Water Resources / Civil Engineer (McKinleyville, CA)

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 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