Waterfront Project Engineer - Civil Engineer III

Massachusetts Department of Public Health; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 83,000 - 121,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Job summary

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks a Waterfront Project Engineer - Civil Engineer III to assist with plans, specs, cost estimates, and reports for marine and waterfront projects. The role involves supervising design and construction, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards and regulations.

Ideal candidates will have a civil engineering background, strong hydraulics, hydrology, soils, and surveying knowledge, plus experience coordinating with contractors and agencies.

Qualifications

• Four years of civil engineering work experience, with at least two years in a professional capacity.
• Bachelor's or graduate degree substitutions allowed as described in the job posting.

Responsibilities

• Prepare or review plans, designs, specifications, scopes of services, budgets and cost estimates for marine and waterfront projects.
• Coordinate and supervise staff, consultants and contractors; manage contracts and submittals.
• Prepare field reports and perform high-accuracy surveys for project layouts.

Skills

Civil engineering

Hydraulics

Hydrology

Soils

Concrete & asphalt

Field notes

Supervision

Surveying

Drafting

Environmental rules

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Graduate degree in civil engineering

Tools

Drafting instruments

Survey equipment

Electronic data processing

Job description

An Official website of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Job Description

Description

Who We Are:

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)seeksto protect, preserve, and enhance Massachusetts’ environmental resources and create a clean energy future for all residents. Through the stewardship of open spaces, the protection of environmental resources, and the advancement of clean energy, EEA works tirelessly to make Massachusetts a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family.Our commitment to environmental justice ensures that every resident, regardless of background or location,can live in a safe, clean environment and shares equally in the benefits of the clean energy transition.

Who We Are as an Employer:

At EEA, we create meaningful, inclusive opportunities that empower our employees to make a real difference in shaping the environmental future of Massachusetts. We foster a workplace culture where diversity is valued, innovation is encouraged, and collaboration thrives. Our employees play a vital role in advancing sustainability, environmental justice, and clean energy solutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on Massachusetts and its residents.

The MassachusettsDepartment of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)

overseesnearly halfa million acres of land, making up one of the largest and most diverse state park systems in the country. Our work focuses on nurturing the vital connection between people and the environment by protecting, promoting, and enhancing ourcommon wealthof natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the well-being of all.DCRinfrastructure connects people to and through the beautiful landscapes and accessible recreational facilities we care for – strengthening our communities and driving our economy. Our staff strive to build a healthier, more resilient Massachusetts where all residents and visitors can relax, reflect and feel a sense of belonging in our open spaces and public lands. To learn more about DCR, our facilities, and our programs, please visit www.mass.gov/dcr or contact us at [e-mail] .

About the Division of Design and Engineering:

Continuing over a century of visionary land stewardship, DCR’s Division of Design & Engineering (D&E) collaborates with colleagues within DCR, other agencies, and communities across the state to plan, design, build, and maintain a diversity of outdoor recreational experiences and unique landscapes throughout the Commonwealth. In addition, our staff is responsible for maintaining public infrastructure including dams, seawalls, parkways and park roads, sidewalks and trails, and stormwater systems. This requires employing a diverse range of talent including architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners, tradespeople as well as business, finance and administrative support who work together to support D&E’s mission. Our staff is unified by a passion for providing access to high quality public open space and outdoor recreation for all ages and abilities, and strive to improve visitor experience, enhance universal accessibility, and help modernize DCR’s facilities and resources to be more carbon neutral, energy independent, and resilient to climate change.

Job Opening:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks applicants for a Waterfront Project Engineer - Civil Engineer III to perform the following duties:

General Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

The Waterfront Project Engineer (Civil Engineer III) will assist with preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, reports and other documents associated with the maintenance, repair, and construction of new and existing marine and waterfront projects. They will supervise and manage design and construction of maintenance, repair, and construction projects, and perform professional engineering and program management duties for properties and facilities under the care and control of Department. The Waterfront Project Engineer will perform work in accordance with sound engineering principles, and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.

The Waterfront Project Engineer (Civil Engineer III) receives direct general supervision from the Coastal and Waterways Engineer who provides policy guidance; reviews work product (reports, studies, analysis, calculations) for conformance with professional standards and appropriate

