Water Resources Engineer I

baxterwoodman; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plans

401k with company match

Employee Stock Ownership plan

Paid time off

Flexible work arrangements

Parental leave

Job summary

Baxter & Woodman seeks a Water Resources Engineer I to join its expanding water resources team in the Chicago area. You will develop hydrologic and hydraulic models for municipal systems and assist with drainage studies and masterplans.

The role includes design of stormwater facilities, plan preparation, field work, and permitting activities. A 4-year Civil Engineering degree is required; E.I.T is a plus. Travel across the Chicago area is expected.

Qualifications

• 4-year B.S. in Civil Engineering, Water Resources emphasis preferred.
• Willingness to travel across the Chicago area.
• Strong verbal, written, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop hydrologic and hydraulic models for municipal systems.
• Assist with drainage studies and stormwater masterplans.
• Design municipal stormwater facilities (open channels, culverts, basins, green infrastructure).
• Prepare plans and specifications for construction.
• Conduct field work related to flood inspection and construction observation.
• Assist with permitting and interface with local, state, and federal agencies.
• Support municipal permit reviews.

Skills

Hydraulic modeling

Stormwater design

Field work

Team collaboration

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

ArcGIS

Job description

Your future position: Water Resources Engineer I

Choose your location: Crystal Lake, Naperville, Chicago, or Mokena, IL

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long-lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

Baxter & Woodman has a rewarding opportunity for a Water Resources Engineer I to work in our growing water resources group. Baxter & Woodman works with municipal clients on projects of all size, putting the client and the solution first – solving problems for people. Come start your career and join our team!

What your day-to-day will look like, what you will learn on the job

• Develop Hydrologic and Hydraulic models of municipal storm sewer and sanitary collection systems.
• Assistance with Drainage Studies and Stormwater Masterplans.
• Analysis and Design of municipal stormwater facilities (open channels, culverts, storm sewers, detention basins, green infrastructure, etc.…).
• Drainage design for transportation, hydraulic structures, and site design.
• Preparation of Plans and Specifications for Construction.
• Field work associated with Flood inspection and/or Construction Observation.
• Permitting with local, state, and federal permitting agencies.
• Assistance with municipal permit review.

Education Requirement

• 4-year B.S. degree in Civil Engineering, with emphasis in Water Resources engineering preferred.

Must-haves, what you will bring

• Knowledge of basic principles of infrastructure design and plan preparation.
• Knowledge of the basic principles of hydrology and hydraulics.
• Ability to travel throughout Chicago area (own transportation).
• Strong verbal, computer, organizational, and writing skills.
• Ability to work in a team environment on a variety of projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• E.I.T (Engineer in Training) License.
• Knowledge of H&H modeling (SWMM).
• Knowledge of AutoCAD (Civil 3D) and ArcGIS.
• Knowledge of MicroStation (Bentley).
• Experience in Consulting Engineering, Public Works, or Construction.

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $76,000 to $90,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits

At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well-being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents and cancer. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home and or work a flexible schedule on eligible positions. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well-being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity employer - Vet/Disability