved stakeholders and presenting.
• Background in hydrology or environmental science or engineering.
• Computer modeling experience required.
• Experience handling datasets and coordinating with agencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform surface water modeling, analysis, and geospatial characterization.
• Provide technical documentation of outputs to support agency actions.
• Conduct statistical analyses of data and prepare memos.
• Coordinate with staff and stakeholders to validate data and simulations.
• Present findings to public bodies and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Surface water modeling

GIS analysis

Statistics & data management

Public communications

Project coordination

Education

Hydrology/Environmental Science/Engineering

Policy knowledge (federal/state)

Tools

ArcGIS Desktop/Pro

R (RStudio)

SQL

Tableau

Job description

Hiring Range: $59,754 - $84,913

Full Time or Part Time: FULL TIME

JOB DESCRIPTION

This position will assist with the development and application of computer models and with providing associated technical expertise in support of Virginia's Water Programs.Please note this position follows a hybrid work schedule to include both in-office and telework. Candidates must be able to work from the assigned work location in Virginia.This position may require you to operate a state owned or leased vehicle. Therefore, a valid driver's license is required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The primary responsibilities of this position are to perform surface water modeling, analysis, and geospatial characterization and provide technical documentation of the modeled output to support agency actions or decisions. Performs mathematical and statistical analyses of various types of data. Writes, reviews, and evaluates technical memos and policy documents. Coordinates with other staff, public entities, or other stakeholders or affected parties as appropriate to obtain and validate data, inputs and simulation results.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge or experience in developing, evaluating or implementing surface water models for water quality and/or quantity (such as CORMIX/PLUMES, QUAL2K, EFDC, HSPF, GWLF, LSPC).
• Knowledge or experience with GIS technology, including experience with ESRI software suite (ArcGIS Desktop, ArcPro, ArcGIS online).
• Knowledge or experience with statistics and data management, analysis, and associated platforms (Rstudio (preferred), R Shiny, Tableau, ESRI Products, SQL).
• Education or experience in the interpretation and application of federal and state policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Ability to manage complicated tasks and projects with competing timelines.
• Ability to handle public inquiries, engage stakeholders, and make public presentations.
• Combination of education or training with major coursework in hydrology, environmental science, engineering, natural science, or similar.
• Computer modeling experience required.
• Experience in managing datasets, using geographic information systems, dealing with public inquiries, making presentations before public bodies, and interacting/coordinating with other government and non-government entities.
• No special licenses or certification required.

ABOUT US

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is the primary environmental permitting agency in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is responsible for administering laws and regulations related to air quality, water quality, water supply, renewable energy, and land protection. Through the dedication and work of over 800 employees across six regional offices and the Central Office in Richmond, DEQ issues permits, conducts monitoring and inspections, and enforces the law.