Principal Hydrogeologist

LVI Associates; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates is seeking a Principal Hydrogeologist to lead groundwater and water resources projects from Denver, CO. The role emphasizes senior technical leadership, client engagement, and team mentoring across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.

The candidate will manage complex investigations, develop models, and shape the practice's growth while maintaining hands-on technical work and relationships with municipalities and private clients.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of hydrogeology or groundwater consulting experience, ideally in Colorado or the Rocky Mountain West.
• Bachelor's degree in a related discipline; advanced degree preferred.
• Strong technical foundation in groundwater and water resources.
• Experience with groundwater modeling, aquifer characterization, water supply, or well development; familiarity with Colorado water rights.
• Professional registration such as PG or PE preferred; leadership of complex projects.
• Established relationships in the Colorado water resources market; ability to grow consulting work.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex hydrogeology and groundwater projects across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West.
• Provide technical oversight for groundwater investigations and numerical models.
• Support groundwater management, basin characterization, and water supply planning.
• Advise clients on complex groundwater and water-resource challenges.
• Mentor hydrogeologists and grow the Denver-based technical team.
• Develop client relationships and pursue new project opportunities.

Skills

Groundwater modeling

Hydrogeology

Project leadership

Client relationship development

Mentoring

Regulatory understanding

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology/Geology/Hydrology/Civil-Environmental Eng/Earth Sciences

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

A well-established environmental and water resources consulting firm is looking to add a Principal Hydrogeologist to its growing team in Denver. This is a senior-level opportunity for an experienced hydrogeologist who wants to remain technically involved while helping expand a water resources practice across Colorado and the broader Rocky Mountain region.

The successful candidate will take a leadership role across complex groundwater and water resources projects, working closely with clients on groundwater management, water supply, basin characterization, modeling, water rights, and long-term water planning. The position offers significant influence over the continued growth of the Denver practice, including the ability to develop client relationships, shape technical capabilities, and mentor a growing team.

The Role

• Lead complex hydrogeology and groundwater projects across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West
• Provide technical oversight for groundwater investigations, conceptual hydrogeologic models, water balances, and numerical groundwater models
• Support groundwater management, basin characterization, water supply planning and development, and integrated water resource planning
• Work on projects involving Colorado water rights, groundwater availability, well development, managed aquifer recharge, and water reuse
• Provide senior technical review and QA/QC across project deliverables
• Manage projects from scope and proposal development through execution and delivery
• Advise clients on technically complex groundwater and water resource challenges
• Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, water providers, private-sector clients, attorneys, and other stakeholders across the region
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities while expanding relationships with existing clients
• Represent the practice within the Colorado water resources community through industry organizations, conferences, and technical groups
• Mentor hydrogeologists and groundwater modelers while helping grow the Denver-based technical team
• Collaborate with water resources, engineering, environmental, and technical specialists on multidisciplinary projects

Ideal Background

• 15+ years of hydrogeology or groundwater consulting experience, ideally within Colorado or the Rocky Mountain West
• Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Hydrology, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Earth Sciences, or a related discipline; advanced degree preferred
• Strong technical foundation in groundwater and water resources
• Experience with groundwater modeling, aquifer characterization, water supply, groundwater management, or well developmentFamiliarity with Colorado water rights and the state's water planning and management environment
• Professional registration or licensure such as a PG or PE is preferred
• Experience leading complex projects and providing senior technical review
• Established relationships within the Colorado water resources market are highly valued
• Demonstrated ability to develop client relationships and generate or expand consulting work
• Experience mentoring technical professionals and contributing to the growth of a practice or service line

Why Consider It?

This is an opportunity to step into an established consulting platform while having a meaningful role in the continued growth of its Colorado water resources practice. The position combines technical leadership, client engagement, team development, and business growth without moving away from substantive hydrogeologic work.

The firm works across technically challenging groundwater and water supply issues and offers the opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals throughout the western U.S. and nationally.

Base Salary: $130,000-$200,000, depending on experience and qualifications, plus performance-based bonus and a comprehensive benefits package.