Water Resources Engineer

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR is seeking a qualified water resources engineer to join our employee‑owned team. You will conduct hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, design detention facilities, and prepare technical reports for stormwater projects that protect public health and infrastructure.

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, 3+ years of water resources experience, a PE license, and excellent communication skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent field.
• 3+ years of experience in water resources engineering.
• Professional engineer license (PE) or equivalent.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Active participation in employee‑owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Provide project engineering and task management for water resources projects.
• Conduct hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; design stormwater collection systems; prepare engineering plans and specifications for detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures.
• Plan, organize and assist medium to large professional and technician teams as needed.
• Support water resources permitting efforts.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Communication skills

Water resources engineering

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

HEC-HMS

HEC-RAS

SRH-2D

SWMM

InfoWorks

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?

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.

Responsibilities

• Provide project engineering and task management, conduct hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; design stormwater collection systems; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and prepare engineering plans and specifications for detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures.
• Work independently and plan, organize and assist medium to large professional and technician teams as needed.
• Conduct water resources planning, formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation.
• Assist in water resources permitting efforts.
• Perform other duties as required.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 3 years experience in water resources engineering projects.
• Familiarity with H&H design software including HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SRH-2D, SWMM, InfoWorks or other channel/conduit hydraulic analysis software.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or equivalent field.
• Previous experience in water resources engineering projects.
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board local to the position (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE) or P.Eng).
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture.

Job Information

• Industry: Water
• Schedule: Full‑time
• Employee Status: Regular
• Location: Business Class – Dams, Levees, Civil Works

At HDR, we are committed to 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.