Water Resources Engineer

ENGINEERS | SURVEYORS | PLANNERS | SCIENTISTS

Morrison-Maierle is a 100% employee-owned firm specializing in integrated consulting and design services in engineering, planning, surveying, and science. As a trusted partner to our clients, we deliver reliable, high-quality results, grounded in a deep understanding of local context and regional needs.

Position: Water Resources Engineer
Job status: Exempt-salaried
Location: Spokane, WA or Bend, OR
(Relocation assistance provided)

TOTAL REWARDS

We know work is just one part of life. That’s why we offer a total rewards package designed to support you—at work, at home, and everywhere in between. As an employee-owner, you’ll receive competitive pay, bonuses that recognize your contributions, and benefits that promote your health, growth, and well-being. Whether it’s your family, hobbies, or future goals, we’ve got you covered.

• $80,000-$115,000 base pay (DOE) with generous wage growth

• Annual bonuses because your contributions matter

• Ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); 100% company-paid ownership contributions

• 90% company-paid shared health plan premiums

• Paid time off in year one for the things you love to do

• Paid parental leave and volunteer time off

• Six paid company holidays

• Two floating personal holidays for events that are important in your life

• 401(k) matching program

• AD&D Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance paid by the company

• Flexible work-life arrangements

Our longstanding and trusted engineering legacy has helped ensure safety, security, and growth for our employee-owners. Our people-first culture and collaborative team are what drive our success as a top 500 engineering firm and have earned us a spot on Zweig's list of “Best Places to Work.” Join our Natural Resources Group as a Civil Water Resources Engineer and be part of a legacy that builds better futures.

THE ROLE

The Water Resources Engineer plays a key role in helping communities manage, protect, and enhance their water resources. Doing so by delivering science-based engineering solutions that integrate infrastructure and the natural environment. This position leads design efforts and support project tasks related to flood mitigation, watershed and environmental protection, and the planning and rehabilitation of critical water infrastructure. Using advanced hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tools, this engineer supports a wide range of projects—from roadway drainage and floodplain analysis to dam and reservoir rehabilitation, stormwater management, and agricultural irrigation systems.

Work includes the design and evaluation of canals, pipelines, flumes, diversion structures, and riverine systems, ensuring long-term functionality, safety, and environmental stewardship. The Water Resources Engineer collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, engages with clients and regulators, and delivers solutions that balance technical performance, sustainability, and community impact.

These responsibilities include:

• Serve as primary technical contact for clients; translate objectives into actionable scopes; maintain proactive communication and expectation management.

• Lead complex hydrology and hydraulic studies (e.g., riverine systems, urban stormwater networks, dams/reservoirs, floodplain mapping), setting modeling approach, assumptions, and QA/QC standards.

• Prepare plans, specifications, costs, estimates, technical reports, and design deliverables.

• Leverage design software to create project designs, draft plans, drawings, and models according to the client's scope of work.

• Perform hydraulic modeling such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, closed conduit programs, sediment transport, and Riverware.

• Oversees project tasks from start to finish.

• Assess field data such as flow data, soil, topographic information, and environmental measurements to support hydraulic calculations.

• Integrate GIS and survey data (terrain, LiDAR, bathymetry) with modeling and design; direct data collection needs and ensure fidelity of inputs.

• Perform/check calculations, drawings, and specs; run formal design reviews

• Provide construction phase services: respond to RFIs, review submittals, support change orders, perform site observations, and resolve field issues while maintaining design intent.

• Guide permitting and submittals (e.g., floodplain/LOMR/CLOMR, Section 404/401, stormwater, dam‑safety, water rights as applicable), coordinating with agencies (local, county, state, federal) and addressing comments efficiently.

•
Translates complex water resources concepts into clear, practical guidance for non‑engineering members and cross‑functional partners

• Identify and pursue opportunities (existing clients and new markets); shape capture strategies and teaming arrangements.

“As employee-owners, we don’t just work here, we grow here. Together, we take on challenging projects, support one another, and create opportunities to thrive. Our culture empowers every team member to find success—professionally and financially—while building something greater than themselves.” – Arian Bloomfield, President/CEO

YOUR STRENGTHS

•
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or similar ABET-accredited engineering program

• Minimum of 4+ years of US-based design experience in with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling

• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) professional designation required or able to pursue soon after

• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or able to obtain after-hire

•
Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, and budget on projects.

• Proficient with planning, design, construction, and bid execution of water resource projects

• Experienced with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software or similar

•
Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and/or GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS) for design, mapping, and analysis

•
Demonstrated experience preparing technical reports, basis‑of‑design documents, and QA/QC reviews

• Knowledgeable of environmental regulation, policy, and permitting requirements

•
Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Valid driver’s license and insurable record for travel

WHO WE ARE

At Morrison-Maierle, we’re more than engineers, surveyors, planners, and scientists—we’re community builders. Founded in 1945, we're a 100% employee-owned, Engineering News-Record Top 500 firm driven by a passion for innovative, sustainable solutions that improve lives across the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. We are rooted in integrity, respect, excellence, and collaboration. Joining our team means becoming part of a purpose-driven legacy committed to building a better future.

Morrison-Maierle is not accepting third-party or recruitment agency solicitation requests.

Morrison-Maierle is committed to diversity and inclusion, supported by compliance as an EEOC employer that ensures equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of protected class status.