Disaster Response Engineer (DART) - Contract

Water Mission; United States; Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Part time

Job summary

Water Mission International seeks Engineers and Technicians for its Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART) to provide safe water solutions in crisis situations. This contracted role involves deploying to affected communities and collaborating with local partners.

Candidates should have a degree in engineering or technical trades, with experience in water treatment systems, project management, and the capacity to work independently in challenging environments. Strong problem-solving skills and a commitment to Water Mission’s mission are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or demonstrated experience in engineering or technical trades.
• Preferably one year of humanitarian relief experience.
• Strong problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement water treatment and distribution systems.
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical and electrical components.
• Conduct water quality testing and ensure health standards.

Skills

Project and Program Management

Designing water treatment systems

Hydraulic system design

Solar-powered water systems

Pump installation and troubleshooting

PVC and HDPE plumbing

Basic electrical wiring

Mechanical systems repair

Water quality testing

Technical drawing interpretation

Site assessments

WASH budgeting

Inventory management

Training local technicians

Compliance standards knowledge

Education

Degree in engineering or technical trades

Job description

What is the Opportunity?

As part of our Disaster Assistance Response Team (DART), we are seeking skilled and mission-driven Engineers and Technicians who are ready to deploy at a moment’s notice to bring safe water and hope to communities in crisis as a member of the Disaster Response Team. This position is a contracted role. Contracts are short-term and only activated during deployments or as needed by the ministry. DART members have the option not to deploy when called.

As a DART member in an Engineer or Technician role, you will:

• Design and implement water treatment and distribution systems tailored to emergency settings
• Install and maintain pumps, filtration units, tanks, and sanitation infrastructure
• Troubleshoot and repair mechanical, electrical, and plumbing components in the field
• Conduct water quality testing and ensure systems meet health standards
• Collaborate with local communities and train operators for long-term sustainability
• Work alongside a multidisciplinary team to deliver holistic, faith-based relief
• Coordinate with logistics and procurement to ensure accurate purchases of materials for construction and installation

Technical Qualifications & Competencies

• Project and Program Management for overseeing DART WASH projects.
• Experience designing and implementing water treatment systems (e.g., chlorination, filtration, RO units)
• Proficiency in hydraulic system design and pipeline layout
• Familiarity with solar-powered water systems and generator setup
• Ability to install and troubleshoot pumps (submersible, surface, and solar)
• Skilled in PVC and HDPE plumbing, including pipe joining and valve installation
• Competence in basic electrical wiring and diagnostics
• Experience with mechanical systems, including pump repair and motor maintenance
• Knowledge of water quality testing procedures and interpretation of results
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and schematics
• Familiarity with engineering software (e.g., AutoCAD, EPANET, Excel-based modeling tools)
• Experience conducting site assessments and technical needs evaluations
• Understanding of BoQ development and budgeting for WASH infrastructure
• Ability to manage inventory and field-level procurement of technical supplies
• Experience training and supervising local technicians or operators
• Capacity to work independently in remote, resource-constrained environments
• Knowledge of safety protocols and compliance standards for water systems

What Is Required?

• A personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity
• Degree or demonstrated experience in engineering (civil, environmental, mechanical, electrical) or technical trades (plumbing, electrical systems, pump repair)
• Preferably one year of humanitarian relief experience or two years in humanitarian development, missions, or international work
• Ability to work in high-stress environments with long hours and limited resources
• Availability to deploy internationally for 3–4 weeks or domestically for 2–3 weeks
• Strong problem-solving skills and adaptability in dynamic field conditions