Water Resources Engineer IV

As an Engineer IV at RES, you’ll bring deep technical expertise and leadership to stream, wetland, or stormwater management projects. You’ll serve as a subject matter expert in your discipline—leading teams through complex hydrologic, hydraulic, and ecological designs while also managing regulatory reviews, project delivery, and field implementation. You’ll play a key role in mentoring junior staff, driving quality across multiple projects, and guiding our clients through technically and logistically challenging restoration efforts. See some off the projects our engineers work on here.

You’re the go-to expert. Whether your specialty is stream geomorphology or BMP design, your experience and insights guide some of our most critical technical decisions.

You’ll get to lead and grow others. You’ll manage projects and mentor junior engineers—shaping not only deliverables but the next generation of RES leaders.

Your work will be built. You’ll see your designs come to life on the ground, with opportunities to participate in fieldwork and construction oversight.

You’ll have client-facing influence. You’ll help build partnerships, manage contracts, and ensure that our technical solutions meet real-world needs.

You’ll work at the intersection of ecology and engineering. Whether you're restoring a watershed or managing stormwater in a changing climate, your work makes a measurable environmental impact.

A Day in the Life

You may start your day by reviewing a hydraulic model and QA/QC’ing plan sets for a large stream restoration project headed for agency review. Midday, you're on a call with a client to walk through design revisions, balancing technical needs with site constraints and budget. Later, you’re reviewing erosion and sediment control details submitted by a junior engineer—offering feedback and making sure it aligns with jurisdictional standards.

Depending on the project phase, you might spend part of your week in the field—gathering site data, conducting a feasibility assessment, or checking that construction is matching your drawings. Throughout the day, you’re leading conversations with PMs, scientists, clients, and regulators—turning complex data into clear solutions and ensuring projects stay on track and on spec.

We would love to talk to you if you have many of the following:

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering field

PE License in the applicable state

10+ years of progressive engineering experience (8+ years with advanced degree)

2+ years of staff management and mentoring experience

Advanced proficiency with design and modeling tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D, HEC-RAS/HMS, TR-55, FlowMaster, GIS, or similar platforms

Demonstrated ability to manage large, complex design projects from concept through construction

Deep experience with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and can turn data into design

Experience with permitting and coordination with federal, state, or local agencies

Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to field sites as needed

What will make you stand out?

PMP certification

Expertise in either stream/wetland design (geomorphology, hydraulics, ecology) or stormwater design (BMP sizing, regional stormwater standards)

Direct experience with Federal/State/Local environmental regulations and understanding of the Federal Clean Water Act, State Stormwater Rule, and other state and federal environmental regulations, and permitting processes.

Experience supporting construction QA/QC in the field

Certifications such as CPESC, CFM, or equivalent technical credentials

Are recognized as a subject matter expert in your area of design and enjoy solving challenging technical problems

Lead with confidence and clarity—whether managing a field team, mentoring junior staff, or guiding a client

Balance technical precision with project deadlines, scope, and cost considerations

Can lead multiple projects and teams simultaneously without losing sight of quality

Care deeply about ecological function, water quality, and making a measurable environmental impact

Please note that the “Day in the Life” section is not intended to be an exhaustive list of job duties, but rather a representative snapshot of typical responsibilities and work experiences at RES.

RES is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.