Surface Water Modeler | Hybrid Role with GIS & Data

Commonwealth of VA Careers; Richmond (VA); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a Water Modeling Specialist to develop and apply surface water models in support of Virginia’s Water Programs. This hybrid role combines in-office and telework, and requires work from Virginia with potential vehicle use.

Key duties include modeling, data analysis, documentation, and coordination with staff and stakeholders to ensure data quality and informed agency decisions. Strong GIS and modeling skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience developing surface water models for water quality/quantity.
• GIS experience with ESRI ArcGIS Desktop/Pro/online.
• Statistics and data management using R, Shiny, Tableau, SQL.
• Familiarity with federal/state policies and regulations.
• Ability to manage complex tasks with competing timelines.
• Experience engaging public/involved stakeholders and presenting.
• Background in hydrology or environmental science or engineering.
• Computer modeling experience required.
• Experience handling datasets and coordinating with agencies.

Responsibilities

• Perform surface water modeling, analysis, and geospatial characterization.
• Provide technical documentation of outputs to support agency actions.
• Conduct statistical analyses of data and prepare memos.
• Coordinate with staff and stakeholders to validate data and simulations.
• Present findings to public bodies and respond to inquiries.

Skills

Surface water modeling

GIS analysis

Statistics & data management

Public communications

Project coordination

Education

Hydrology/Environmental Science/Engineering

Policy knowledge (federal/state)

Tools

ArcGIS Desktop/Pro

R (RStudio)

SQL

Tableau

Job description

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is seeking a Water Modeling Specialist to develop and apply surface water models in support of Virginia’s Water Programs. This hybrid role combines in-office and telework, and requires work from Virginia with potential vehicle use.

Key duties include modeling, data analysis, documentation, and coordination with staff and stakeholders to ensure data quality and informed agency decisions. Strong GIS and modeling skills are essential.