Water Resources Engineer (6-9 years)

Riley Engineering, LLC

Tucson (AZ)

On-site

USD 85,000 - 105,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

10 paid holidays per year

Paid time off

Company-paid health insurance

401(k) with 5% company match

Relocation assistance

Job summary

A civil engineering firm is looking for a Water Resources Engineer to conduct both fieldwork and office-based engineering in Tucson, AZ. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in civil engineering, 6–9 years of experience, and be proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D. Responsibilities include conducting field investigations and modeling water systems. This position offers competitive compensation and possibilities for professional growth within a supportive team environment.

Qualifications

6–9 years of experience in civil engineering or water resources engineering consulting.
Professional Engineer (PE) certification (ability to obtain in AZ, NM, UT, CO).
Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Responsibilities

Conduct field investigations, data collection, construction observations.
Model and evaluate water distribution systems.
Document field conditions thoroughly.

Skills

Technical writing

Field investigation

Water system design

Hydraulic modeling

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Tools

EPANET

HEC-RAS

GIS tools

Job description

Riley Engineering is a civil engineering firm specializing in water resources. Our mission is to engineer and implement solutions to provide society with water infrastructure. Riley was founded to improve people’s lives by ensuring that all have the necessary civil infrastructure to facilitate socioeconomic well-being. Our employees rally behind that mission and enjoy building the firm from the ground up together—pairing technical expertise with business acumen and a heart for helping others.

Candidate must demonstrate professional experience in an engineering consulting role. Resume must be project-based and include projects the candidate has worked on in the United States. Include: project title, client, location, your role, software you used, and any calculations or analyses you performed. Please do not apply if you do not meet these qualifications.

WATER RESOURCES ENGINEER ROLE

We are recruiting a talented and motivated civil engineer who is eager to grow with a dynamic and rapidly developing firm. This unique position will entail both field work and office-based engineering. The ideal candidate will feel energized conducting hands-on field investigations, data collection, construction observations, and water/wastewater system assessments—while also excelling at technical analysis, design, modeling, and professional report writing.

If you enjoy contributing to water, wastewater, drainage, and site civil projects across sectors such as mining, residential, commercial, and tribal clients, this role may be the perfect fit.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Field Responsibilities – Technical Field Engineer

Travel to project sites within and outside typical work hours as needed
Staking of long distance remote/rural waterline and sewer alignments
Ground and drone reconnaissance of potential pipeline routes
Perform flush testing of water distribution systems for hydraulic modeling and calibration
Perform site visits, field investigations, and surveys to assess drainage patterns, channel conditions, erosion, sediment transport, and infrastructure performance
Conduct field-based hydrology and hydraulics data collection (e.g., flow measurements, sediment sampling, GPS data collection, field reconnaissance)
Inspect and oversee construction activities related to stormwater, site civil, and water/wastewater infrastructure
Document field conditions thoroughly, including photographs, field notes, measurements, and observations
Perform field assessments of water distribution, wastewater, and stormwater systems for compliance with regulations and performance requirements
Coordinate with contractors, clients, and team members onsite to ensure construction or field activities align with design intent
Ensure safety compliance during fieldwork, including use of PPE and adherence to field safety protocols
Lead a small team of entry-level engineers and technicians to achieve project goals and tasks
Travel to the Navajo Nation or other tribal locations, performing homesite inspections, and designing septic systems and water connections

Office Responsibilities – Engineering & Technical Reporting

Project Management:

Manage schedule and coordinate project deliverables
Regularly report project status to Principal or Project Managers
Lead a small team to achieve project deliverables
Manage subconsultants (e.g., surveyors, archaeologists, geotechnical)

Water and Wastewater:

Model and evaluate existing and proposed water distribution systems using EPANET, WaterCAD, InfoWater, etc.
Design long distance rural waterlines (alignment routing, plan and profile, pipe sizing, booster station design, tank design, pressure reducing valves, etc.)
Design of sewer systems (sewer system extensions, septic systems, lagoons, etc.)
Perform system planning, scenario analysis, and calibration
Support preparation of permitting documents, engineering memos, and comprehensive technical reports
Prepare designs to adhere to permitting requirements (i.e., environmental clearances, right of way acquisition, archaeological and biological clearances, etc.)
Design of water and wastewater systems using AutoCAD Civil 3D

Hydrology and Hydraulics:

Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models for the design and evaluation of stormwater control structures
Perform hydrologic calculations using software such as HEC-HMS, HEC-SSP, HEC-DSSVue, and GIS tools
Conduct hydraulic analyses and flood studies using HEC-RAS (1D/2D), Flow2D, FlowMaster, HY-8, CulvertMaster, etc.
Perform sediment transport analyses and evaluate impacts on stormwater structures
Prepare detailed technical reports documenting methods, field data, modeling, and engineering conclusions
Design of channels using AutoCAD Civil 3D

Site Civil Drainage and Design:

Design stormwater and site civil infrastructure—retention/detention basins, grading, channels, riprap protection, drainage structures
Develop AutoCAD Civil 3D drawings including grading plans, drainage systems, and wet utilities
Prepare construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering
6–9 years of experience in civil engineering or water resources engineering consulting
Professional Engineer (PE) certification (ability to obtain in AZ, NM, UT, CO)
Valid Driver’s License
Ability and willingness to perform extensive field work (up to one week in the field at a time)
Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D

Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Experience and understanding of drainage and hydrology & hydraulics
Experience and understanding of water distribution systems and water & wastewater
Strong technical writing skills, especially for field reports and engineering analyses
Proficiency with software listed in the duties above
Experience in field inspections, construction observation, or environmental/engineering fieldwork

WHAT WE’LL EXPECT FROM YOU

40 hours per week, based in our Tucson, AZ office
Roughly 30% fieldwork and 70% office work initially (may change over time)
Self-motivated and resourceful in solving problems and learning new skills
Ability to collaborate with a team and communicate clearly with clients and contractors
Occasional travel and work outside normal hours for field tasks
Values alignment: Passion, Excellence, Integrity, Education, Balance, Humility, Adaptability

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US

Opportunities for professional growth and leadership based on your interests and strengths
Impact on a growing firm where your voice and ideas matter
Supportive colleagues and leadership committed to mentorship and meaningful work
Your own office
10 paid holidays per year; 3 weeks PTO (more with tenure)
Company-paid health, dental, and vision insurance options
Company-paid life insurance
Optional FSA/HSA, accident, illness, and disability coverage
401(k) with 5% company match
Salary Range: $85,000 – $105,000 (commensurate with experience)

Placement within the salary range is dependent on direct experience.

BENEFITS