Senior Water Engineer

ZipRecruiter; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering consulting firm seeks a Senior Water Engineer to lead water project designs and delivery. The role involves managing client relationships, mentoring staff, and ensuring high standards in water system design. Join a collaborative team that values your contributions and offers professional growth opportunities.

Benefits

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401k with immediate matching

Professional development and mentorship

Flexible schedules and generous PTO

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience in water system design.
• PE license in Oregon or Washington, or ability to obtain within six months.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and execution of water projects.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and reports.
• Mentor junior engineers and coordinate project staffing.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

WaterCAD

MS Word

Excel

Bluebeam Revu

Job description

Job Description

Job Summary

The AKS public works team seeks a self-motivated engineer ready to lead the design and delivery of water projects supported by a diverse in-house team of engineers, surveyors, wetland scientists, and construction professionals. As a Senior Water Engineer, you will support cities, counties, districts, and other public and private clients to meet their water production, treatment, storage, and distribution goals as we strengthen and grow our public works project delivery group.

What You Will Do

As a Senior Water Engineer, your responsibilities include leading the design of water-related projects in Oregon and Southwest and Southeast Washington (Tri-Cities area), focusing on your chosen office location. Responsibilities such as business development and project management will depend on your experience, and you will be encouraged to develop these skills and build your own project team. You will mentor less experienced staff and receive support and mentoring from AKS leadership within a culture of empowerment. Your strong communication skills will help develop positive relationships with clients, agencies, and internal teams. Specific tasks include:

• Lead planning, design, and execution of water production, treatment, storage, and distribution projects using AutoCAD Civil 3D, WaterCAD, and other industry software.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, and reports.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships by understanding their needs and providing expert guidance.
• Assist with business development, including preparing technical and qualification proposals.
• Provide technical expertise in water engineering, prepare specifications, and ensure compliance with standards.
• Coordinate project staffing, mentor junior engineers, and ensure high standards of engineering practice.
• Prepare and present project reports, memoranda, updates, and proposals.

Depending on your experience, additional responsibilities may include:

• Managing client communications and project expectations.
• Overseeing quality of work products and ensuring standards are met.
• Managing project schedules, procurement, stakeholder coordination, and project phases.

Your Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering or related field.
• PE license in Oregon or Washington, or ability to obtain within six months.
• At least 10 years of experience in water system design.
• Proven experience in preparing reports, plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Effective coordination with public agencies and project teams.
• Experience in task management and mentoring junior staff.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Interest in building and leading a water design team.
• High proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, WaterCAD, and other relevant software.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Familiarity with industry standards (AWWA, EPA, etc.).
• Willingness to take on additional responsibilities for AKS.

Additional Desired Qualifications

• Experience with local/state agencies in Oregon and Washington.
• Coordination of surveys, grading, drainage, utilities, environmental, geotechnical, and natural resources.
• Ability to pursue business development opportunities.
• Experience as a field engineer/inspector for utility projects.
• Confidence in public speaking.
• Experience managing client relationships and project scopes.
• Leadership experience in design teams.
• Experience with utility master plans and trenchless technologies.
• Proficiency in Bluebeam Revu.

Who We Are

AKS is a locally owned engineering consulting firm focused on infrastructure development in the Pacific Northwest, with over 28 years of experience and seven offices. Our services include civil engineering, land use planning, forestry, natural resources, and construction support.

Why Join Us

Recognized as a Top Workplace, AKS values responsibility, transparency, practical solutions, and long-term relationships. We promote a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment with team-building activities and community events.

Benefits

• Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, flexible spending, HSA, family leave, paid holidays, life, and pet insurance.
• Retirement: 401k with immediate matching.
• Growth: Professional development, mentorship, training.
• Culture: Team events, site visits, shared meals.
• Stability: Established and reputable company.
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible schedules and generous PTO.

Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and invests in your future.

Note: AKS does not work with third-party recruiters. Resumes from such sources are unsolicited and not compensated unless a contract exists.