2

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Water Resources Engineer - Fisheries

Seattle, WA · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

HDR is in search of a Water Resources Engineer to join our specialized Fisheries Ecohydraulics practice. In this role you will be supporting fisheries projects ranging from fish passage, water ...

Water Resources Engineer - Fisheries

Seattle, WA · On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

HDR is in search of a Water Resources Engineer to join our specialized Fisheries Ecohydraulics practice. In this role you will be supporting fisheries projects ranging from fish passage, water ...

Summary The Water Resources Project Engineer 2 performs advanced levels of planning, analysis, and design for a variety of complex water resource projects including stormwater management, storm ...

Summary The Water Resources Project Engineer 2 performs advanced levels of planning, analysis, and design for a variety of complex water resource projects including stormwater management, storm ...

Summary The Water Resources Project Engineer 2 performs advanced levels of planning, analysis, and design for a variety of complex water resource projects including stormwater management, storm ...

Senior Engineer

Pacific, WA · On-site

$105K - $143K/yr

... natural resource management, water resource engineering, environmental sciences or related ... disciplines. * Knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, computer modeling, soils, chemistry and ...

Civil Engineer

Tacoma, WA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find yourself ...

... water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find yourself ...

Civil Engineer

Bellevue, WA · On-site

$2.9K - $5.8K/mo

... water resources engineering, geotechnical engineering, hydraulic engineering, land surveying, structural engineering, transportation engineering and community planning. You'll quickly find yourself ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Entry Level Water Resources Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$33K

$106.9K

$151.9K

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

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resources engineer in Seattle, WA is $106,853.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,900.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level water resources engineer do?

An Entry Level Water Resources Engineer assists in designing, analyzing, and managing projects related to water supply, flood control, stormwater management, and environmental protection. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to collect and analyze data, use modeling software, and help prepare reports and plans. Their responsibilities may also include supporting field investigations and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. This role serves as a foundation for developing specialized expertise in water resources engineering.

What types of projects and responsibilities can an entry level water resources engineer expect in their first year?

As an Entry Level Water Resources Engineer, you can expect to work on a variety of projects such as stormwater management, floodplain analysis, watershed modeling, and hydraulic/hydrologic studies. Typical responsibilities include data collection, performing calculations, preparing technical reports, and assisting with the design of water infrastructure under the guidance of senior engineers. You will likely collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams, including environmental scientists, civil engineers, and CAD technicians, providing a great opportunity to learn and develop your skills. The role often involves both office and occasional fieldwork, allowing you to gain hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful projects.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Resources Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and mathematics, typically supported by a relevant bachelor's degree. Familiarity with engineering software such as AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, GIS, and proficiency in data analysis tools is often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and stakeholders. These competencies enable accurate project design, regulatory compliance, and successful delivery of water resource solutions.

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

AspectEntry Level Water Resources EngineerWater Resources Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental EngineeringAssociate's degree or technical certification in water systems
Work EnvironmentDesign, analysis, project planning in office and fieldFieldwork, data collection, equipment maintenance
Employer & Industry UsageEngineering firms, government agencies, consultingMunicipal water departments, environmental agencies
Common Search & ComparisonEntry Level Water Resources EngineerWater Resources Technician

The main difference is that Entry Level Water Resources Engineers focus on designing and analyzing water systems, requiring an engineering degree, while Water Resources Technicians handle field data collection and equipment, often with technical certifications. Engineers typically work in planning and design roles, whereas technicians support operational tasks in water management.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resources Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

The most popular types of Water Resources Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resources Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Entry Level Water Resources Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Seattle, WA are hiring for Entry Level Water Resources Engineer jobs?

Cities near Seattle, WA with the most Entry Level Water Resources Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resources Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,853 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer - Fisheries

HDR

Seattle, WA • On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 452 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

HDR is in search of a Water Resources Engineer to join our specialized Fisheries Ecohydraulics practice. In this role you will be supporting fisheries projects ranging from fish passage, water crossings, stream restoration, fish screening and structures. HDR has an amazing fisheries group with a long-standing history of technical excellence. We are looking for an enthusiastic candidate who is looking to grow their knowledge, as well as excited to mentor and train junior staff. We'll count on you to:

Provide project engineering and task management
Collect, assimilate, and present data in reports, memos, and public forums
Conduct field assessments of streams, wetlands, and estuaries
Produce design calculations and clearly document design decisions in technical reports,
Produce design plans, specifications, and engineering cost estimates.
Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and assisting groups of medium to large teams of professionals
and technicians
Conduct complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling
Evaluate sediment mobility and bridge scour
Develop habitat complexity designs, including LWM layout and details. Evaluate stability of LWM structures
Conduct floodplain delineation studies in accordance with FEMA and local floodplain guidelines and regulation

Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications
  • MS degree
  • A minimum of 3 years experience in water resources engineering projects
  • Experience with HEC-1, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, GEO-RAS, storm drain system analysis
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field
  • Previous experience in water resources engineering projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


HDR logo

About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917