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Entry Level Wastewater Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

We are looking for an entry-level Water/Wastewater Engineer to join a growing engineering group in our Alexandria, VA office. The Engineer will become an integral part of our team and will typically ...

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Entry Level Wastewater Engineer information

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$40.5K

$86.4K

$142.5K

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

As of May 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level wastewater engineer in the United States is $86,381.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $103,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Wastewater Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Wastewater Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification. Familiarity with AutoCAD, GIS software, hydraulic modeling tools, and regulatory compliance systems is highly valuable. Attention to detail, strong analytical thinking, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you excel in this role. These abilities ensure accurate project design, regulatory adherence, and successful collaboration in delivering safe and efficient wastewater solutions.

What are some typical projects and responsibilities for an entry level wastewater engineer during their first year on the job?

As an entry level wastewater engineer, you can expect to assist with a variety of tasks such as preparing engineering reports, conducting site visits, collecting and analyzing water samples, and supporting the design of treatment systems. You’ll often work closely with senior engineers to learn about regulatory requirements, permitting processes, and best practices in system maintenance. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including environmental scientists, CAD technicians, and project managers—is common, providing valuable exposure to different aspects of project delivery. Over time, you’ll gradually take on more responsibility and may have opportunities to contribute to client meetings or help manage small projects.

What does an entry level wastewater engineer do?

An entry level wastewater engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and maintaining wastewater treatment systems and infrastructure. Their work often involves helping senior engineers with the planning and implementation of processes that remove contaminants from water, preparing technical reports, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. They may also collect and analyze water or soil samples, conduct site inspections, and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to develop project plans. This role provides foundational experience in environmental and civil engineering while supporting the protection of public health and the environment.

What is the difference between Entry Level Wastewater Engineer vs Water Treatment Plant Operator?

AspectEntry Level Wastewater EngineerWater Treatment Plant Operator
CredentialsBachelor's in Environmental or Civil Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent, relevant state certifications or licenses
Work EnvironmentDesign, planning, and analysis in engineering offices or field sitesOperate and monitor water treatment equipment at treatment plants
Industry UsageEngineering firms, municipal wastewater departmentsMunicipal water treatment facilities, private water companies

While both roles focus on water quality, an Entry Level Wastewater Engineer primarily handles design and planning tasks, requiring an engineering degree and certification. In contrast, a Water Treatment Plant Operator manages daily operations at treatment facilities, often with a high school diploma and specialized licenses. Both roles are essential in water management but differ in responsibilities and required qualifications.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Wastewater Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Wastewater Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Wastewater Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Wastewater Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Wastewater Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Wastewater Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Wastewater Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 34% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 33% Temporary. Highlights an 75% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,381 per year, or $41.5 per hour.

$60.10K - $69.60K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Position Description
Wastewater Engineer in Training (EIT) - Grand Forks, ND
As a Water/Wastewater Engineer in Training (EIT), you'll be part of a collaborative team dedicated to designing and improving essential infrastructure that supports clean water and environmental health. This civil engineer entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals eager to apply their engineering education to real-world challenges.
You'll work closely with experienced engineers and project managers, gaining hands-on experience across all phases of water and wastewater projects-from initial planning and design to construction observation and administration. This role offers a strong foundation for professional growth, with opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that serve communities and protect natural resources.
Responsibilities
  • Assist project managers and engineers in the design and construction of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, including water supply, treatment facilities, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and pump stations.
  • Assist project managers with the development and preparation of plans, specifications, and construction cost estimates.
  • Perform construction observation and administration on water related projects
  • Assist in the preparation of technical reports, memorandums, and presentations.
  • Occasionally assist professional surveyors with field work on crews performing data gathering for designs and/or construction staking.

Qualifications
Basic Requirements
  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental, Civil Engineering or related field.
  • Fundamentals in Engineering certified or ability to obtain.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills.
  • Ability to travel as required.
  • All applicants must be able to complete pre-employment onboarding requirements (if selected) which may include any/all of the following: criminal/civil background check, drug screen, and motor vehicle records search, in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Engineering intern experience on water, wastewater, or rural water projects.
  • AutoCAD or Civil 3D experience.

Physical Qualifications
  • Ability to walk up to 3-miles on uneven terrain
  • Ability to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time
  • Occasionally climb, stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist
  • Occasionally lift, carry, push, and pull light to moderate amounts of weight
  • May require lifting and carrying up to 20 pounds, with rare lifting of up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to inspect equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • May be required to wear Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) including but not limited to, flame resistant clothing, hard hat, and protective footwear
  • May require occasional evenings and weekends with overtime expectations varying with workload
  • May be required to travel to off-site locations including occasional overnight stays out of town

Elevate Your Career with AE2S - Award-Winning Culture and Unmatched Benefits
Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services (AE2S) is an award-winning, specialized civil/environmental consulting engineering firm that provides professional services and a unique brand of extreme client service. Our work environment is consistently recognized both locally and nationally for our great culture and values, proven recognition programs, and social atmosphere.
  • Significant Opportunities to Grow and Advance
  • Great Culture and Spirit where Creativity is Fostered
  • Core Values which Speak to the Heart of AE2S and its Employees
  • Large, Diverse, and Challenging Projects with the Latest Technology
  • Family-Friendly with Flexibility and Work-Life Balance

AE2S offers more than just competitive compensation and a best-in-class insurance package to our employees and families; our benefit plan is one of the richest plans currently in the marketplace today!
  • 100-percent paid Family Health Insurance
  • 100-percent paid Employee Dental, Short- & Long-Term Disability, and Vision Insurance
  • Discretionary Bonus Plan
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
  • Matching 401(k) Contributions
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) Credits for Past Experience
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Wellness Program

AE2S is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action / Disability Employer
Location
Grand Forks, ND - Grand Forks, ND 58201 US (Primary)
Education
Bachelor Degree
Position Type
Full-time