1099 consultant · ~80–400 hrs per funded award · $25–$60/hr · Remote (U.S.)

Watershed Modeler (InVEST SDR/NDR & RUSLE)

Model where sediment and nutrients come from on a landscape and where they end up, using InVEST and RUSLE on real watersheds, part-time and remote.

About Precision Federal

Precision Federal is a small business building AI, data and software systems for government agencies. The company’s founder loves God, and the company is built on Christian faith: every number we publish is real, every claim we make is verifiable, and the work is done with excellence as service to God. Faith is welcome here and openly shared.

How this role works

You join the bench. You apply with your weekly hours and start time. We set your hourly rate from your résumé, and we may name you on proposals that match this role. If we don't win, you owe nothing.
A contract is awarded. The award funds the team named in the proposal. Your engagement begins at the hourly rate we agreed on.
You work remote, paid from the contract. ~80–400 hrs per funded award — and if no award ever funds, you owe nothing and lose nothing.

What you'll do

Build, calibrate and run InVEST Sediment Delivery Ratio and Nutrient Delivery Ratio models for the watersheds in our work
Set up RUSLE erosion inputs, including rainfall erosivity, soil erodibility, slope length, cover and practice factors, from sources you can defend
Prepare and check the DEMs, land cover, soils and biophysical tables the models depend on, and tell us where those inputs are weak
Compare model outputs with observed sediment and nutrient data, explain the uncertainty in plain language, and flag results that should not go to the Government yet
Write up methods, parameter choices and limitations so another modeler could repeat the run

Required qualifications

InVEST SDR or NDR modeling on at least three separate projects, with your own hands on the model setup and results
RUSLE or comparable soil erosion modeling at watershed scale
A background in hydrology, water resources, environmental science or environmental GIS, through a degree or equivalent professional work
Working skill in ArcGIS Pro or QGIS for raster and watershed processing
U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (U.S. person)
Willing to be named on a federal proposal with a one-page resume, and to sign a short letter of commitment

Preferred qualifications

SWAT, HSPF, WEPP, AnnAGNPS or other process-based watershed models
Python or R scripting to automate InVEST runs, sensitivity analysis or scenario comparisons
Experience calibrating against USGS gauge, water quality monitoring or sediment load data
Ecosystem services, conservation planning, agricultural best management practice or TMDL work
Peer-reviewed publications or public technical reports on watershed modeling

Compensation & structure

1099 consulting engagement. $25–$60 per hour; we set your rate from your résumé and experience. Hours are funded by federal contract awards — this seat is scoped at roughly 80–400 hours per funded award, fully remote. Work and pay begin only if the contract is awarded — no award, no hours, no obligation.

Join the bench — Watershed Modeler (InVEST SDR/NDR & RUSLE)

Every application is read. It takes about 5 minutes.

This is a bench, not a job offer. Work starts when we win a contract that needs you.
We may name you on proposals. If that contract is awarded, you do the role at the rate and hours we agree on.
Paid hourly as a 1099 contractor; full-time roles may be W-2. If your background fits, we will email you.

First name *

Last name *

Email *

Phone *

Work authorization *

LinkedIn or portfolio link

What state do you live in? *

Resume (PDF or Word) *

Questions

Answer from your own experience. A few sentences each is plenty; be specific and tell us what you did yourself.

Precision Federal was founded on Christian values. Our faith in God shapes how we work: many of us openly share our personal faith, share our lives together, and pray for one another. We’re building a close-knit community where we truly care about each other. Taking part is always voluntary, and people of every faith and background are welcome. As we get to know you, you’re always welcome to share your own faith with us.

1. Cover letter. In your own words, tell us about yourself: what guides you (for many of us here, that’s our faith in God), your background, and why this role interests you. *

2. Describe the InVEST SDR or NDR project most like this role: the watershed and its size, the question the model had to answer, how you built the RUSLE and biophysical inputs, how you checked results against observed data, your role, and the outcome. If you have more, list your other InVEST SDR/NDR projects briefly with year and your role. *

Availability

Pay for this role: $25–$60 an hour, set by your experience.

Hours per week you could give on an awarded contract (all part-time, up to 30) *

If you are named and we win, will you be able to start within a few weeks? *

May we name you on proposals for this role, and if we win, will you do the work at the rate we agree on? *

I agree to the Applicant Terms. *

Questions? careers@precisionfederal.com · See all open roles