Detailed Statement of Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide information and support to the Coastal and Waterways Engineer and Deputy Chief Engineer, Waterways and Coastal Engineering (Director of Waterways).
• Oversee and direct the work of outside consultants and contractors and administer the associated contracts.
• Review and make determinations regarding material submittals, payment applications, extra work requests, and claims by consultants, contractors, and subcontractors.
• Prepare or review plans, permit applications, designs, specifications, scopes of services, budgets, and cost estimates for engineering projects.
• Prepare or review reports, studies, or analysis. Prepare technical and general reports; prepare and use charts, graphs and tables; work accurately with numbers, codes and/or symbols; maintain accurate records, write concisely, express thoughts clearly and to develop ideas in a logical sequence.
• Perform engineering calculations using mathematical techniques used in solving civil engineering problems, including formulae used to compute volumes and areas, elementary algebra, trigonometry, plane and solid geometry, integral and differential calculus.
• Observe and record construction activities and prepare field reports.
• Analyze and determine the applicability of civil engineering data, draw conclusions and make appropriate recommendations using knowledge of safety practices and procedures followed in civil engineering projects.
• Conduct field investigations to gather information regarding condition, maintenance/repair needs, or construction activities associated with marine and waterfront structures, facilities, landforms, and other features.
• Perform engineering surveys of a high order of accuracy for the purpose of taking detail or laying out construction projects.
• Supervise employees of lower grade. Review SSTA Time and Attendance submissions, manage work assignments, develop annual work plans, and conduct annual performance evaluations for reporting employees. Ensure that the work of reporting employees is of high quality, technically accurate, delivered in a timely fashion and is fiscally responsible.
• Interact with project partners and stakeholders such as municipalities, user groups, and other state agencies.
• Generate complete and compliant permit applications for work in waterfront, coastal and other wetland resource areas, including required plans, figures, and narrative.
• Interpret and apply laws, rules and regulations concerning the environment in connection with the construction and maintenance of highways, bridges, buildings, etc.
• Prepare construction bid documents including technical specifications, general specifications, and contract language.
• Communicate the status of engineering projects and/or problems through memoranda, letters, technical or general reports, or other correspondence.
• Coordinate responses to requests for historic plans or information maintained by the Division of Waterways.
• Plan, coordinate and supervise the work of staff, contractors, and engineering consultants.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering; terminology and standard abbreviations used in civil engineering; inspection techniques followed in civil engineering projects.
• Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics as applied to surface drainage, pipes and culverts; knowledge of the principles of hydrology including hydrologic cycle, groundwater flow, flood and flood control, and runoff storage.
• Knowledge of the engineering properties of soils, methods of soil testing including soil classification tests, triaxial strength tests, etc. Knowledge of the properties and characteristics of concrete and asphalt.
• Knowledge of the mechanical properties of fluids including statics, continuity and momentum in conduits under pressure and in pipe systems, and critical flow, momentum and flow resistance in open channels.
• Knowledge of the types and uses of equipment and materials used in building, bridge, highway, road, street or tunnel construction.
• Knowledge of the standard procedures for taking field notes in connection with plane surveying; methods of general and technical report writing, methods used in the preparation of charts, graphs and tables. Skill in the use of plane surveying equipment and instruments such as rods, transits, plumb bobs, tapes, stakes and levels.
• Ability to give written and oral instructions in a precise, understandable manner. Ability to write concisely, express thoughts clearly, and develop ideas in a logical sequence.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques of supervision. Ability to establish and maintain harmonious working relationships, establish rapport and deal tactfully with others, as well as work independently and adapt to varying work situations.
• Knowledge of electronic data processing techniques used in solving civil engineering problems.
• Knowledge of the principles of transportation network analysis including trip generation, trip distribution and traffic assignment.
• Skill in the use of drafting instruments and equipment.
• Professional knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering, specifically as they relate to marine and waterfront infrastructure, shore protection and projects located at the land/water interface. Knowledge of the methods and materials used in marine and waterfront construction.
• Knowledge of and familiarity with applicable State and Federal environmental laws and regulations, with an emphasis on those that pertain to coastal and waterfront projects.
• Ability to observe construction activities, recognize and record important observations, and prepare detailed and accurate field inspection reports.
• Ability to travel safely by foot over uneven terrain, execute duties while a passenger on a boat or ship for several hours at a time, lift objects weighing up to fifty (50) pounds, move (push, pull, lift, or carry) objects weighing up to one hundred (100) pounds, use hand tools and electronic equipment requiring manual dexterity, operate a motor vehicle.

Preferred License and/or Certifications:

• Current and valid Massachusetts Class D motor vehicle operator’s license.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) or an Engineer-In-Training (EIT) with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or the ability to obtain within six months of hire, is preferred (PE preferred over EIT).

Standard work hours for this position are determined by the supervisor. At the request of their supervisor, employees may be required to occasionally attend evening meetings or work on nights and weekends to meet operational needs, respond to emergencies, and support field activities. With their supervisor’s prior approval, employees may be temporarily granted flexibly from their standard work hours to accommodate any such required night and weekend activities.

Qualifications

MINIMUM ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Applicants must have at least (A) four years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, technical or professional experience in civil engineering work in such areas as construction, survey, design, transportation, hydraulics, structural, sanitary, drafting, environmental, highway, architectural, airport, soils and materials of which (B) at least two years must have been in a professional capacity, or (C) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Substitutions:

• I. An Associate's degree with a major in civil engineering** or civil engineering technology** may be substituted for a maximum of one year of the required (A) experience.*
• II. A Bachelor's degree with a major in civil engineering** or civil engineering technology**, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience.*
• III. A Graduate degree with a major in civil engineering**, may be substituted for a maximum of two years of the required (A) experience and one year of the required (B) experience.*

**NOTE: The terms civil engineering and civil engineering technology include related engineering disciplines, such as construction, survey, hydraulics, design, transportation, structural, soils, sanitary, environmental, drafting, highway, architectural, mining, airport and materials.

*Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually completed.

NOTE: Educational substitutions will only be permitted for a maximum of one year of the required (B) experience.

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

An Equal Opportunity / Affimative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC)may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title : Civil Engineer III

Primary Location

United States-Massachusetts-10 Park Plaza

Agency

Department of Conservation & Recreation

Schedule

Full-time

Shift

Day

Job Posting

Sep 30, 2026, 12:44:04 PM

Number of Openings

2

Salary

82,638.92 - 120,972.80 Yearly

Confidential

No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule

Yes

If you have Diversity, Affirmitive Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator : Moneesha Dasgupta, DEI Manager, email: [e-mail] - 6176450358