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Drainage Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GPI is seeking a Drainage Designer to join our growing transportation and infrastructure team. This position will support the development of stream crossing, drainage system, and erosion and sediment ...

As a Drainage Engineer with 7-9 years of experience, you will play a key role in the planning, design, and delivery of drainage and stormwater infrastructure projects. This position offers the ...

Drainage Engineer

Centennial, CO · On-site

$36 - $48/hr

As a Drainage Engineer at Basis Partners, you play an important role in our community's quality of life and safety by supporting transportation drainage projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic ...

Civil Engineer - Drainage / Stormwater Engineer Company Name: TLP Engineering Consultants Location: Tampa, FL Project Focus: Transportation Infrastructure, Municipal Engineering, Land Development ...

GPI is seeking a Drainage Designer to join our growing transportation and infrastructure team. This position will support the development of stream crossing, drainage system, and erosion and sediment ...

Drainage Engineer

Fredericksburg, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Drainage Engineer Department: Transportation Employment Type: Full Time Location: Fredericksburg, VA Compensation: $80,000 - $110,000 / year Description Rinker Design Associates (RDA) is seeking a ...

As a Drainage Engineer with 7-9 years of experience, you will play a key role in the planning, design, and delivery of drainage and stormwater infrastructure projects. This position offers the ...

As a Drainage Engineer with 7-9 years of experience, you will play a key role in the planning, design, and delivery of drainage and stormwater infrastructure projects. This position offers the ...

Drainage Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$90K - $155K/yr

Civil Engineer - Drainage / Stormwater Engineer Company Name: TLP Engineering Consultants Location: Tampa, FL Project Focus: Transportation Infrastructure, Municipal Engineering, Land Development ...

Drainage Engineer

Rancho Cucamonga, CA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

Drainage Engineer

Bellevue, WA · Hybrid

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

As a Drainage Engineer with 7-9 years of experience, you will play a key role in the planning, design, and delivery of drainage and stormwater infrastructure projects. This position offers the ...

The Drainage Practice Lead will be responsible for establishing, growing, and leading the firm's drainage and stormwater engineering practice in Florida. This role combines technical excellence, team ...

Description GPI is seeking a Drainage Designer to join our growing transportation and infrastructure team. This position will support the development of stream crossing, drainage system, and erosion ...

GPI is seeking a Drainage Engineer for our Buffalo, NY, offices. This position's key components include coordination with the various discipline areas, including scope, budget, and time schedules ...

Prepare drainage design documentation, plans production, and permitting for a wide range of roadway design projects including turn lanes, intersection and safety improvements, roundabouts, roadway ...

As a Drainage Engineer at Basis Partners, you play an important role in our community's quality of life and safety by supporting transportation drainage projects involving hydrologic and hydraulic ...

Description GPI is seeking a Drainage Designer to join our growing transportation and infrastructure team. This position will support the development of stream crossing, drainage system, and erosion ...

Drainage Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$114K - $130K/yr

Drainage Engineer STV is seeking a Drainage Engineer to support transportation infrastructure projects across The West, mainly California. This role is ideal for a drainage professional with 6-12 ...

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Drainage information

See salary details

$52.5K

$96.9K

$130K

How much do drainage jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for drainage in the United States is $96,894.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,500.00 and $110,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a drainage engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Drainage Engineer, you need a solid background in civil engineering principles, hydrology, and stormwater management, often supported by a relevant engineering degree. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling tools, as well as professional certifications like PE (Professional Engineer), is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help facilitate teamwork and ensure regulatory compliance. These competencies are crucial for designing safe, efficient drainage systems and preventing flooding or environmental damage.

What does a drainage worker do?

Drainage workers are professionals who install, maintain, and repair drainage systems that remove excess water from land, buildings, roads, and other structures. Their responsibilities include inspecting and cleaning drains, laying pipes, digging trenches, and ensuring proper flow and disposal of wastewater or stormwater. Drainage workers play a critical role in preventing flooding, soil erosion, and water damage, ensuring safe and functional infrastructure for communities.

What is the difference between Drainage vs Plumbing?

