Water Resources Engineer

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world? Watch Our Story.

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. We believe water is more than a resource—it's a shared responsibility. As part of our Water Business Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job; it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

About the role

HDR is looking for a Water Resources Engineer to join our Water Resources team in Sacramento, CA. Our clients include local, state, and federal agencies. Our team is growing and has a range of challenging and innovative projects. We work within multi-disciplinary teams on projects related to water resources planning, flood hazard and consequence analysis, hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling, and H&H in support of civil design. Project types will include dam safety analysis, flood risk analysis for planning and asset management, FERC relicensing, water supply, flood management, and environmental mitigation support for flood management projects.

Responsibilities

• Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling
• Conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design
• Collect, assimilate, and present data in reports, memos, and public forums
• Lead production of design calculations and technical reports
• Lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities, and other hydraulic structures
• Work independently as well as plan, organize, and assist groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians
• Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation
• Assist in water resources permitting efforts
• Perform other duties as needed
• Be a key part of project delivery teams, mentor junior staff, and manage small- to medium-sized projects
• Effectively interact with clients and peers in a collaborative team environment

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field
• Previous experience in water resources engineering projects
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position (e.g., Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant in our employee-owned culture

Qualifications

Preferred:

• 5 or more years of experience
• MS degree
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office programs
• Leadership skills and ability to work in a team environment
• Experience with water infrastructure planning studies, extreme hydrology, and/or consequence analysis
• Experience in H&H Modeling (HEC-RAS & HEC-HMS)
• Experience with data management analytical tools and datasets
• Experience with GIS and Geospatial modeling
• Experience with risk-based planning and risk-informed decision making
• Familiarity with integration of resiliency into the planning process
• Skills such as scripting (Python or VBA) and experience using HEC-RAS 1D/2D, HEC-HMS, HEC-ResSim, consequence modeling (LifeSim & HEC-FDA), linear programming, and optimization

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Short- and long-term disability
  • Life insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays
  • Retirement savings plan with employer match
  • Employee referral bonus
  • Tuition reimbursement
• Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) to foster inclusion and support

Pay

The expected compensation range for this position is $84,469.00 - $137,125.00 annually, depending on skills, experience, education, and geographical location.

Schedule

Full-time

Primary location: United States-California-Sacramento. Other locations: United States-California-Walnut Creek, United States-California-Folsom.