Water Resources Engineer

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

Job summary

HDR's Water Resources Engineer role invites you to join a team dedicated to delivering safe water, sustainable drainage, and resilient infrastructure. This full-time position supports modeling, design calculations, and reporting for detention facilities and flood control projects while collaborating with multi-disciplinary experts.

Ideal candidates hold a bachelor’s degree in engineering, have water resources project experience, and demonstrate strong communication, teamwork, and a commitment to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field.
• Previous experience in water resources engineering projects.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Active participation in an employee-owned culture is a must.

Responsibilities

• Provide project engineering and task management for hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; lead design calculations and reports for detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures.
• Work independently and lead groups of professionals and technicians on projects.
• Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation.
• Assist in water resources permitting efforts.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Employee-owned culture

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 creati ng 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 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.

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

*LI-BC1

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.

Industry

Water

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Dams Levees Civil Works

Job Posting

Jul 17, 2026

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

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity Employe r. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.