Senior Water Resources Engineer

Otak; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 119,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary performance bonuses

Comprehensive medical, dental, vision insurance

401(k) retirement match

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Relocation assistance available

Job summary

Otak is looking for a Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead complex water resources projects in Portland, OR or Vancouver, WA. The role involves providing technical leadership on initiatives like stream restoration and hydraulic engineering.

Candidates should have a Master's degree in engineering and over 10 years of relevant experience. Otak offers a comprehensive rewards package, including competitive salary, bonuses, and a hybrid work schedule.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in hydraulic engineering.
• Master's degree preferred in relevant engineering field.
• Valid Professional Engineer (PE) license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical efforts in river/stream restoration projects.
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
• Prepare construction documents and cost estimates.
• Develop technical approaches and budgets for proposals.
• Conduct construction engineering and observation.

Skills

Hydraulic engineering expertise

Hydrologic modeling

Technical writing

Project management

Communication skills

Education

Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

HEC-RAS

SRH-2D

Microsoft Office Suite

ArcGIS

AutoCAD

MicroStation

Job description

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health and community resilience. Located in either our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA office, this role will lead the planning, design, and delivery of hydraulic engineering, restoration, stormwater, and fish passage projects across Oregon and Washington. As part of Otak's interdisciplinary Water and Natural Resources team, you will help develop practical, science-based solutions that improve infrastructure performance, stabilize waterways, reduce environmental impacts, and support healthy aquatic ecosystems.

Salary Range: $119,000 - 170,000

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no-cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)-retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

How You'll Contribute

• Provide technical excellence and thought leadership in the areas of river/stream restoration, fish passage design, bridge hydraulics and scour countermeasure design.
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
• Prepare construction documents in support of transportation and restoration projects.
• Prepare construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Create design and permitting reports.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Prepare studies and master plans.
• Develop technical approaches, scopes, schedules, and budgets for proposals.
• Perform construction engineering and observation.

The Strengths You Bring

• A Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with an emphasis on Water Resources or Hydraulic Engineering, or a similar discipline, is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in hydraulic engineering.
• A valid Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Expertise in water resources models such as HEC-RAS and SRH-2D.
• Experience hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, and AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Ability to independently prioritize, manage, and deliver multiple projects with simultaneous deadlines in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

At Otak, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment, fuel innovation, and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

We provide reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment.