Assistant Staff Water Resources Engineer

SWCA, Incorporated; Cary (NC); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consulting & Engineering in Raleigh, NC seeks an Assistant Staff Water Resources Engineer with an interest in hydrology, hydraulics and water resources engineering. This entry-level role supports ecological restoration and watershed planning projects across the U.S., with a hybrid or remote work option and about 5% travel.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and may have familiarity with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, ArcGIS, Python, or similar tools.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field required.
• Familiarity with hydrologic/hydraulic modeling tools (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM) is expected or strongly desired.
• Experience via internships or co-ops is preferred; willingness to learn new tools is important.

Responsibilities

• Support development of water resources project designs and assist senior engineers.
• Conduct field investigations and data collection to support analyses and compliance with plans and regulations.
• Assist in preparing technical reports summarizing inspections, analyses, and field data.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

GIS

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Python

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 are identified. This position may close without prior notice once a strong candidate pool is established.

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

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.