Assistant Staff Water Resources Engineer

SWCA Environmental Consultants; MacGregor Park (NC); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

SWCA Environmental Consulting is seeking an Assistant Staff Water Resources Engineer in Raleigh, NC, with an interest in hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources engineering. Hybrid or remote work is possible, with occasional travel to project sites.

Ideal candidates have a foundational understanding of applied hydrology and hydraulics, and familiarity with GIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and Python is a plus. Recent graduates are encouraged to apply and may join a growing ecological restoration

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Supports the development of engineering designs for assigned water resources projects.
• Performs field investigations to support projects.
• Supports preparation of technical reports summarizing findings.
• Assists in permitting and regulatory approvals.
• Performs construction oversight to monitor contractors.
• Assists in evaluating potential project sites and measures.
• Prepares construction drawings and specifications.
• Supports modeling and calculations to inform designs.
• Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams on project planning.
• Engages in professional development and stays updated on industry trends.
• Follows regulations and specifications.

Skills

Willingness to learn

Field data collection

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Biological Engineering, Civil, Environmental, or Coastal Engineering)

Tools

ArcGIS

Python

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

SWMM

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

About the opportunity

SWCA Environmental Consulting & Engineering is currently seeking an Assistant Staff Water 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.

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.