Water Resources Engineer

HDR, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. in Des Moines, IA is seeking a Water Resources Engineer to deliver project engineering, manage tasks, and perform hydraulic/hydrologic modeling for detention facilities and flood control projects.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, a minimum of 3 years in water resources, a PE license, and strong communication skills as part of our employee‑owned culture. You will collaborate across teams to produce reports and designs that support public health and infrastructure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field.
• Minimum 3 years of water resources engineering experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• Familiar with HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SRH-2D, SWMM or InfoWorks.

Responsibilities

• Provide project engineering and task management, conduct hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; lead design calculations and technical reports.
• Lead planning and coordination within medium to large teams on water resources projects.
• Prepare engineering plans, specifications and permit documentation for detention facilities and flood control works.
• Communicate findings effectively in reports, memos and public forums.

Skills

Excellent communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent

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. 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:

• Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures
• Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and assisting groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task
• Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation
• Assist in water resources permitting efforts
• Perform other duties as needed

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

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

Primary Location: United States-Iowa-Des Moines