Larry Walker Associates is seeking a Groundwater Modeler to support numerical modeling and technical analysis on groundwater projects throughout California. This role is suited to candidates with more than 4 years of professional experience who are passionate about groundwater modeling and want to apply their expertise across a range of complex projects. The successful candidate will work with teams to develop and apply groundwater models in support of SGMA compliance, basin characterization, water resources planning, and regulatory reporting.
Key Responsibilities- Develop, calibrate, and apply numerical groundwater flow and transport models using MODFLOW (e.g., MODFLOW-6, MODFLOW-OWHM, MODFLOW-USG) and/or DWR integrated hydrologic models (IWFM, C2VSim)
- Perform model parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis
- Develop and evaluate model input datasets including hydrostratigraphy, recharge, pumping, and water quality using R or Python, specialized software, and GIS
- Conduct scenario analyses to evaluate groundwater management strategies, pumping impacts, and recharge effectiveness
- Use model outputs to support basin management, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and meet regulatory requirements
- Prepare clear and well-documented technical reports, model documentation, and presentations
Required Qualifications- Bachelor's degree or higher in Geology, Hydrologic Sciences, Civil/Environmental Engineering, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated hands-on experience with MODFLOW-based numerical groundwater modeling (e.g., MODFLOW-6, MODFLOW-OWHM, MODFLOW-USG, MODFLOW-NWT) or equivalent
- 4 years of professional experience in hydrogeology, or water resources engineering
- Proficiency in Python or R for scripting, data processing, and model pre/post-processing
- Strong technical writing skills with the ability to document model construction, calibration, and results clearly for both technical and regulatory audiences
- Willingness to travel as needed
Highly Desirable Skills and Qualifications- Experience with IWFM, C2VSim, or other integrated surface water-groundwater modeling frameworks used by DWR
- Familiarity with California water data systems (DWR, GAMA, CIMIS, OpenET, DDW, CEDEN) for model input development and data validation
- Professional registration (e.g., PG, CHG, PE) in California is highly desired
- Excellent work ethic, self-directed, and highly motivated
- Valid driver's license
What We Offer- LWA's total compensation package includes a competitive salary, an annual bonus program, a fully funded profit-sharing retirement program, a full range of health benefit offerings (including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-time disability insurance), flexible paid vacation time, paid sick leave, 10 paid holidays a year, and an annual training budget which includes conference attendance and support to obtain professional licensure.
- Our company is organized into self-directed teams that provide opportunities for employees to take responsibility for their own career path, work on diverse and interesting projects, and assume leadership roles from day one. Technical staff are directly involved in project leadership, client engagement, and strategic decision-making.
- LWA is committed to our values of passion for excellence, caring, building meaningful relationships, forward thinking, and serving the public good, and our successful employees embody the behaviors that support those values. We are known for taking great care of our clients and employees alike.
