Water Resource Engineer - Project Level

Published: 6/14/2022

Job Description

NCE is actively recruiting for a Project or Senior Water Resources Engineer to support NCE’s emerging Water Resources Practice in Northern California. We are looking for a dynamic person who enjoys a mix of office and field work and can apply analytical and critical thinking skills in both environments. If you are a natural problem solver who thrives in a supportive but independent work environment, possess the innate talent to efficiently identify, review, and apply large amounts of technical and regulatory material, and you possess an interest to learn and apply new skills and knowledge to regulatory permitting for flood control, stormwater, stormwater master plans, creek/river restoration, climate adaptation, and watershed planning projects, you should find out more about this opportunity. The natural ability to communicate (written and verbal) in a team environment is essential. This position may be based in NCE’s Oakland, Pt. Richmond or Sacramento, CA office.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in various design/engineering projects for stormwater systems, urban drainage, flood control systems, natural rivers and creeks, green infrastructure, etc.
Support climate adaptation initiatives focused on water infrastructure resilience and nature-based solutions
Contribute to watershed assessments and planning efforts
Participate in river and flood control channel engineering and restoration projects
Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, ArcGIS, and similar tools
Develop GIS maps and spatial analyses to support project needs
Experience developing drawings, plans, specifications, and estimates
Conduct field investigations and data collection
Prepare technical documentation and contribute to project reports
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on integrated water resource projects

Qualifications (Must Have):

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, hydrology, earth sciences, watershed science, or related field
Professional License (PE, QSD/QSP)
6-8 years of relevant experience
Basic understanding of stormwater management principles and practices
Familiarity with engineering design concepts and key environmental regulations
Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, and good written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
Strong academic background in water resources, hydrology, or related coursework
Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites

Qualifications (Nice to Have)

Master's degree in relevant field
Strong interdisciplinary background/experience, for example, knowledge in watershed ecology, fisheries, geomorphology, restoration, landscape architecture, botany, riparian ecology, etc.
Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or similar hydrology and hydraulic modeling software
GIS skills, particularly with ArcGIS or QGIS
Knowledge of California environmental regulations and permitting
Experience with AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D
Field data collection experience
Professional licensure, or evidence of significant progress toward licensure (PE, PH, CFM, QSD/QSP, and/or related)

What We Offer

Mentorship from experienced professionals
Diverse project experience across Northern California and Nevada
Professional development opportunities and support for licensure
Collaborative and supportive work environment
Competitive salary and benefits package
Work-life balance and flexible scheduling options

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those needed to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Sitting for long periods while working at a computer on modeling, design, CAD/GIS and report writing
Regularly using hands and fingers to operate a computer, keyboard and other office equipment
Close visual work for reviewing drawings, plans, maps and model output on screens and in print
Walking, standing, bending, kneeling and climbing during field investigations, including on uneven, sloped, wet or vegetated ground such as creek banks, channels and drainage facilities
Occasionally lifting and carrying field equipment and materials up to 25 pounds
Communicating clearly in person, by phone and virtually with team members, clients and public agency staff

Working Conditions

Work is primarily performed in a professional office environment, with hybrid work arrangements available for qualified candidates
Occasional fieldwork at project sites, which may involve exposure to outdoor weather conditions, heat, cold, rain, uneven terrain, water, insects, wildlife and active construction areas
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE) as required on project sites
Travel to project sites and client meetings within Northern California and Nevada; a valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record are required
Occasional work outside normal business hours may be needed to meet project deadlines or attend public meetings
Regular, reliable, predictable performance is needed
This position description reflects the general duties of the role and may change over time

Salary range is $10,000 to $140,000, depending on experience, licensure status, and location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

NCE is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. NCE is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. Applicants who need a reasonable accommodation during the application or recruitment process may contact Human Resources.

Qualified candidates should submit their resume below. For questions regarding your application please email HR@ncenet.com