Hydrogeologist (Entry-level)

Engineering Consulting Service; Charlottesville (VA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

ECS Group of Companies in Charlottesville, VA, is seeking an early-career hydrogeologist to support groundwater resource projects, including high-yield supply well work, dewatering evaluations, and aquifer testing. You will work under senior hydrogeologists, gaining exposure to field and office tasks.

The role emphasizes fieldwork, data analysis, reporting, and client coordination with governmental and commercial entities.

Qualifications

• 0-3 years of related experience required
• Bachelor's and/or Master's in Hydrogeology or related fields with a focus in Hydrogeology
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArcPro; AQTESOLV/Visual MODFLOW Flex preferred
• Excellent writing and communication skills and a commitment to continue learning

Responsibilities

• Support groundwater projects including well installation, testing, dewatering evaluations, and aquifer assessments
• Assist with field work, data analysis, map preparation, and technical reporting
• Work with governmental, municipal, industrial, and commercial clients
• Field evaluation tasks: well logging, aquifer testing, groundwater sampling, surface water monitoring; oversee subcontractors
• Office work: reporting, data analysis, client coordination, proposal preparation, map preparation
• Work in diverse hydrogeologic environments (coastal plain, crystalline bedrock, karst)
• Occasional overnight travel as needed

Skills

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

ArcPro

AQTESOLV

Visual MODFLOW Flex

Writing skills

Communication skills

Education

B.S./M.S. in Hydrogeology or related field

Tools

ArcPro

AQTESOLV

Visual MODFLOW Flex

Job description

Responsibilities

• Supporting a broad spectrum of groundwater resource projects related to high-yield supply well installation and testing, mining dewatering evaluations, groundwater resource assessments, well rehabilitation, stormwater basin mounding analysis, construction dewatering evaluations, and much more. Work will be performed under the supervision of senior hydrogeologists, resulting in unique mentoring opportunities for a variety of hydrogeological tasks and applications.
• Assist with all aspects of a project with a focus on field work, project management, data analysis, map preparation, and technical reporting.
• Work with governmental, municipal, industrial, and commercial clients.
• Field evaluation work to include well logging, aquifer testing, groundwater sampling, subcontractor oversight, surface water monitoring, etc.
• Office work to include technical reporting, data analysis, client and subcontractor coordination, proposal preparation, and map preparation.
• Work in a variety of hydrogeologic environments, including coastal plain, crystalline bedrock, and karst aquifer systems.
• Overnight travel is infrequent but will be required at times.

Qualifications

• 0 -3 years of related experience required
• Bachelor's and/or Master's of Science in Hydrogeology or related fields such as Geology or Environmental Engineering with a focus in Hydrogeology
• Must be proficient using Microsoft Word, Excel, and ArcPro. Experience with AQTESOLV and/or Visual MODFLOW Flex is preferred
• Excellent writing and communication skills and a commitment to continue learning

The expected pay range for this role and location is $50,000-70,000/year. The final agreed-upon compensation will be determined based on specific location and other individual qualifications.

Military Qualifications

• The following US Military ranks will qualify for this position IF they also meet the education requirements from the above section titled "Required Qualifications":
  • E-5

About Us

ECS Group of Companies (ECS) was founded in 1988 with the goal to raise the standards of professional engineering consulting. Today, we are a leader in geotechnical, construction materials, environmental and building science + infrastructure consulting services. We are employee-owned with more than 3,00 employees in 100+ offices and testing facilities coast to coast. ECS is currently ranked #60 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 500 Design Firms (April 2026), #148 in Engineering News-Record’s Top 200 Environmental Firms (October 2025) and #38 in Zweig Group’s Hot Firm List (June 2026). For additional information about ECS, visit www.ecslimited.com.

ECS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.