Water Resources Designer/EI/Hydraulic Modeler

HDR, Inc.; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 66,000 - 96,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Portland, ME is seeking a Water Resources Designer/EI to perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for hydropower projects, under guidance from senior engineers. You will contribute to design, licensing, and safety evaluations while supporting client relationships and project delivery.

The role emphasizes independence within a collaborative, employee-owned culture, with opportunities to manage projects and assist with marketing and outreach. Portland location with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field.
• Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses of watersheds, rivers systems, spillways, and water conveyance facilities as they relate to hydropower operation, design, licensing, and safety.
• Provide QC checks and reviews of spreadsheets, calculations, drawings, and reports.
• Utilize software applications related to hydrology, hydraulics, and water management (incl. HEC-HMS, HEC‑RAS, HydroCAD).
• Design and evaluate civil engineering projects in hydrology and rainfall‑runoff modeling, hydraulic conveyance systems, civil‑site development, dam safety, and erosion and sedimentation control.

Skills

Excel

Hydrology

Hydraulic modeling

Project teamwork

Education

Bachelor's in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

HEC-HMS

HEC-RAS

HydroCAD

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe electricity powers modern life. As part of our Power sector, you'll help shape how electricity is generated, transmitted and delivered as global energy demands grow. From massive data centers to modernizing transmission systems, our industry-recognized engineers and scientists have been at the forefront of grid transformation for more than a century. You'll work side‑by‑side with these experts and contribute to reliable, resilient and sustainable power systems, helping communities thrive and industries expand. This isn't just a job, it's a chance to drive infrastructure forward, power innovation and leave your mark on our energy future.

In the role of Water Resources Designer/EI, we will count on you to:

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses of watersheds, rivers systems, spillways, and water conveyance facilities as they relate to hydropower operation, design, licensing, and safety.
• Perform routine engineering assignments, with instruction from the Project Engineer or others regarding the expected results.
• Provide QC checks and reviews of spreadsheets, calculations, drawings, and reports.
• Utilize software applications related to the fields of hydrology, hydraulics, and water management (incl. HEC-HMS, HEC‑RAS, HydroCAD).
• Strong computer skills, esp. with Microsoft Excel.
• Design and evaluate civil engineering projects in the areas of hydrology and rainfall‑runoff modeling, hydraulic conveyance systems, civil‑site development, dam safety, and erosion and sedimentation control.
• Hydropower system operation, modeling, and design.
• Assist in performing environmental evaluations under federal and state licensing requirements.
• Work closely with clients and agencies.
• Plan, organize and supervise work of medium to large staff of professionals and technicians as needed.
• Serve as Project Manager on projects as needed, though project management is not sole focus of position.
• Assisting with marketing activities, including client outreach and proposal development.
• Maintaining professional competency, which may require attending education classes and seminars, reading professional publications, and attending professional society meetings.
• Perform other duties as needed; Here at HDR, we have a dynamic work environment, especially in our South Portland hydrology and hydraulics group. One of our main focus areas is hydropower, and we support our clients in a wide range of ways. At all staff levels, we are required to adapt to changing client needs and fulfill a variety of roles on a project. A new hire would be expected to function in several areas on a project, under the guidance of senior staff. Tasks may include desk engineering, field work, and project management. Occasional travel.

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous internship experience.
• Engineer intern (EI)/ Engineer-In-Training (EIT) certificate. Candidates without their EI will be titled "Water Resources Designer" and will be expected to obtain their EI for career progression.

• Effective communication skills.

• Strong time management skills.

• Recent graduates will be considered.

• Local candidates preferred.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field
• Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite, standard CAD platforms such as AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and with a project team to completion of task
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day. Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. The expected compensation range for this position depends upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. (Stated benefits are for full‑time regular positions. Temporary and part‑time roles eligible for limited benefits.) Portland: $66,296 - $96,468

Primary Location: United States-Maine-Portland

Industry: Power

Schedule: Full‑time

Employee Status: Regular

BusinessClass: Hydropower Engineering

Job Posting: Sep 9, 2026