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Entry Level Drainage Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Associate Drainage Engineer

Miami, FL ยท On-site

$26.59 - $46.54/hr

Parsons is looking forward to hiring an entry level Associate Drainage Engineer! In this role, you will be trained and mentored under supervision in the utilization of engineering theories and ...

Civil Engineer (Entry-Level)

Littleton, CO ยท On-site

$70K - $87K/yr

Assisting in engineering designs related to water systems, sanitary sewer, grading, storm drainage ... projects. Entry Level candidates without job related experience are encouraged to apply.

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Entry Level Drainage Engineer information

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$52.5K

$96.9K

$130K

How much do entry level drainage engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level drainage engineer 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 an Entry Level Drainage Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Drainage Engineer, you need a solid understanding of civil engineering principles, hydrology, and environmental regulations, typically backed by a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, MicroStation, and drainage modeling software like HEC-RAS or SWMM is often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for designing safe, efficient drainage systems and collaborating successfully with multidisciplinary teams.

What is the difference between Entry Level Drainage Engineer vs Junior Civil Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Drainage EngineerJunior Civil Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering, possibly some internship experienceBachelor's in Civil Engineering, internship experience often preferred
Work EnvironmentDesigning drainage systems, site assessments, field inspectionsAssisting in various civil projects, site planning, and design tasks
Industry UsageSpecialized in drainage and stormwater management within civil engineering firmsBroader civil engineering roles across multiple project types

Both roles typically require a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and internship experience. An Entry Level Drainage Engineer focuses specifically on drainage systems and stormwater management, while a Junior Civil Engineer has a broader scope in civil projects. The drainage engineer role is more specialized, whereas the junior civil engineer may work across various civil disciplines.

What does an Entry Level Drainage Engineer do?

An Entry Level Drainage Engineer helps design, analyze, and implement stormwater and wastewater management systems under the supervision of senior engineers. Their tasks typically include preparing drainage plans, using software to model water flow, assisting with site inspections, and ensuring projects comply with environmental regulations. They often work with multidisciplinary teams on infrastructure projects such as roads, buildings, and land developments. This role is ideal for recent engineering graduates looking to gain experience in civil or environmental engineering fields.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level drainage engineers in their first year on the job?

Entry level drainage engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex civil engineering plans, understanding local and federal drainage regulations, and becoming proficient with specialized design software like Civil 3D or MicroDrainage. Additionally, they may need to quickly adapt to collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, including architects, surveyors, and environmental specialists. Time management and balancing multiple project deadlines are also common hurdles, but with guidance from senior engineers and on-the-job experience, these challenges become valuable learning opportunities.
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Drainage Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Drainage Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Entry Level Drainage Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Drainage Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Drainage Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. 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 Engineer, Municipal

Cobb Fendley and Associates, Inc

Albuquerque, NM โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Since 1980, CobbFendley has been committed to providing innovative engineering and surveying solutions with the goal of bettering communities. Our multi-discipline approach allows for the efficient completion of projects through experienced staff who focus on client communication. We are always seeking talented and qualified professionals to enhance our ability to provide clients with exceptional service.
Are you ready to Join Our Block and advance your career? At CobbFendley, people are our most valued resource. We offer a(n):
  • New Hire Program // We understand changing jobs can be intimidating, CobbFendley has established a program geared specifically to the successful onboarding and integration of new hires into the firm
  • Development Opportunities // Professional and personal growth through innovative in-house training and collaborative resources
  • Compensation + Benefits // Competitive compensation package with comprehensive benefits including 401(k) Matching and Profit-sharing Contributions; Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); Health, Vision, and Dental Insurance; Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance; Employer Funded and Voluntary Life Insurance; Tuition Reimbursement; and Continuing Education Programs
  • Paid Parental Leave // FMLA-eligible employees will receive fully paid leave in the amounts of eight (8) weeks for maternity cases and two (2) weeks for paternity or adoptions cases
  • Winter Holiday // Extended office closure from December 25 through January 1 to relax and enjoy the holidays
  • Community Engagement // CobbFendley Cares focuses on STEM Education, Hunger Relief, and Sustainable Solutions

