Water Resources Designer I: Drainage & River Projects

Oregonite; Bozeman (MT); On-site; Full time

Job description

Are you passionate about water resources engineering and ready to take on meaningful challenges that shape communities and natural systems? DOWL is seeking a motivated and highly skilled Water Resources Engineer to join our Surface Water Group in Montana (Billings, Bozeman, & Helena Offices). This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects involving drainage design, river engineering, stormwater, floodplains, dams and irrigation infrastructure.

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multidisciplinary consulting firm with more than 60 years of experience delivering innovative civil engineering solutions. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. Our Surface Water Group in the Water and Environmental Service practice area is recognized for its expertise in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, drainage design, bridge and scour design, floodplain studies, and rehabilitation of dams and other hydraulic structures. As part of our team, you will contribute to projects that address critical water management challenges, from aging infrastructure rehabilitation and flood risk reduction to stormwater conveyance and river system improvements.

At DOWL, we are committed to developing exceptional engineers through meaningful project experience. You’ll collaborate with interdisciplinary teams, apply advanced tools and modeling software, and take on a wide range of responsibilities spanning both office and field work. We foster a culture grounded in integrity, professionalism, innovation, and teamwork, where your contributions are valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a lasting difference.

Benefits

DOWL provides a comprehensive benefits package to support the health and financial well‑being of our full‑time employees and their families. DOWL offers a High Deductible Health Plan with a Health Savings Account (HSA) (including employer contribution). Other benefits include flexible spending account, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, short‑ and long‑term disability insurance, dependent care account, employee assistance program, a 401(k) plan with discretionary employer contributions for matching, profit sharing, student debt repayment, paid time off, paid holidays. Paid Time Off (PTO) accrues at a minimum of 16 days per year and accruals are on the first day of employment. Employees also receive nine paid holidays throughout the calendar year. For more details and eligibility please visit Careers - DOWL.

Summary

The Water Resources Designer 1 assists with basic planning, analysis, and design for a variety of water resource projects including irrigation canals, dams, storm drainage systems, stream restoration and fish passage, bridges and culverts, and more. Duties will include assisting with basic field investigations and inspections, hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, watershed modeling, alternatives analysis, design and drafting, cost estimating, technical report writing, and other tasks as assigned. The person in this position is expected to exercise a strong work ethic, a desire to learn new design concepts, and have good organizational and communication skills. A Water Resources Designer 1 should demonstrate basic proficiency with drafting and design software and be able to quickly learn and apply 2D and 3D design concepts. This person is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary. This position will work under the guidance of a licensed professional engineer.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) – Basic Knowledge
• Market Sector Software (Water Related, GIS, and CAD Software) – Basic Knowledge
• Desired exposure and experience in HY-8, HEC‑RAS 1D and 2D, HEC‑HMS, SRH2D, and rainfall simulations models

Technical Expertise

• Basic understanding of technical fundamentals
• Performs basic technical tasks assigned with oversight from others
• Performs self‑review of basic deliverables
• Motivated to learn new technical skills through self‑study and mentoring

Teamwork

Functions in a supporting role on a project team. Collaborates, listens, takes direction well, and retains information provided. Is motivated to grow skills and help the team.

Project Delivery

Participates in tasks and produces the following with close direction/oversight from others:

• Site investigations
• Design calculations
• Technical reports and memos
• Exhibits and figures
• Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
• Design documents and construction plans
• Presentation content and slides
• Construction inspection of designed components

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Basic understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Collaborates with supervisor and/or resource manager to plan work time on assignments. Self‑monitors budgets and schedules for simple project tasks assigned.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Basic ability to read and interpret applicable design standards and technical guidance documents identified by more senior staff.

Client Interaction

Infrequent direct client interaction. Read emails, occasionally attends client meetings, listens, and prepares meeting minutes.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs basic levels of technical work on projects in support of more experienced staff within the market sector. Operates with minimal autonomy - work is closely supervised by more senior staff.

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Years of experience required: none
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: none

Desired qualifications also include:

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline
• An academic emphasis in hydrology and/or hydraulics

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• EIT/EI required (within 6 months of hire)
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally navigate uneven terrain during site visits for engineering investigations and construction observation. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.