Would You Take This Job – Hydrogeologist I

Job Title: Hydrogeologist I

Company: HydroSolutions, Inc.

Location: Billings, Montana (office-based)

Schedule: Full-time; in-office appointment (occasional travel 2 days to 1 week per month, depending on project needs)

Salary: Starting base pay $25.00 – $30.00 per hour (depends on qualifications and experience)

What You’ll Do:
Provide entry-level hydrogeologic field services and technical support under senior staff supervision. Tasks include performing field data collection (aquifer tests, water quality sampling, streamflow measurement, lithologic logging), operating GPS and other field instruments, documenting field activities, assisting with aquifer-test and hydrogeologic data analysis, preparing basic report sections and figures, helping with water-right applications, overseeing subcontractors in the field as needed, and conducting literature and technical research to support projects across Montana.

Required Qualifications (high level):

  • Bachelor of Science in geology, hydrogeology, environmental science, civil engineering, or related technical field.

  • Interest and aptitude for hydrogeology and water-resources technical work.

  • Strong attention to accuracy and detail, ability to meet deadlines.

  • Good interpersonal skills, willingness to receive feedback, and eagerness to learn under mentorship.

  • Proficiency with MS Office and the ability to learn specialty software as needed.

  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

  • Valid state driver’s license and safe driving record.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Basic GIS skills (ESRI ArcPro) and map production experience.

  • Interest in pursuing professional licensure.

  • Familiarity with engineering plans/specifications and basic field equipment maintenance.

Benefits & Other Compensation:
Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, paid time off and parental leave, paid holidays, 401(k) with employer match, performance-based bonus eligibility, potential year-end retirement profit share, and professional-development opportunities.

Why it’s unique:
This is an entry-level role at a small, veteran-owned, family-run water-resources consulting firm where you’ll get hands-on field experience, close mentorship from senior scientists and engineers, and the chance to work on a wide variety of water-resources projects across Montana—without the bureaucracy of larger firms.

Link to job posting to view more job details:

How to apply: Email your resume to [email protected] and request a job application, as noted on the posting.

Would You Take This Job?
Would you start your hydrogeology career in a hands-on, field-forward consulting role based in Billings—learning on the job, traveling to rural project sites, and working closely with senior mentors? Why or why not?

I took a similar Hydro I gig in Wyoming at $27/hr - paid OT and per diem made drill weeks (55-60 hours) boost the paycheck, so I’d ask about both up front. Also ask if they cover steel-toe boots and cold-weather PPE; January low-flow sampling around Billings can be rough without the right gear.

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I’d lean yes for an office-based Hydro I in Billings at $25–$30/hr, but it hinges on how they handle the “occasional travel 2 days to 1 week” — OT eligibility, per diem, and door-to-door drive time made my pay workable in a similar role. Also check what field gear/training they provide since you’ll be doing entry-level field services; in-office mentoring can be a big plus. Do they cover hotels and truck time on travel weeks?

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At $25–$30 in Billings, I’d look hard at their training and gear support. My Hydro I in Montana paid for the 40‑hr HAZWOPER, covered steel toes and cold‑weather PPE, and paired me with a PG for hours — those made the office-based + short travel weeks workable. Will they fund certs and give a gear stipend with mentoring toward GIT/PG — otherwise ugh, it can feel like spinning your wheels?

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Given the $25–$30 in Billings, I’d ask one thing: will they sponsor your GIT and set up supervised hours toward the PG, including exam fees and some study time. @frank6532 hit on support; I’d also confirm you’ll get real reps with ArcGIS and aquifer test analysis and can bill time to learn, since travel is only “2 days to 1 week” most months. I’d take it if those are yes, because that moves you past Hydro I fast.

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