Water Resource Engineer - Project Level

Job Description

NCE is actively recruiting for a Project Engineer to support NCE’s emerging Water Resources Practice in Northern California. We are looking for a dynamic person who enjoys a mix of office and field work and can apply analytical and critical thinking skills in both environments. If you are a natural problem solver who thrives in a supportive but independent work environment, possess the innate talent to efficiently identify, review, and apply large amounts of technical and regulatory material, and you possess an interest to learn and apply new skills and knowledge to regulatory permitting for flood control, stormwater, stormwater master plans, creek/river restoration, climate adaptation, and watershed planning projects, you should find out more about this opportunity. The natural ability to communicate (written and verbal) in a team environment is essential.

Key Responsibilities

Assist in various design/engineering projects for stormwater systems, urban drainage, flood control systems, natural rivers and creeks, green infrastructure, etc.

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

Experience developing 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

Qualifications (Must Have):

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 suite, and good written and verbal communication skills

Ability to work both 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

Qualifications (Nice to Have)

3-7 years of relevant experience

Master's degree in relevant field

Strong interdisciplinary background/experience, for example, knowledge in watershed ecology, fisheries, geomorphology, restoration, landscape architecture, botany, riparian ecology, etc.

Experience with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or similar modeling software

GIS skills, particularly with ArcGIS or QGIS

Knowledge of California environmental regulations and permitting

Experience with AutoCAD and/or Civil 3D

Field data collection experience

Professional licensure, or evidence of significant progress toward licensure (PE, PH, CFM, QSD/QSP, and/or related)

What We Offer

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

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

Full-time

Hybrid remote