Water Resources Project Engineer (mid to senior level)

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you're valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Surface Water

Water is refreshing, one drop at a time, and non-threatening. But when you look at places like the Grand Canyon, carved out by the power of water, communities around the world ravaged by floods, or waterways polluted by poorly managed run-off, it's evident that managing and protecting our natural waterways is serious business. Our surface water experts are experienced in the latest practices, modeling software, and federal, state, and local regulations to help address flooding and drainage issues, protecting rivers and streams, and planning for all of our clients' water-management needs. Join our team and be one of the People Who Make it Happen!

Summary

We're seeking a passionate and experienced Water Resources Project Engineer to lead innovative and environmentally significant projects that restore streams, enhance fish passage, and design resilient infrastructure. This role involves a wide range of responsibilities including cost estimating, technical report writing, preparation of scopes and budgets for new projects, quality control review of others' work, and support on large, complex efforts. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of fish passage criteria (DOT&PF, USFWS, USFS) and local water quality regulations, along with a proven ability to work independently while mentoring junior staff. A strong work ethic, sound professional judgment, and the ability to apply new design concepts are essential. Success in this role requires excellent organizational and communication skills, advanced proficiency with drafting and design software, and fluency in 2D and 3D design practices. We value those who collaborate well with others, respond positively to feedback, and actively seek growth through teamwork and technical excellence.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Proficient to Advanced
• HEC-RAS proficiency a plus
• Market Sector Software (water resource, GIS, and CAD software) - Proficient to Advanced

Technical Expertise

• Advanced understanding of technical fundamentals
• Leads technical efforts on a variety of project types, sizes and complexities
• Trains others on technical tasks and skills
• Performs quality control of moderately complex deliverables
• Intermediate awareness of technical aspects of other market sectors

Teamwork

Primarily functions as a task leader for a small team to complete challenging assignments. Is an independent thinker, provides clear communication and direction to others, and takes responsibility for results of the assigned work.

Project Delivery

Produces the following independently and oversees others with less experience:

• Site investigations
• Design calculations
• Technical reports and memos
• Exhibits and figures
• Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
• Design documents and construction plans
• Complete technical sections of permit applications
• Presentation content and slides
• Prepare content for bidding addenda
• Construction inspection of designed components

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Advanced understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Develops budgets and schedules for complex tasks. Breaks down complex projects into logical tasks. Mentors others on above. Able to prioritize multiple assignments to successfully deliver all assigned projects on time and on budget.

Industry Standards and Regulations

• Advanced ability to identify, interpret, and employ design codes and technical guidance documents
• Actively mentors others on interpreting and understanding limitations of design codes and technical guidance

Client Interaction

Frequent direct communications to resolve technical issues on moderate to complex projects. Leads technical client project meetings. Understand appropriate messaging and communication of/for risk management.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs advanced levels of technical work on large, complex projects as a trusted technical member of the market sector. Operates with a high level of autonomy. Reviews the work of others. May perform some project management tasks.

Supervisory Duties

May be a supervisor:

• Oversees team operations and the daily workflow of the team
• Organizes workflow and ensures that employees understand their duties or delegated tasks
• Recruits and hires new employees
• Implements training for new hires and identifies training opportunities for current staff
• Communicates information from leadership to employees and vice versa
• Monitors employee productivity and provides constructive feedback and coaching
• Sets goals for performance and deadlines in ways that comply with company's plans and vision and communicates them to employees
• Provides constructive and timely performance evaluations
• Decides on reward and promotion based on performance
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policy

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Years of experience required: 6 years
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: 5 years

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• PE required
• CFM, PH encouraged
• Must have a valid driver's license and a good driving record

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Position may include periodic site visits and inspection work on project sites.