Hydrogeologist

HDR; Detroit (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Hydrogeologist with five or more years of experience to join our Michigan offices. You will support site investigation, remediation, industrial water resources, and other environmental projects across North America, with travel up to 30%.

The role requires geologic and hydrogeologic expertise, data interpretation, and collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams to deliver practical, compliant solutions for clients and communities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degrees may substitute for experience.
• Demonstrated basic working skills with GIS, Excel and Word.
• Strong technical writing skills are necessary.
• Experience with field investigations and data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Assist in complex hydrogeologic investigations.
• Assist in designing and conducting field studies and data collection.
• Conduct borehole logging and develop cross-sections.
• Complete multi-media sampling and data reporting.
• Conduct aquifer testing and groundwater mapping.
• Prepare environmental permit documents and reports.
• Work independently and as part of project teams.

Skills

Geology

Hydrogeology

Technical writing

GIS

Excel

Word

Field work

Self-motivated

Education

Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Water Resources or closely related field

Tools

gINT

OpenGround

Surfer

Aqtesolv

Total Station

Job description

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?

We believe waste is more than management, it’s also an opportunity to innovate. As part of our Waste sector, you’ll help shape solid waste infrastructure and environmental stewardship. With a top-tier industry ranking, our team delivers comprehensive solutions that span waste planning, remediation, engineering and implementation. You’ll collaborate closely with clients and communities to design sustainable, cost-effective systems that contribute to cleaner environments and healthier communities. This isn’t just a job, it’s a chance to drive meaningful changes in the waste industry and build a legacy of sustainability.

Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

Hydrogeologist

HDR is seeking a Hydrogeologist with five or more years of experience. The successful candidate is preferred to be based in one of HDR’s Michigan offices. This individual will support our growing site investigation and remediation, industrial water resources, and other environmental project workload across our clients’ diverse markets.

The primary duties of this position involve applying geologic and hydrogeologic knowledge and experience to support a broad range of environmental projects at locations such as landfills, industrial facilities, power stations, abandoned and operating mines, and water supplies impacted by pollutants. Specific duties include geologic, hydrogeologic, and geochemical data collection, interpretation, and reporting. This position requires a versatile professional that is eager to learn, adaptable across project types, and values the opportunity for professional development. The position may require travel/fieldwork (up to 30%) with most work conducted in Michigan but may require support for other projects throughout North America.

In the role of Hydrogeologist, we\'ll count on you to

• Assist in complex hydrogeologic investigations.
• Assist in designing and conducting field studies and be responsible for data collection, compilation and analysis for a variety of geology and/or hydrogeology-related projects.
• Conduct geologic logging of borings and monitoring well drilling, digitize boring logs and well construction diagrams, and develop cross-sections into formal deliverables.
• Complete multi-media sampling including coordination with laboratories, data analysis, and reporting.
• Conduct aquifer testing.
• Develop groundwater potentiometric surfaces and isoconcentration maps.
• Assist with troubleshooting issues that may arise in the field. Communicate issues in a timely manner to team members and supervisor.
• Draft technical memos and reports.
• Assist with developing proposals and cost estimating.
• Prepare environmental permit documents on behalf of clients for regulatory agency compliance.
• Work both independently on small projects and as part of larger project teams to assist senior personnel.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of five (5) years of professional experience as a hydrogeologist or closely aligned profession. Advanced degrees (Master's or Ph.D.) in one of the above fields will substitute for one year of the required experience.
• Demonstrated experience conducting contaminated site investigations involving sample collection and analysis of various media including soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment.
• Experience preparing groundwater monitoring reports and evaluating laboratory analytical data.
• Demonstrated knowledge of conceptual site models and the ability to critically analyze these models to identify data gaps and inform field investigation scoping activities.
• Demonstrated experience performing drilling, well installation, slug tests, and pump tests in consolidated and unconsolidated formations.
• Professional Geologist (PG) or Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) certification.
• Prior experience with Michigan and Federal environmental regulations (CCR, CERCLA, RCRA, CWA, CAA, etc).
• Experience working on Coal Combustion Residual (CCR) projects involving groundwater monitoring, statistical analysis evaluations, site characterization, and corrective measures development.
• Familiarity using boring log digitization software such as gINT or OpenGround and other hydrogeological software including Surfer and Aqtesolv.
• Ability and willingness to perform physically demanding tasks in adverse environmental conditions (rugged terrain, remote locations, hot and cold temperatures).
• OSHA 40 Hour HAZWOPER Certification and MSHA training are a plus.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies, Hydrology, Civil Engineering, Water Resources or closely related field
• Knowledge of and familiarity with technical evaluations and conceptual modeling
• Demonstrated basic working skills with GIS, Microsoft Excel and Word
• Total Station experience (GPS and associated software)
• Strong technical writing skills are also necessary
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task
• May require field work in remote areas
• 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 Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

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. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Location & Industry

Primary Location: United States-Michigan-Ann Arbor Other Locations: United States-Michigan-Lansing, United States-Michigan-Detroit Industry: Waste Schedule: Full-time Employee Status: Regular BusinessClass: Waste Services Job Posting: Aug 6, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity. We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.