Junior Numerical Modeler

Tetra Tech; South Kingstown (RI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

Merit-based rewards

Flexibility and work/life balance

Collaborative team atmosphere

Learning and development opportunities

Job summary

Tetra Tech seeks a Junior Numerical Modeler to join our Ocean Science team with flexibility to be based in South Kingstown, RI or remotely within the continental United States. We work on inland, coastal, and marine environments, developing contaminant and sediment transport models and communicating results to clients and project teams.

As an entry‑level professional, you will learn modeling workflows, analyze data, and contribute to reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical modeling knowledge and concepts.
• 2–5 years of experience applying numerical models.
• Ability to analyze large datasets and apply quantitative methods.
• Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Python scripting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze environmental data for modeling.
• Develop and run models of contaminants and sediment transport in aquatic environments.
• Evaluate model results and communicate effects to clients and teams.
• Prepare technical reports and presentations.
• Maintain data archives and project documentation.
• Collaborate with modelers and software developers to improve tools.

Skills

MATLAB

Python scripting

Technical writing

Verbal communication

MS Office

Education

BS in oceanography, environmental science, civil/ocean/environmental engineering

MS preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Fortran

R

Job description

Tetra Tech is seeking a Junior Numerical Modeler to join our Ocean Science team, with flexibility to be based in our South Kingstown, RI office or remotely within the continental United States.

Why Tetra Tech:

At Tetra Tech, we are Leading with Science to solve the world’s most complex challenges. Our industry-leading experts in engineering and consulting are committed to driving positive change in communities around the world. For 60 years, we have been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. Today we stand as a market leader, offering cutting-edge solutions in water, environment, energy, and international development. Our science-based planning and design improves lives in our local communities and around the world.

Your Impact:

Join Tetra Tech to make a real difference.Our workleveragescutting-edgetechnologies, advanced analytics, and theexpertiseof world-class scientists and engineers to create meaningful change around the world.Discover your full potential – join us to advance your career while leaving a lasting legacy .

Position Summary:

We’re seeking a Junior Numerical Modeler to join our collaborative team of scientists, engineers, and software developers. Our team focuses on addressing environmental concerns associated with inland, coastal, and marine applications, as well as infrastructure development. These areas include offshore oil and gas exploration and development; linear infrastructure, such as pipelines; coastal engineering projects, including dredging, pipeline and cable burial, and resiliency initiatives; water quality; and renewable energy development.

Working with public-sector organizations—including municipal, state, and federal agencies—as well as private-sector clients around the world, our team uses proprietary and third-party, state-of-the- art numerical modeling tools to identify the potential trajectories, fates, and effects of released contaminants and sediments in inland, coastal, and marine environments.

We are looking for a motivated and detail-oriented team member who is eager and able to learn quickly in a highly dynamic work environment. The successful candidate will demonstrate a logical approach to problem-solving, communicate effectively, think critically, and work both independently and as part of a team.

Essential Job Functions:

• Prepare and analyze environmental data for use in modeling.
• Develop and run models of contaminants and sediment transport in aquatic, estuarine, and offshore environments using proprietary and publicly available software.
• Evaluate model results and succinctly communicate potential environmental effects to clients, stakeholders, and project teams.
• Prepare clear, accurate technical reports, presentations, and other project deliverables.
• Maintain organized and reliable data archives, modeling records, and project documentation.
• Collaborate with modelers and software developers to help improve modeling tools, workflows, and processes.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in oceanography, environmental science, civil engineering, ocean engineering, environmental engineering, or a related field. Master of Science (M.S.) is preferred.
• Two to five years of experience applying numerical models, such as contaminant transport, sediment transport, hydrodynamic, or atmospheric models, along with a strong understanding of numerical modeling principles and conceptual model formulation.
• Two to five years of experience analyzing and interpreting large datasets and applying quantitative methods to solve environmentally relevant problems in aquatic, marine, and/or atmospheric ecosystems.
• Strong technical writing, verbal communication, and presentation skills, including the ability to explain complex scientific concepts clearly.
• Proficiency with MATLAB and Python scripting.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous consulting experience is preferred.
• Proficiency in additional languages, such as Spanish or French, is a plus.
• Experience with Fortran programming is a plus.
• Experience with ArcGIS is a plus.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to travel for conference events and client meetings, as needed; potential for occasional overnight travel is estimated at 2-5% annually.
• Ability to sit at a workstation and work on a computer for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in-person and through electronic means.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer mouse, keyboard, and other tools.
• Visual acuity to read and interpret technical documents.

Additional Information:

For this role, we are open to hybrid work schedules in our South Kingstown, RI office, or remote work schedules within the continental United States. Working out of our RI office is strongly preferred. Hybrid work arrangements are welcome. Remote work is considered. Successful candidates within the New England area would be expected to travel to the office approximately quarterly.

This is a full-time position, typically 40 hours per week, with standard hours of 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Additional hours may be required based on project needs.

The perks of working at Tetra Tech include:

• Comprehensive and market-competitive benefits.
• Merit-based financial rewards.
• Flexibility and company-wide commitment to work/life balance.
• A collaborative team atmosphere that values the contributions of all employees.
• Learning and development opportunities for ongoing professional growth.

About Tetra Tech:

Tetra Tech is the leader in water, environment, and sustainable infrastructure, providing high-end consulting and engineering services for projects worldwide. With 25,000 employees working together, Tetra Tech provides clear solutions to complex problems by Leading with Science® to address the entire water cycle, protect and restore the environment, design sustainable and resilient infrastructure, and support the clean energy transition.

Tetra Techis proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, marital or familial status, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law. Tetra Tech is a VEVRAA federal contractor and we request priority referral of veterans.

We invite applications from all interested parties.

Explore our open positions at https://www.tetratech.com/careers.

Follow us on social media to learn more about our people, culture, and opportunities:

X (Twitter): @TetraTechJobs

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.