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Entry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Stanley Consultants

Water Resources Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$94.10 - $120.88/hr

Job Title and Details Water Resources Engineer Locations: Chicago, IL | Minneapolis, MN Job type: Hybrid Requisition ID: 11263 Responsibilities You will lead a team of engineers in the technical ...

Wood Plc

Water Resources Engineer - FEMA

Chicago, IL · Remote

$81K - $111K/yr

Overview / Responsibilities Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions is currently seeking Water Resources Engineers with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program ...

Trilon Group

Water Resources Engineer

Cary, IL

$80K - $109K/yr

Our Cary office is looking for an entry level Hydraulic Engineer. The Hydraulic/Stormwater Design ... systems, water quality BMPs, streams, bridge hydraulics, culvert hydraulics, watersheds, and ...

Prairie Engineers

Entry Level Civil Engineer

Columbia, IL · On-site

$62K - $85K/yr

Transportation or water resources engineering. * Travel: Willingness to travel within the United States to meet project requirements. * Safety: Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.

McMahon Group

Civil Engineer

Machesney Park, IL · On-site

$60 - $85/hr

Candidates will work on Municipal and/or Water Resources type projects. On the Municipal side you ... Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering * Entry level position to 20+ years experience Skills

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All JobsWater Resource Engineer JobsEntry Level Water Resource Engineer JobsEntry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Illinois

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer information

See Illinois salary details

$28.1K

$91K

$129.4K

How much do entry level water resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resource engineer in Illinois is $90,985.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $104,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level water resource engineer do?

An entry level water resource engineer assists with the planning, design, and management of projects related to water resources, such as flood control, stormwater management, and water supply systems. Their tasks often include data collection, analysis, computer modeling, and preparing technical reports under the supervision of senior engineers. They may also support permitting processes and coordinate with clients and regulatory agencies. This role is ideal for recent graduates in civil or environmental engineering who are interested in sustainable water solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level water resource engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Resource Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering and a solid understanding of hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental regulations. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, GIS software, and hydraulic modeling programs (e.g., HEC-RAS) is typically required, along with an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification being advantageous. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills help you stand out in this role. These competencies ensure accurate project design, regulatory compliance, and collaborative problem-solving in water resource management projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by entry level water resource engineers during their first year on the job?

Entry level water resource engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret complex environmental regulations, adapting to the technical demands of hydrologic modeling software, and managing multiple project deadlines. Additionally, they may need to quickly develop strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including senior engineers, planners, and regulatory agencies. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for professional growth and help new engineers build a solid foundation in the field.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Resource Engineer vs Water Resources Technician?

AspectEntry Level Water Resource EngineerWater Resources Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental Engineering or related field; Engineer-in-Training (EIT) preferredAssociate's degree or technical certification in water systems or environmental technology
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, project planning; office and fieldworkField data collection, equipment maintenance, site inspections
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting companiesMunicipal water departments, environmental agencies, contractors

While both roles support water resource management, Entry Level Water Resource Engineers focus on designing and analyzing water systems, requiring a bachelor's degree and engineering credentials. Water Resources Technicians primarily handle field data collection and equipment, often with technical certifications. The engineer role involves more planning and analysis, whereas technicians focus on operational tasks.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in Illinois?

For Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in Illinois are:

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resource Engineer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 89% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,985 per year, or $43.7 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

Stanley Consultants

Chicago, IL • On-site

$94.10 - $120.88/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Job Title and Details

Water Resources Engineer

Locations: Chicago, IL | Minneapolis, MN

Job type: Hybrid

Requisition ID: 11263

Responsibilities

You will lead a team of engineers in the technical analysis, design, preparation of construction documents, reports, and cost estimates for water resources, infrastructure, environmental, structural, and energy projects. You will develop projects including hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, ponding and detention area sizing and design, streambank stabilization, civil design layout, surface modeling, grading and drainage, utility layout and design, and low impact development feature layout and design. Project management skills and the ability to work directly with clients in the development of projects is desirable. Some field work and travel may be required. You will have the opportunity to work on a wide range of water resources and civil engineering projects and develop your career towards more project management or team managerial responsibilities.

Requirements
  • Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) licensed or ability to become licensed within 6 months of employment.
  • Wide knowledge with water resources engineering background, with the ability to lead project development and determination of solutions to meet client needs.
  • Varied software experience including hydraulic/hydrologic modeling, HEC RAS, XPSWMM, HydroCAD or other modeling software in the development of project solutions.
  • Working knowledge and experience with ACAD Civil 3D or Microstation products.
  • Familiarity with site grading design, surface runoff management, detention design, conveyance.
  • Strong oral communication and technical writing skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.
Compensation

$94,100 - $120,875 a year (salary range for IL & MN locations)

Benefits
  • Member-Owned: Member-ownership is at the heart of our culture, aligning client satisfaction, company performance, and personal reward.
  • Paid Time Away: Numerous paid holidays, generous paid time off (PTO), parental leave, and professional development leave.
  • Health Insurance: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, FSA, HSA, Doctor On Demand, wellness reimbursement, and mental health resources.
  • Financial Health: Life insurance, short- and long-term disability insurance, identity theft protection, and other benefits.
  • Professional Growth: Tuition assistance, professional society membership, and more.
  • Financial Rewards: Company stock ownership, a generous 401K match, incentive compensation, and profit-sharing contributions to retirement 401K plans.
Equal Opportunity / EEO

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35 (c)

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