Location: McKinleyville, CA
Employment Type: Full-Time
Hourly Range: $31-38, depending on education and experience
Benefits: Competitive paid time off, up to 4% employer-matched contributions to Traditional or Roth 401(k) plans, term life insurance, and a 70% employer contribution toward health, vision, and dental insurance policies
Education Level: Four-year degree, Graduate degree preferred
Position Overview
PWA is seeking a Water Resources / Civil Engineer to join our interdisciplinary team of engineers, hydrologists, geologists, geomorphologists, and biologists that work on watershed restoration planning, design, and implementation projects throughout northern and central California. In collaboration with the rest of the team, the Water Resources / Civil Engineer will primarily focus on watershed hydrology, open channel hydraulics, stream and wetland restoration, and nature-based regenerative design. The day-to-day work varies seasonally, with an initial emphasis on construction oversight this summer and fall. Out-of-town work is intermittently required. The exact role is flexible, and applicants with more experience than specified are still encouraged to apply.
Company Overview
PWA is a full-service environmental and engineering consulting firm with offices in Humboldt and Sonoma Counties of Northern California. PWA specializes in science-based management solutions for watershed, forest, riverine, and coastal habitats as well as rural development projects. PWA includes a staff of 20 full-time geologists, engineers, geomorphologists, hydrologists, stormwater specialists, watershed scientists, biologists, technicians, and associated support personnel. PWA is committed to providing and maintaining a professional organization and working environment for all our employees, as well as supporting individual professional development and work-life balance. We aim to continue growing our established organization and further developing our engineering capabilities through collaborative efforts, driven by a shared purpose and vision. This enables us to provide the very best services to our clients and community while completing progressive, environmentally beneficial projects.
Typical Projects
In-stream and off-channel fish habitat restoration and enhancement projects that include split-flow and roughened channels, alcoves, floodplains, islands, estuaries, and large wood structures
Bridge, culvert, and various stream crossing designs for rural roads
Hillslope, embankment, and stream channel stability assessment/designs and repairs
Rural excavation and grading plans, erosion control plans, and site remediation designs
Engineering soils reports and drainage plans
Ponds, reservoirs, and water catchment facility design
Low-impact development designs and stormwater engineering
Key Responsibilities
Design water resource engineering projects to enhance and restore anadromous fish habitat
Geomorphic site assessments, topographic surveys, and in-field suitability analyses
Perform and assist in geologic and hydrologic investigations
Create hydraulic models, engineering computations, and alternatives analyses
Develop designs and specifications in AutoCAD Civil 3D per applicable standards
Calculation of construction quantities and cost estimates
Author technical documents, including basis of design reports
Evaluate/review designs, plans, specifications, and estimates for completeness and accuracy
Engineering project management, tracking, and budgeting
Construction management and project inspection
Help prepare applications/proposals for funding, permits, and other planning documents
Assist Project Managers and staff scientists requiring civil & environmental engineering services
Required Qualifications
1-3 years of experience as a water resources / civil engineer
BS or MS in engineering and career direction towards EIT/PE certifications
Demonstrated passion for watershed sciences, fisheries, and ecological restoration via job experience, project work, or recreational interests
Required Skills, Abilities, and Experience
AutoCAD Civil 3D or other design software
Hydraulic modeling of channels and floodplains using HEC-RAS or equivalent software
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
High level of critical thinking and organizational skills
Strong verbal and written communicator
Ability to work independently and collaboratively; positive attitude/team player
Ability to occasionally work and hike on steep, uneven terrain in inclement weather
Preferred Skills and Abilities
Process-based river and stream channel design and analysis experience in instream and off-channel fish habitat, particularly for Threatened and Endangered species recovery
Preparation of design reports, construction plans, and contract specifications
Inspection/oversight experience with instream, grading, or stormwater construction projects
Biotechnical stream bank stabilization and restoration techniques
Large wood habitat and stability analyses for improving stream channel habitat
Advanced hydraulic or sediment modeling experience
Total station or RTK surveying
Management of small to large-scale projects, including scope development, budgeting, task timelines, and team coordination
How to Apply
Please send a cover letter, including a description of work experience, requested salary range, examples of past work, and resume to: careers@pacificwatershed.com
Write “Water Resources / Civil Engineer” in the subject line
Resumes without a cover letter will not be considered
Position will remain open until filled
PWA is an Equal Opportunity Employer
See our website for more information about the organization: www.pacificwatershed.com