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Entry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

In the role of Water Resources Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater ...

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

In the role of Water Resources Engineer, we'll count on you to: * Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater ...

RK&K

Engineer I - Water Resources

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

RK&K is currently hiring an Engineer to join our growing Water Resources team in Fairfax, VA. This ... Proactively deliver a wide range of water resource projects in accordance with the scope, schedule ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$78K - $107K/yr

Dewberry Engineers Inc. is seeking a Water Resources Engineer for the Water Resources Department within the Transportation Section in Virginia . The position offers great potential for professional ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

Dewberry Engineers Inc. is seeking a Water Resources Engineer for the Water Resources Department within the Transportation Section in Virginia . The position offers great potential for professional ...

HDR

Water Resources Designer / EIT

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Work under project engineers on the application of various design engineering and modeling techniques in the development of water resource projects for federal, state and local municipalities * Focus ...

HDR

Water Resources Designer / EIT

Washington, DC · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Work under project engineers on the application of various design engineering and modeling techniques in the development of water resource projects for federal, state and local municipalities * Focus ...

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All JobsWater Resource Engineer JobsEntry Level Water Resource Engineer JobsEntry Level Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Washington, DC

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer information

See Washington, DC salary details

$32.9K

$106.5K

$151.5K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resource engineer in Washington, DC is $106,546.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,600.00 and $122,600.00 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 Washington, DC?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs in Washington, DC are:

Entry Level Water Resource Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resource Engineer job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 89% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 85% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,546 per year, or $51.2 per hour.

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer

Dewberry

Fairfax, VA

$82K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Dewberry rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Dewberry is currently seeking an Entry Level Water Resources Engineer to perform water resource work in our Fairfax, VA office. Individual will create concept level design of treatment works and analyze hydrologic and hydraulic models and computations for storm water and watershed master planning, stream restoration, and water quality studies.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry. Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.


  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a focus in Water Resources or related field is required
  • Knowledge of floodplain delineation, storm water management, culvert and bridge hydraulics, and drainage design
  • 0 - 1 year of experience; previous internship(s) preferred
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are required
  • Proficiency in MS Office software
  • Ability to work in a team environment

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace for our employees. So if you’re excited about this role, but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the position description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may just be the right candidate for this or other opportunities.

The projected range for this position is $82,500 - $85,000 annually. Depending upon other factors, i.e., skills, experience, location, market conditions, the range may vary slightly.

*Dewberry is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

*At this time, Dewberry will not sponsor a new applicant for work authorization.

*Only recipients of an offer of employment from Dewberry, will be required to submit to a background screening which may include, but is not limited to, employment verification, educational and other credential verification, driving record check, criminal background check, and an investigative consumer report. These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry’s background vendor of choice and will be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local law.

Notice to Third Party Recruiters:  Dewberry only compensates job placement recruiters that have a valid Dewberry-approved written agreement in place for recruiting services. Dewberry does not compensate third party recruiters for unsolicited job placement candidate information.


As an entry-level hire, you’ll be part of a class of peers with 0-1 year of professional experience. Our entry-level program comes together on a regular basis for professional development events and team building activities led by an advisory team to:

  • Form lasting connections with peers in your class.
  • Gain a better understanding of career growth and meaningful opportunities to align with your professional goals.
  • Expand your knowledge of Dewberry and what we do.

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