Water Resource Engineer - Project Level

Overview

NCE | Engineering & Environmental Services is seeking a Water Resource Engineer at the Project Level to support NCE’s emerging Water Resources Practice in Northern California. This role combines office and field work, requiring analytical and regulatory knowledge to support permitting for flood control, stormwater, watershed planning, river restoration, climate adaptation, and related water resources projects. Strong written and verbal communication in a team environment is essential.

• Assist in design and engineering projects for stormwater systems, urban drainage, flood control, natural rivers and creeks, and green infrastructure.
• Support climate adaptation initiatives focused on water infrastructure resilience and nature-based solutions.
• Contribute to watershed assessments and planning efforts.
• Participate in river and flood control channel engineering and restoration projects.
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, ArcGIS, and similar tools.
• Develop GIS maps and spatial analyses to support project needs.
• Prepare drawings, plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Conduct field investigations and data collection.
• Prepare technical documentation and contribute to project reports.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on integrated water resource projects.

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, hydrology, earth sciences, watershed science, or related field.
• Professional License (PE, QSD/QSP).
• Basic understanding of stormwater management principles and practices.
• Familiarity with engineering design concepts and key environmental regulations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong academic background in water resources, hydrology, or related coursework.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to project sites.

• 3–7 years of relevant experience.
• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Interdisciplinary background in watershed ecology, fisheries, geomorphology, restoration, landscape architecture, botany, or riparian ecology.
• Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or similar modeling software.
• GIS skills, particularly ArcGIS or QGIS.
• Knowledge of California environmental regulations and permitting.
• Experience with AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D.
• Field data collection experience.
• Professional licensure or progress toward licensure (PE, PH, CFM, QSD/QSP, etc.).

• Mentorship from experienced professionals.
• Diverse project experience across Northern California and Nevada.
• Professional development opportunities and support for licensure.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Work–life balance and flexible scheduling options.

Base pay range: $–$ per year. Salary range is $110,000 to $140,000, depending on experience, licensure status, and location.

Qualified candidates should submit their resume below. For questions regarding your application please email

Northern California