Temporary Water Resources Engineer (Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeler)

Colorado State University; Fort Collins (CO); Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Colorado State University seeks a Temporary Water Resources Engineer to lead hydrologic and hydraulic modeling efforts in floodplain analyses and risk assessments. The role involves building and calibrating HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS models, processing GIS data, and delivering flood hazard maps and reports.

The successful candidate will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, document methods, and contribute to project deadlines within a hybrid/on-site setting in Fort Collins.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree by date of hire in civil/environmental/water resources engineering or closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience building and running hydrologic models (HEC-HMS) and hydraulic models (HEC-RAS).
• Experience with GIS preprocessing and floodplain mapping in ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Knowledge of rainfall-runoff, river hydraulics, and flood risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Build, run, and calibrate hydrologic models (HEC-HMS) and hydraulic models (HEC-RAS).
• Perform GIS data preprocessing and floodplain mapping.
• Support floodplain analyses, risk assessments, and QA/QC of outputs.
• Prepare technical documentation and communicate results to team.

Skills

Hydrologic modeling

Hydraulic modeling

Team collaboration

Documentation

Education

Bachelors in civil/environmental/water resources engineering

Tools

HEC-HMS

HEC-RAS

ArcGIS

QGIS

PCSWMM

Job description

## Temporary Water Resources Engineer (Hydrologic and Hydraulic Modeler)Applyremote type: Eligible for hybrid/on-site worklocations: Fort Collins, COtime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: R2026106174# Job Description## Position SummaryThis position is with the Center for Energy Water Sustainability (CEWS) within the CIVE department. This position will report to the director of CEWS, Dr. Kenneth Carlson, and work in a team environment, in collaboration with other employees. The research team conducts floodplain analyses and generates flood hazard maps for the U.S. Air Force. This position requires an experienced hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling professional who can independently develop, run, and review hydrologic and hydraulic models, perform geospatial pre- and post-processing, and support floodplain mapping and flood risk assessment deliverables.## **Full Consideration Date**8/13/2026## ## **Brief Work Unit Description**The CEE Department at CSU is recognized both nationally and internationally for its research, education, and service and outreach programs and is ranked in the top 40 CEE programs in the USA. The CEE Department comprises 34 faculty, 7 research scientists/scholars, 15 research associates, and 10 administrative professionals. Additional information about the CEE Department can be found at http://www.engr.colostate.edu/ce/.## **Essential Job Duties**Hydrology and Hydraulic Modeling* Build, run, and calibrate hydrologic models in HEC-HMS and hydraulic models in HEC-RAS, including 2D applications, in support of floodplain analyses.* Conduct data pre-processing in ArcGIS, including terrain, land cover, and watershed data preparation.* Conduct data post-processing and packaging in ArcGIS, including floodplain mapping and flood hazard deliverables (flood depth, velocity, and water surface elevation).* Perform flood risk assessments, watershed analyses, and related stormwater and drainage evaluations.* Review model inputs, assumptions, and outputs for accuracy, and support QA/QC of models, maps, and reports.* Assist with day-to-day hydrology and hydraulics research and technical documentation.* Communicate with team members to help meet project deadlines.## **Conditions of Employment**Pre-employment Background Check – Criminal background check required for all new hires.Special conditions: The Department will not sponsor a visa for this position.## SupervisionThis position will not have any formal or direct supervisory authority but may provide technical guidance to other team members.## Minimum Qualifications* Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental engineering, water resources engineering, or a closely related field by the date of hire.* Demonstrated professional experience in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, floodplain analysis, or closely related water resources engineering work.* Demonstrated proficiency building and running hydrologic and hydraulic models in HEC-HMS and HEC-RAS, including 2D hydraulic modeling.* Demonstrated experience using GIS software (ArcGIS or QGIS) for pre-processing, post-processing, and floodplain mapping.* Knowledge and understanding of hydrology and hydraulics concepts, including rainfall-runoff simulation, riverine hydraulics, and flood risk assessment.* Team player with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment.* Good verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to document technical work clearly.## Preferred Qualifications* Experience with AI native workflows and automations* Experience with FEMA floodplain study processes, such as LOMR, CLOMR, and No-Rise certifications.* Experience with additional hydrologic, hydraulic, and stormwater tools such as PCSWMM* Experience supporting U.S. federal, DoD, or municipal flood risk projects.# Salary Range$30.00 to $40.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications# Required Application DocumentsTo apply, please upload the following applicant documents. Ensure your materials fully address the required and preferred job qualifications of the position. Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.Cover Letter, Resume/CV# # Employee BenefitsColorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.* Review our detailed benefits information here.* Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.* For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator.* Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in!# # Background Check Policy Statement# Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.# # EEOColorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.