Senior Water Resources Engineer, Geomorphologist, or Scientist; Project Manager

Position Summary

We are currently seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer, Geomorphologist, or Scientist who has a strong background in managing and delivering multi-objective projects. Successful candidates will have a foundation in fluvial and/or watershed processes and a demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality work on schedule and within budget. This role blends technical leadership with project management responsibility, including scope, schedule, budget, team coordination, and client relationship management.

The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading technical analyses and designs as they are driving projects forward and ensuring successful delivery. This position plays a key role in advancing our mission to deliver innovative, science-driven restoration and resilience solutions across Washington State.

Seattle, Bellingham, or Port Angeles, Washington; and/or Remote. We are currently using a hybrid model of in-office and remote work. For this position, our preferred candidate is located near one of our three office locations. However, the days you come into the office and the days you work from home are always up to you. A fully remote option may be considered for qualified candidates with demonstrated professional experience who currently reside in or are willing to relocate to Washington State.

• Lead technical analysis, design, and/or scientific evaluation for river, floodplain, and wetland restoration projects
• Apply expertise in geomorphology, hydraulics, hydrology, sediment transport, and/or restoration science
• Develop and oversee design plans, modeling efforts, calculations, specifications, and cost estimates
• Ensure technical quality and consistency across deliverables

• Lead hydraulic, hydrologic, and/or geomorphic analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS, SRH2D, River Flow-2D, GIS, and related methods
• Oversee development of CAD-based design deliverables (e.g., Civil 3D, Micro Station)
• Integrate field data (survey, LiDAR, geomorphic assessments) into analyses and designs

• Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans
• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with NSD QAQC standards
• Proactively manage project risks, scope changes, and internal/external coordination
• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring consistent performance and delivery

• Serve as primary client contact and build strong, trusted relationships
• Lead or support proposal development, including scoping, budgeting, and technical approach
• Identify and pursue new project opportunities aligned with NSD’s mission and expertise
• Represent NSD in client meetings, workshops, and industry settings

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, geomorphology, GIS, and ecology
• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and QA/QC review for junior and mid-level staff
• Contribute to staff development and continuous improvement of team workflows

• BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geomorphology, Earth Science, or related field
• MS or PhD preferred

• 10+ years of relevant experience in water resources, restoration, or related fields
• Demonstrated experience serving as a Project Manager, including managing budgets, schedules, and client relationships
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and complex projects

• Experience with hydraulic, hydrologic, and/or geomorphic analysis tools (e.g., HEC-RAS, SRH2D, GIS, sediment transport methods)
• Experience with design tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D or Micro Station (or ability to oversee their use)
• Strong foundation in process-based restoration and/or water resources design

• Professional licensure or certification preferred (e.g., PE or equivalent relevant credential depending on discipline)
• Candidates without licensure may be considered if they demonstrate senior-level technical expertise and project leadership experience

We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including up to a 4% match on 401(K),7paid holidaysplus a day of service, and 4 weeks of paid time off accrued annually. For candidates that meet our qualifications, the salary ranges are: for engineers $130k - $140k, and for geologists and geomorphologists $110k - $130k.

The position's start date is flexible and will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on their availability.

We trust each other as professionals and respect each other as people. For us, this means staff have the autonomy to manage when they come into the office and when they work from home. Our staff have flexibility with hourly positions. Hourly means when needed you could work less than a 40-hour week and conversely additional hours worked beyond 40 hours are compensated at a…