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Entry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Michigan

Spicer Group

Geotechnical Engineer

Traverse City, MI · On-site

DAM SAFETY - GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES / SURFACE WATER SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support Dam Safety projects within the Water ...

Spicer Group

Geotechnical Engineer

Saginaw, MI · On-site

DAM SAFETY - GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES / SURFACE WATER SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support Dam Safety projects within the Water ...

Spicer Group

Geotechnical Engineer

East Lansing, MI · On-site

DAM SAFETY - GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES / SURFACE WATER SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support Dam Safety projects within the Water ...

Spicer Group

Geotechnical Engineer

Manistee, MI · On-site

DAM SAFETY - GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES / SURFACE WATER SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support Dam Safety projects within the Water ...

Spicer Group

Geotechnical Engineer

Saint Johns, MI · On-site

DAM SAFETY - GEOTECHNICAL ENGINEER WATER RESOURCES / SURFACE WATER SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a Geotechnical Engineer to support Dam Safety projects within the Water ...

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

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer information

See Michigan salary details

$25.3K

$81.8K

$116.4K

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

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resource engineer in Michigan is $81,837.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $94,100.00 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 popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in Michigan?

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

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

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

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Entry Level Water Resource Engineer job openings:

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resource Engineer job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,837 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Civil Associate I, Water Resources

Michael Baker International

Dearborn, MI

$65K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Michael Baker International rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

43rd of 453 rated engineering

Job description

What We're Looking For:

Michael Baker International is seeking a Water Resources Civil Associate to join our growing Detroit, MI office team. 

This is an exciting opportunity to work directly with experienced engineers and project managers on complex transportation and infrastructure projects, including highway improvements, stormwater management systems, flood mitigation studies, and hydraulic structure design.  In this role, you will support the team with hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, drainage design, field investigation, and technical reporting.  This role offers exposure to a wide variety of projects and technical challenges where you will gain hands-on experience to build your technical and professional skills. 

What You'll Do:
  • Develop hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for projects
  • Prepare engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, and quantity takeoffs 
  • Perform site visits, field investigations, and data collection activities
  • Develop 1-D and 2-D hydrologic and hydraulic models to evaluate drainage infrastructure and flood risks
  • Develop technical reports, exhibits, and mapping products
  • Design transportation drainage for complex infrastructure including alternative delivery projects
  • Communicate and coordinate design updates, technical findings, and project information effectively with multidisciplinary project team members
     
What You Need to Succeed:
  • 0-2 years of water resources engineering experience 
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or other engineering discipline with water resources engineering experience
  • Holds a Michigan EIT, or the ability to obtain within six months
  • Must demonstrate excellent speaking, oral and written communication skills
Compensation:
The approximate compensation range for this position is $65,000 - $80,000 per year. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Why Choose Us:

  • Medical, dental, vision insurance
  • 401k Retirement Plan
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
  • Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability
  • Professional and personal development
  • Generous paid time off
  • Commuter and wellness benefits
Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world's most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.
Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.
We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.
We Make a Difference.

Michael Baker International is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Michael Baker International provides equal employment opportunity for all persons, in all facets of employment. Michael Baker International maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for any open position for which they feel they are qualified and all will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship status, marital status, familial status, pregnancy or childbirth, genetic information, disability, protected veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or any other legally protected status.
EEO is the Law. Applicants to and employees of Michael Baker International are protected under Federal law from discrimination.

*It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
*There is no current application deadline. Michael Baker will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until the position is filled or no longer needed.

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