Water Resources Engineer

hdr; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Water Resources Engineer in Colorado to help deliver flood risk reduction, river restoration, and water resources projects within our Water Business Group. You will analyze hydrologic and hydraulic conditions, prepare technical documents, and coordinate multi-disciplinary teams to meet project goals.

The role requires a Bachelor's in Engineering, a PE license, and strong communication skills. A Master's degree and prior Colorado water resources experience are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field.
• PE license recognized by licensing board for the location of the position offered.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must.
• Master's degree preferred with Colorado water resources experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for flood risk reduction, floodplain mapping, watershed planning, stream restoration, and dam safety applications.
• Prepare technical reports, memoranda, and planning documentation.
• Provide project engineering and task management support, including coordination of scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables.
• Coordinate effectively with project managers, technical leads, multidisciplinary teams, clients, and agency representatives.
• Collect, analyze, and clearly present technical data in reports, meetings, and public forums.
• Perform technical reviews and QA/QC in accordance with project requirements and HDR quality standards.
• Support water resources planning, concept development, alternatives evaluation, and permitting efforts.
• Apply current modeling, GIS, and engineering tools and contribute to improved technical workflows and project delivery.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Multi-disciplinary teamwork

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Master's degree (preferred)

Professional Engineer license (PE)

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?

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our WaterBusiness Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

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 water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

In the role of Water Resources Engineer, we’ll count on you to:

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for flood risk reduction, floodplain mapping, watershed planning, stream restoration, and dam safety applications.
• Prepare technical reports, memoranda, and planning documentation.
• Provide project engineering and task management support, including coordination of scope, schedule, budget, and deliverables.
• Coordinate effectively with project managers, technical leads, multidisciplinary teams, clients, and agency representatives.
• Collect, analyze, and clearly present technical data in reports, meetings, and public forums.
• Perform technical reviews and QA/QC in accordance with project requirements and HDR quality standards.
• Support water resources planning, concept development, alternatives evaluation, and permitting efforts.
• Apply current modeling, GIS, and engineering tools and contribute to improved technical workflows and project delivery.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, or a related field
• Experience in the Colorado water resources market
• Experience serving as a task lead, deputy project manager, or project manager
• Experience coordinating technical work across multiple disciplines, staff, or projects
• Experience preparing plans, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, and permit documentation
• Experience performing technical reviews and QA/QC

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field
• Previous experience in water resources engineering projects
• Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• 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.

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an affirmative action and Equal Opportunity Employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.