Assistant Staff Water Resources Engineer

careers-swca; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consulting & Engineering is seeking an Assistant Staff Water Resources Engineer in Raleigh, NC, offering hybrid/remote work with occasional travel. The role focuses on hydrology, hydraulics, modeling, and restoration projects, with opportunities across the U.S.

and growth in ecological restoration. Entry-level candidates with a bachelor’s degree and EIT preferred will be considered; GIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, Python experience is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field.
• Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation preferred.
• Experience with hydrology/hydraulics modeling is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supports development of engineering designs for water resources projects.
• Performs field investigations and data collection for project sites.
• Assists in preparing technical reports and documentation.
• Supports permitting and regulatory approvals with project teams.
• Performs construction oversight to monitor contractor adherence.

Skills

Hydrology

Hydraulics

GIS

Python

Field data collection

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

AutoCAD Civil 3D

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

SWMM

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consulting & Engineering is currently seeking an Assistant StaffWater Resources Engineer with an interest in hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources engineering. We are looking for an Engineer who can contribute to the growth of our ecological restoration practice in Raleigh, NC, as well as support SWCA’s watershed planning projects throughout the entire U.S. The ideal candidate will have entry-level understanding of applied hydrology and hydraulics. Working knowledge of GIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D and Python is a plus.

This position will be based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the flexibility to work either in a hybrid work environment or remotely (= distributed). The position will entail travel on occasion to assess project sites, collect field data, and meet with clients. Travel will be about 5% of the time. This is a full-time, regular (with benefits), hourly, non-exempt position.

Please note: College graduates with less than one (1) year of relevant industry experience are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Deadline: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be scheduled as qualified candidates areidentified.Thisposition may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool isestablished.

About SWCA

SWCA Environmental Consultants is a 100% employee-owned environmental consulting firm providing full spectrum environmental services across the United States. Our North Star is to be the best place to work and a leader in sustainability, delivering sound science and creative solutions to complex environmental challenges.

We are guided by our core values every day. We collaborate as #OneSWCA, we are #AlwaysLearning, we #NeverSettle, and we #GiveBack to our communities. With offices nationwide, SWCA offers a collaborative, team focused environment where employees can build meaningful and long-term careers.

What you will accomplish

• Supports the development of engineering designs for assigned water resources projects. Collaborates with senior engineers to refine concepts and ensure feasibility. Responsible for discrete tasks or small components of restoration projects, making decisions on limited technical matters within defined procedures.
• Performs field investigations to support assigned water resources projects. Collects data and verifies compliance with design plans and regulatory requirements.
• Supports preparation of technical reports summarizing findings from inspections, analyses, and fieldwork. Ensures documentation supports project goals and aligns with industry and regulatory standards.
• Assists in permitting and other regulatory approvals by preparing required documentation and collaborating with project teams. Ensures plans comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Performs construction oversight activities to monitor the performance of contractors and ensure adherence to project specifications. Identifies issues and recommends corrective actions under supervision.
• Assists in evaluating potential project sites and measures to determine technical and financial viability. Provides input to plans and methods.
• Assists in the preparation of construction drawings and specifications for assigned projects. Ensures documentation accurately reflects project designs and complies with regulatory standards.
• Supports modeling and calculations to inform designs and evaluate scenarios. Uses modeling software to optimize solutions and ensure accuracy.
• Assists with multidisciplinary teams to integrate environmental science and engineering principles into project designs. Contributes to team discussions and supports project planning activities.
• Engages in professional development activities to build expertise in restoration engineering principles and tools. Stays informed about industry trends and emerging technologies relevant to assigned projects.
• Follows applicable federal, Tribal, state, local, industry, contractual, and company regulations, standards, and specifications.
• Performs related work as assigned.

Additional Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Supports the development of engineering analysis for projects, including hydrologic & hydraulic modeling, floodplain permitting, watershed planning, stream and wetland restoration, coastal resiliency, land development, solar and transmission, and wildfire planning.
• Develop project management skills
• Represent SWCA and continue your professional development at industry conferences
• Work independently in a fast-paced and remote environment; work under pressure with high level of detail and ability to meet tight deadlines

Minimum Qualifications

One year of relevant, progressively responsible experience or any equivalent combination of experience, performance, training, and/or education. Knowledge normally obtained through a bachelor's degree; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) designation preferred.

Experience and qualifications for success

We are looking for someone with a strong technical foundation who is interested in developing their career in water resources engineering. A willingness to learn, work through technical challenges, and develop expertise in new tools and methods is important.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Biological Engineering, Civil, Environmental, or Coastal Engineering)
• Experience or a willingness to learn HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, ArcGIS, Python, and other hydrologic/hydraulic modeling
• Relevant summer internship or co-op experience is preferred.

Other Job Conditions

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license and meet SWCA's driver requirements.

This position may require domestic travel, including travel by commercial airline. Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain all valid travel documents and identification required for work-related travel throughout the duration of employment.

Adheres to the safety program and looks out for the safety of others, promptly communicating and mitigating safety hazards.

Pay Range

SWCA is committed to salary equity and transparency. The expected pay range for this [office name] based position is is $26.75 to $34.78 per hour. Actual pay may vary based on experience, qualifications, geographic location, and other factors permitted by law. Eligible employees may also receive performance based bonuses.

As a 100% employee owned company, we invest in your future. Our Total Rewards package includes an Employee Stock Ownership Plan, 401(k) with profit sharing, medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, wellness programs, and professional development opportunities.

Closing

If you need accommodation due to a disability, please contact [e-mail] or call 1 480 581 5378.If you require assistance with the application process, please contact [e-mail].

Use of Technology in Hiring

SWCA may use approved technology, including AI-assisted tools, to support parts of the application and recruiting process. All selection and hiring decisions are made by SWCA employees, and candidates are not selected or rejected by automated systems. We are committed to a fair, transparent, and human-centered hiring experience.

Candidate Use of AI

Candidates may use AI tools to help prepare application materials and interviews. However, all application materials, assessments, and interview responses must accurately reflect their own experience, skills, and qualifications. AI must not be used to fabricate experience, complete assessments on their behalf, or otherwise misrepresent their background or abilities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SWCA Environmental Consultants is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all employees can thrive.

SWCA continues to invest deeply in career development programs, delivering our award-winning Career Landscape support resources to accelerate the growth of our staff. We recognize the valuable skills and experiences our internal team members bring to SWCA’s continued success. Qualified internal candidates are encouraged to apply and will be seriously considered for this position. We believe in promoting from within, where possible, providing our existing employees with compelling opportunities to advance their careers.

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