Principal Hydrogeologist Water Resources

RIM Recruitment Professionals; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 170,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee-owned firm

401(k) with profit-sharing

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Career advancement and training

Job summary

RIM Recruitment Professionals seeks a Principal Hydrogeologist to lead hydrogeologic consulting across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, with occasional projects in other states.

The role reports to the Regional Director and manages a team of hydrogeologists and groundwater modelers, growing client relationships and delivering groundwater management, modeling, water rights engineering, and litigation support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hydrogeology or related field
• 15+ years as a hydrogeologist on water resources projects
• Hands-on knowledge of Colorado water rights, planning, management, and development
• Proven record of winning contracts and expanding services for clients
• Strong client management skills and lasting client relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients, subconsultants, regulators, and the public

Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership: Guide and oversee conceptual models, water balances, numerical models, and groundwater sustainability plans
• Lead Colorado water rights engineering, water supply assessments, and integrated supply strategies
• Oversee well design, construction, and testing
• Provide expert testimony and litigation support
• Develop quality assurance/quality control protocols for projects and proposals
• Track industry developments and identify new opportunities in Colorado
• Team and Business Leadership: Hire, mentor, and develop early- to mid-career professionals
• Strengthen technical capabilities across the organization
• Contribute to strategic planning and initiatives
• Represent the firm at client meetings, conferences, industry associations, and technical committees
• Build and expand long-term client relationships

Skills

Hydrogeology

Water resources

Client relationship management

Technical leadership

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree in hydrogeology or related field

Master's degree

Professional engineer or geoscientist license

Job description

Principal Hydrogeologist -Water Resources Denver, CO | Full-Time | $170, 000-$190, 000 base + annual performance bonus

The Opportunity Lead hydrogeologic consulting services across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, with occasional project support in California, Washington, Texas, and New England.

Reporting to the Regional Director, you will manage technical projects, build and lead a team of hydrogeologists and groundwater modelers, and grow client relationships. Projects span groundwater management, basin characterization, groundwater modeling, water rights engineering, water supply planning, reuse, managed aquifer recharge, and litigation support.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Leadership Guide and oversee conceptual models, water balances, numerical models, and groundwater sustainability plans
• Lead Colorado water rights engineering, water supply assessments, and integrated supply strategies
• Oversee well design, construction, and testing
• Provide expert testimony and litigation support
• Develop quality assurance/quality control protocols for projects and proposals
• Track industry developments and identify new opportunities in Colorado
• Team and Business Leadership Hire, mentor, and develop early- to mid-career professionals
• Strengthen technical capabilities across the organization
• Contribute to strategic planning and initiatives
• Represent the firm at client meetings, conferences, industry associations, and technical committees
• Build and expand long-term client relationships

What You Bring

• Required Bachelor's degree in hydrogeology, geology, civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, earth sciences, or a related field
• 15+ years as a hydrogeologist on water resources projects
• Hands-on knowledge of Colorado water rights, planning, management, and development
• Proven record of winning contracts and expanding services for clients
• Strong client management skills and lasting client relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients, subconsultants, regulators, and the public
• Valid driver's license
• Preferred Master's degree Professional engineer or geoscientist license Experience in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain West

Work Environment and Travel

• Fast-paced setting with high workloads and frequent short deadlines
• 25-40% travel, mainly within Colorado, with occasional overnight stays
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and to sit or stand for extended periods

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary of $170, 000-$190, 000, based on skills, experience, qualifications, and location
• Annual performance bonus
• Employee-owned firm with a strong work/life culture
• Career advancement and training opportunities
• 401(k) with profit-sharing contributions
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• #RIMUS