AspectDrainagePlumbing
Required CertificationsDrainage certifications, often specific to sewer and stormwater systemsPlumbing licenses, including water supply and pipe installation
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, sewer systems, stormwater management areasResidential, commercial buildings, and maintenance facilities
Industry UsageSpecializes in sewer, stormwater, and drainage system installation and repairHandles water supply, pipe fitting, and fixture installation

Drainage and plumbing are related but distinct roles. Drainage focuses on sewer and stormwater systems, requiring specific certifications and working mainly outdoors or in infrastructure projects. Plumbing covers water supply and pipe systems within buildings. Both are essential in construction and maintenance, but they serve different functions and environments.

What are some common challenges faced by drainage engineers on large infrastructure projects?

Drainage engineers working on large infrastructure projects often encounter challenges such as coordinating with multiple stakeholders, adapting designs to changing site conditions, and meeting strict regulatory requirements. Balancing cost efficiency with environmental and safety standards can also be complex. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are crucial, as drainage engineers frequently collaborate with civil engineers, construction teams, and government agencies to ensure project success.

Are drainage engineers in demand?

Drainage engineers are in demand due to ongoing infrastructure projects and the need for water management systems. Employment opportunities are often available in construction, civil engineering, and environmental sectors, with skills in design, inspection, and maintenance being valuable. Job stability can depend on regional infrastructure investment and environmental regulations.

How to get into drainage work?

To start a career in drainage work, gain relevant skills through vocational training or apprenticeships, and obtain necessary certifications such as OSHA safety training. Experience with plumbing tools and knowledge of underground systems are valuable, and physical fitness is important for working outdoors in various conditions.
More about Drainage jobs
What cities are hiring for Drainage jobs? Cities with the most Drainage job openings:
What states have the most Drainage jobs? States with the most job openings for Drainage jobs include:
Infographic showing various Drainage job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,894 per year, or $46.6 per hour.

Drainage Designer

GREENMAN-PEDERSEN INC.

Wilmington, NC • On-site

Full-time

Posted 21 days ago


Job description

GPI is seeking aDrainage Designer to join our growing transportation and infrastructure team. This position will support the development of stream crossing, drainage system, and erosion and sediment control designs for transportation projects. The position will focus primarily on hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and design, and the ideal candidate will have a desire to collaborate with and support other design disciplines throughout the life of transportation projects.

Do you value a company that puts employee satisfaction at the forefront of who they are? If so,GPIwants you!

GPIis a multi-discipline engineering firm providing planning, design, and construction services for transportation infrastructure and building system projects throughout the United States for over 50 years. Ranked in the Top 100 Firms by Engineering News Record, GPI is a forward-thinking, innovative firm with a culture committed to excellence and fosters staff empowerment. For more information, visit:www.gpinet.com

Responsibilities

  • Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for roadway, bridge, and site development projects
  • Design and analyze hydraulic structures and assist in preparing Bridge Survey Reports and Culvert Survey Reports
  • Perform floodplain analysis and support SFC/CLOMR/LOMR package preparation
  • Design stormwater management and drainage systems including:
    • Closed drainage systems, cross-pipes and open channels
    • Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
  • Prepare drainage reports, calculations, construction drawings, and technical memoranda
  • Design erosion and sediment control plans and prepare supporting documents and calculations
  • Apply state NCDOT, municipal, and regulatory design criteria and standards
  • Coordinate with roadway, structural, utilities and environmental design teams and assist in preparing deliverables
  • Support permit applications with permit drawings and Stormwater Management Plans
  • Assist with construction phase services, including shop drawing review and field support
  • Contribute to quality control efforts (as experience level allows)

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Biological and Agricultural Engineering, Associate's degree in Civil Engineering Technology, or related field
  • 0 - 4 years of drainage and hydraulic design experience (transportation preferred)
  • Engineering Intern (EI) or Engineer in Training (EIT) or ability to obtain within 6 months
  • Familiarity with hydrology and hydraulics principles
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work collaboratively in a multi-disciplinary environment

Preferred Experience

  • Hydrologic and Hydraulic analysis and design for NCDOT highway and transportation projects
  • Proficiency with drainage and design software such as:
    • HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, HY-8
    • HydroCAD, StormCAD, or similar
    • MicroStation / OpenRoads or AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Stormwater permitting and regulatory coordination experience
  • Familiarity with NCDOT and local agency drainage, erosion and sediment control, and floodplain standards
  • Floodplain analysis and FEMA mapping support experience
  • 2-D Floodplain Modeling experience
  • Experience with green infrastructure and sustainable drainage solutions
  • Passed the PE Exam