Coastal Engineer – Project Level

We are Natural Systems Design, a Washington-based environmental services and consulting firm. Founded in 2003, we are an interdisciplinary team with over 50 people with office locations in Seattle, Bellingham, and Port Angeles, Washington. We focus our efforts throughout Washington State. Our company was founded and grown with the intention of being a different kind of professional services and consulting company that prioritizes its people, science, the environment, and collectively making a positive impact.

(Seattle, Bellingham, or Port Angeles, Washington; and/or Hybrid)

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 and a commutable distance to field work in the Puget Sound region. However, the days you come into the office and the days you work from home are always up to you.

• Design and analysis of engineering approaches to restoration and enhancement of natural coastal and estuarine ecosystems using nature-based approaches.
• Strong proficiency in coastal design, including coastal structures, beach nourishment, inlet processes, etc.
• Perform site condition assessment, alternative analysis, and feasibility studies.
• Sea level rise and climate change vulnerability analysis and adaptation design.
• Prepare engineering plan sheets in AutoCAD illustrating grading plans, coastal structure layout, cross-sections, and design details, etc.
• Calculate material, construction, earthwork quantities and impact areas to assist with permitting, cost estimating, and developing bid schedules.
• Develop project specifications in conformance with client and industry guidelines.
• Write technical narratives and reports summarizing methodology, results of analyses, and design elements. Support production of illustrative figures and maps using Autodesk, ArcGIS Pro, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Support engineering and scientific investigations into regional restoration project site analysis and related studies.
• Seek out the best available science to support innovative, cost-effective approaches and optimal engineering solutions that meet project goals.
• Actively communicate with and contribute to the project team. Develop design deliverables on time and within budget. Maintain and track project schedule. Proactively and clearly communicate status and results to colleagues, collaborators, and clients through discussions, presentations, data visualizations, and technical writing.

• 5+ years of professional experience working on coastal engineering and restoration projects including some consulting service.
• Current Professional Engineer (PE) registration in Washington State, or ability to obtain through reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
• B.S. in coastal, civil, or ocean engineering, or directly related discipline.
• Ability to complete site investigation and field measurements at coastal sites.
• Proficiency in coastal process analysis, design plans, and specifications development.
• Ability to conduct effective client and agency presentations including strong technical writing and communication skills conveying complex engineering concepts.
• Ability to serve as project manager in coastal restoration projects.
• Experience with coastal flooding risk analysis and sea level rise resilience and adaptation approaches.
• Understanding of coastal modeling such as waves and/or sediment transport modeling using Delft3D, SWAN, XBEACH, CMS-Wave or similar programs.
• Familiarity with Coastal Engineering Manual and other coastal design guidelines and design standards.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and proficiency in using data analysis packages and software (e.g., R, CEM,…