CobbFendley is seeking an experienced Drainage Engineer in our Albuquerque office
Requirements
EXPERIENCE + KNOWLEDGE SKILLS ABILITY (KSA)
Proficient // General understanding and practical experience; capable of working independently with growing efficiency. 2+ years of professional experience, EIT or PE may be required.
  • Knowledge of standard engineering and scientific techniques, procedures, and criteria in carrying out tasks. Familiarity with CobbFendley's QA/QC Management System.
  • Skills including use of industry-standard computer software for the position (i.e., software such as CADD, HCS, AutoCAD, MicroStation, GIS, and Hydrologic/Hydraulic models).
  • Ability to use spreadsheets, word processing, and standard office software.

RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Design + Analysis //
  • Complete intermediate design and analysis tasks using determined software and criteria, under the direction of a Professional Engineer.
  • Work independently to evaluate, select and apply standard engineering techniques, procedures and criteria, using judgment in making minor adaptations and modifications of assignments.
  • Escalate unusual problems and work reviewed for application.

2. Compliance + Quality //
  • Utilize Company QA/QC processes and procedures to review tasks and documents.

3. Communication + Collaboration //
  • Work with supervisor, project manager, mentors, and various internal personnel to complete assignments within discipline and other disciplines.

4. Training, Learning + Advancement //
  • Utilize formal education and practical experience in assignments.
  • Attend internal or external training, as assigned.
  • Assist with onboarding and entry level training of Graduate Engineer I and II.

5. Client + Internal Satisfaction //
  • Work with internal clients daily, problem solve minor issues and escalate concerns when needed.
  • Attend client meetings.

6. Technical //
Work on projects that include the following scopes:
  • Delineate drainage areas
  • Determine peak flows
  • Select modeling software
  • Technical writing skills
  • Learn GIS basics
  • Understand lidar/terrain
  • Identify flowpaths/outfalls
  • Learn ArcHydro
  • Sheetflow analysis
  • Define drainage boundaries
  • Hydrology criteria
  • Land use categories
  • Time of conc calc
  • Stormwater runoff calc
  • Existing vs. proposed
  • Hydraulic calcs
  • Static vs. dynamic
  • Manning equation
  • Mitigation analysis

Utilize the following software applications to complete project work:
  • EPA SWMM, XP SWMM, PC SWMM, InfoWorks
  • HEC - HMS, HEC-RAS, Excel, ArcMap
  • ArcHydro, Stormcad, GeoPaf Drainage
  • Microstation, Autocad, WSRD, PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Project

COBBFENDLEY CHARACTERISTICS
  • We Collaborate // with a professional attitude making communication a priority.
  • We Commit // to maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, with a focus on accountability.
  • We Build Communities // by fulfilling our responsibilities with integrity that is consistent with industry standards.

PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS + ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS
Most work is performed in a professional office environment. Some trips to client offices and outdoor environments for observations will be required.
  • Seated and Standing Position. Extended periods of sitting and standing in an upright position at a workstation.
  • Mobility. Movement within the office and job sites, including navigating between floors, workstations, and outdoor environments with potential for uneven surfaces.
  • Neck Movement. Forward flexion, extension, or lateral rotation of the head and neck while using multiple computer screens.
  • Repetitive Motion. Repetitive finger movements for operating a computer mouse and typing on a keyboard.
  • Arm Movement. Extending hands and arms in various directions, such as overhead, below the waist, forward, or laterally.
  • Object Handling. Raising or lowering objects from one level to another and transporting objects by holding them in the hands, arms, or over the shoulder.
  • Cognitive Requirements. Selective attention, oral comprehension, oral expression, speech recognition, speech clarity, written comprehension, written expression, problem sensitivity, deductive reasoning, inductive reasoning, number facility, information ordering, category flexibility, flexibility of closure, fluency of ideas, and originality.
  • Office Conditions. Includes extensive use of electronic devices such as computers, printers, copiers, scanners, plotters, and telephones. Additionally, tasks may involve the use of cutting tools and equipment like rotary paper cutters and plotting devices.
  • Outdoor Conditions. Includes walking and climbing on uneven surfaces, confined spaces, and exposure to extreme weather conditions (heat and freezing temperatures). Potential exposure to high noise levels and various allergens, including poison ivy, sumac, dust, pollen, and cedar. Potential exposure to wildlife hazards such as animals, insects, and plants.
  • Safety and Equipment Use. Regular use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is required, along with use of hand and power tools.
  • Driving and Vehicle Use. May involve driving large pick-up trucks with attached trailers, potentially operating watercraft, and for extended periods of time.

