Senior Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeling Team Leader

Spencer Ogden; Arizona; Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid/remote work

Job summary

Spencer Ogden, an environmental and water resources consultancy, seeks a Senior Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeling Team Leader to guide a growing Water Resources team in Arizona.

You will lead complex groundwater flow and contaminant transport models, mentor junior staff, manage projects and budgets, and engage with regulators and clients across the Southwest. Hybrid/remote options are available, with a focus on delivering technically robust solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Environmental Science, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in hydrogeology or groundwater modeling.
• Advanced proficiency with MODFLOW, MODPATH, and MT3D.
• At least 2 years of technical leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong report writing, client communication, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling projects, including calibration and validation
• Develop models using MODFLOW, MODPATH, MT3D and other industry tools
• Oversee groundwater resources investigations and remediation projects
• Support Arizona regulatory permitting (ADWR/ADEQ)
• Lead modeling studies relating to MAR, ASR, and groundwater sustainability
• Provide technical leadership and QA for junior staff
• Manage project budgets, schedules, deliverables, and client relationships
• Contribute to proposals, technical reports, and business development
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex water resources assignments

Skills

Hydrogeology

Groundwater modeling

MODFLOW

MODPATH

MT3D

Technical leadership

Project management

Client communication

Report writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Groundwater Vistas

PEST

FEFLOW

Python

ArcGIS Pro

Job description

We are partnering with an established environmental and water resources consulting firm seeking an experienced Senior Hydrogeologist / Groundwater Modeling Team Leader to join its growing Water Resources team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an accomplished groundwater modeling professional to take a technical leadership role, overseeing complex numerical modeling projects while mentoring a team of hydrogeologists and groundwater modelers.

The successful candidate will work on a diverse portfolio of groundwater resources, environmental remediation, mining, and water supply projects across Arizona and the wider Southwest.

The position offers flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and remote options, alongside the opportunity to influence technical strategy and project delivery.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead groundwater flow and contaminant transport modeling projects, including conceptual model development, numerical model construction, calibration, validation, and predictive simulations.
• Develop and apply groundwater models using MODFLOW, MODPATH, MT3D, and other industry-standard software.
• Oversee groundwater resources investigations, aquifer characterization, water supply assessments, and environmental remediation projects.
• Support Arizona regulatory permitting, including ADWR and ADEQ programs.
• Lead modeling studies relating to managed aquifer recharge (MAR), aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), and groundwater sustainability.
• Provide technical leadership, quality assurance, and guidance to junior hydrogeologists and groundwater modelers.
• Manage project budgets, schedules, technical deliverables, and client relationships.
• Contribute to proposals, technical reports, and business development initiatives.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on complex water resources and environmental consulting assignments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrogeology, Geology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline. A master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of professional experience in hydrogeology, groundwater modeling, or water resources consulting.
• Advanced proficiency in numerical groundwater modeling, particularly MODFLOW, MODPATH, and MT3D.
• Experience developing, calibrating, and applying groundwater flow and contaminant transport models.
• At least 2 years of technical leadership or supervisory experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing groundwater resources or environmental consulting projects.
• Strong technical report writing, client communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple technical projects and support the professional development of junior staff.

Preferred Experience

• Familiarity with Groundwater Vistas, PEST, FEFLOW, Python, and ArcGIS Pro.
• Knowledge of Arizona groundwater regulations and permitting requirements.
• Experience with ADWR Assured and Adequate Water Supply determinations.
• Environmental remediation, contaminant transport, and groundwater quality investigations.
• Mining hydrogeology, groundwater dewatering, or environmental compliance.
• Managed aquifer recharge and aquifer storage and recovery projects.
• Experience presenting technical findings to clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Take a leadership position within an established groundwater modeling team.
• Work on technically challenging groundwater resources and environmental projects.
• Enjoy flexible hybrid or remote working arrangements.
• Develop and mentor talented hydrogeologists and groundwater modeling professionals.
• Collaborate with experienced environmental and water resources specialists.
• Receive a competitive compensation and benefits package.
• Benefit from long-term professional development and career progression opportunities.