Senior Water Resource Engineer

Overview

Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is a 100% employee‑owned environmental consulting firm that plans, designs, permits, mitigates and restores projects across our communities, infrastructure, open spaces and wildlands. With 21 offices in California, the Pacific Northwest and the Southeast United States, we are 50 years strong.

ESA is seeking a Water Resource Engineer to join our team of engineers and scientists in the Southeast region. The position requires 10+ years of experience, a passion for water resources and restoration, and strong management potential. This is a full‑time, overtime‑exempt role with preference for candidates within a 1‑hour commute to the Tampa or Orlando offices.

• 10+ years of professional experience in freshwater restoration design within the southeastern United States, preferably Florida, with project management experience.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in civil or environmental engineering (or a closely related discipline) and a professional engineering license (PE). Florida PE license desirable; if not licensed in Florida, willing to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Experienced designing moderately complex freshwater restoration projects including water control structures, ditch blocks, low‑water crossings, weirs, seepage swales and grading, as well as rehabilitation/repair of water control structures.
• Prepared design plans, technical specifications, engineering opinions of probable costs and construction bid packages for a variety of projects; knowledge of state and federal regulations related to implementation, permitting or monitoring.
• Performed field inspections of existing water control structures and evaluated water‑control system designs.
• Proficient with data gathering, analyses, report preparation and communication; experience using AutoCAD, ArcGIS, and other design and mapping software.
• Knowledgeable in stormwater hydrology and hydraulic modeling (SWMM, WWHM, TRUST, HEC‑RAS, ICPR, etc.).
• Strong communication, mentorship, and teamwork skills; experience leading, managing, and supervising multidisciplinary teams.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean DMV record; able to travel within Florida, Alabama and other states as project needs arise; able to work outdoors in varied conditions and lift at least 50 pounds.
• Preference for candidates with proficiency in advanced hydrodynamic and water‑quality modeling, ArcGIS Pro and Hydro Tools, Florida ecosystem knowledge, construction observation, surveying, drainage design for DOT projects, vegetation and soils identification, and certified boat operator.

• Lead, manage, and assist with the preparation of freshwater resource analyses, reports, designs, permit applications, construction drawings and technical specifications.
• Conduct field data collection (topographic, geologic, natural resource) to support engineering analysis and design.
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary experts to advance restoration approaches and project solutions from concept to implementation.
• Provide mentorship and support for junior staff, reviewing their work and offering guidance.
• Apply project‑management principles to develop design and permitting documents, maintaining schedules and budgets.
• Present technical findings to clients, agencies and stakeholders; draft scopes of work and budgets for proposals; participate in client and agency meetings.
• Manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment, both independently and as part of a team.
• Travel to project sites, industry conferences and team collaboration events as required.
• Perform additional ad‑hoc tasks as needed.

• Medical, dental and vision insurance (70% coverage for employee and family).
• Annual company‑share allocation through ESOP.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement, professional development bonuses and conference attendance opportunities.

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