EXPECTED WORK HOURS
  • This is a full-time position, generally 40 hours per week, however, hours may fluctuate depending on department needs including the use of overtime.
  • CobbFendley's standard operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM CST. Generally, employees receive a 1-hour unpaid lunch break free of duty. Please note, operating hours and lunch hours may differ based on project workload, primarily for field staff.

WORK LOCATION FLEXIBILTY
  • This position is eligible for a hybrid schedule once the training period is complete as established by the department.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for
employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other protected category under applicable federal, state, and local laws.
  • EEO is the Law (English)
  • EEO is the Law (Spanish)
  • EEO is the Law - Poster Supplement

MISCELLANEOUS
  • Pre-Employment Screenings. All offers of employment at CobbFendley are contingent upon the prospective employee passing a drug screening, physical exam (if applicable), and various background verifications (including but not limited to 10-year history of the county, state, federal, and a 5-year history of motor vehicle records). CobbFendley complies with all applicable state and federal laws regarding said screenings. Unless and only to the extent state or federal law limits CobbFendley's drug-testing requirements for initial hiring, all candidates for employment are subject to pre-employment drug screening verification which may include a panel drug test for use of marijuana and other substances that may be lawful under state law but unlawful under federal law. A positive result may lead to disqualification of candidacy or termination from employment to the extent permitted by law. CobbFendley reserves all rights with respect to its drug-testing, other pre-employment screenings, and workplace policies and procedures.
  • External Recruiting Agencies. CobbFendley does not and will not accept unsolicited resumes under any circumstances from independent recruiters, recruiting agencies, or similar entities. Recruiting activity on behalf of a candidate does NOT constitute CobbFendley's acceptance of terms and conditions without prior contractual agreements signed by authorized CobbFendley personnel. Unsolicited resumes through any channels including cold calling, emails, applications, social media messaging, etc., will not be reviewed.
  • Work Authorization + Sponsorship. Cobb, Fendley & Associates, Inc. participates in E-Verify. E-Verify is an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). The E-Verify system uses federal databases to rapidly validate individual identities and work eligibility from the information gathered in the Form I-9. CobbFendley will not sponsor applications of work visas. We understand that this could affect your decision to apply with these conditions in mind.
  • Applicant Accommodations. Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) it is the policy of CobbFendley to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or candidate with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship for the Company. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the HR Department at 713.462.3242 or HR@cobbfendley.com.

Drug-Free Workplace Conditions
Medication Disclosure:
Employees and job applicants shall receive notice of the most common medications, either by brand name, common name, or chemical name, that may alter or affect a drug test. A list of such medications shall be developed by the Agency for Health Care Administration.
Contesting Positive Results:
An employee or job applicant who receives a positive confirmed drug test result may contest or explain the result to the employer within 14 days after written notification of the positive test result.
Responsibility to Notify the Laboratory:
The employee or job applicant has the responsibility to notify the testing laboratory of any administrative or civil actions brought pursuant to this section.
List of Drugs for Testing:
A list of all drugs for which the employer will test can be supplied upon request, described by brand names or common names, as applicable, as well as by chemical names.
Right to Consult the Testing Laboratory:
Employees and job applicants are notified of their right to consult the testing laboratory for technical information regarding prescription and nonprescription medication.