Junior Coastal Engineer

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm. We plan, design, permit, mitigate, and restore for projects across our communities, infrastructure systems, open spaces, and wildlands. We are 50 years strong in 21 offices across California, the Pacific Northwest, and the Southeast United States.

ESA seeks a highly motivated Junior Coastal Engineer with 0‑3 years’ experience to join our team of hydrologists, geomorphologists, ecologists, landscape architects, and engineers in the Northern California region. This full‑time salary exempt role will support a variety of multi‑objective tidal wetland and coastal restoration design projects in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento/San Joaquin Delta, California Coast, and throughout California. Candidates must be able to work hybrid in one of the following office locations:
San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, or Petaluma and be available as needed to travel to other ESA office locations for in‑person team collaboration.

• You have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering or a related degree and directly relevant qualifications, and EIT certification or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• You have education, training, and/or work experience in one or more of the following: coastal zone or estuarine habitat restoration, land management, geomorphology and/or ecology, coastal engineering, estuarine hydraulics and hydrology.
• Experience in design and modeling software (AutoCAD Civil 3D, ArcGIS, HEC RAS, HEC HMS, XBeach, SWAN, etc.) and programming (MATLAB, Python) is desirable but not required.
• You are an effective team member with excellent oral and writing skills who can work independently and collaboratively in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• You can communicate basic technical information clearly and concisely to individuals and small groups.
• You are adept at using various communication tools to effectively combine in‑person and remote teamwork.
• You are able to work hybrid in office in San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento, or Petaluma.

• Support design and analysis for ecosystem restoration, climate‑change resilience, habitat enhancement, engineering with nature, flood management, and other water resources and civil engineering projects under direct supervision of a senior engineer or hydrologist.
• Assist in the preparation of engineering analyses, design plans, cost estimates, reports, permit applications, and other project documentation. Apply hydrologic and hydraulic models, GIS, and other tools to evaluate design alternatives. Use GIS or other software platforms to evaluate habitat conversion in both the near and long‑term while accounting for climate change. Have the opportunity to collect hydrographic, topographic, and related field data to support engineering analysis and design.
• Consistently demonstrate solid writing and attentive listening skills, contributing to complex environmental reports and participating in meetings with ESA staff and clients. This position will lead to project management experience over time.
• Thrive in a fast‑paced, challenging environment and balance multiple responsibilities and deadlines, working on a team or independently. Provided the appropriate direction, resources, and support, you will independently solve simple to complex problems.
• Note that as part of the interview process, you may be asked to prepare a presentation and/or provide a writing sample.

Our EH&D team includes engineers, hydrologists, geomorphologists and landscape architects, focused on habitat restoration and ecosystem function through multi‑benefit projects. We value creative thinking, teamwork, and cross‑disciplinary engagement and integration.

Joining ESA means becoming part of a close‑knit team of environmental professionals who contribute to outstanding projects, improve environmental stewardship, and advance a more sustainable and resilient future for our communities and wild places.

We provide medical, dental, and vision insurance (paid at 70% for you and your family), annual allocations of company shares through our ESOP, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid vacation, sick leave, holidays, and additional benefits. We also support professional development through tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses, and conference attendance.

CA Pay Transparency Clause — $85,000 – $100,000 USD

We are a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm that values diversity and inclusion and celebrates the differences that make each of us unique. Our culture is built on mutual respect and the perspectives of diverse backgrounds, leading to better solutions and continued success.

ESA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to a diverse and inclusive work environment. (EOEM/V/F/D)