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Entry Level Water Resources Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Snyder & Associates

Civil Engineer - P.E.

Atlantic, IA · On-site

As a Civil Engineer in the Atlantic office, you'll work with a growing team of engineers and other specialists who focus on the municipal, development, transportation, and water resources projects.

Snyder & Associates

Civil Engineer - P.E.

Atlantic, IA · On-site

As a Civil Engineer in the Atlantic office, you'll work with a growing team of engineers and other specialists who focus on the municipal, development, transportation, and water resources projects.

Varsity Tutors

Civil Engineering Tutor

Ames, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain beam and truss analysis, soil mechanics, pavement design, and water resource principles while preparing students for civil engineering coursework, the FE examination, and ...

Varsity Tutors

Civil Engineering Tutor

Iowa City, IA · Remote

$18 - $40/hr

Ability to explain beam and truss analysis, soil mechanics, pavement design, and water resource principles while preparing students for civil engineering coursework, the FE examination, and ...

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All JobsWater Resources Engineering JobsEntry Level Water Resources Engineering JobsEntry Level Water Resources Engineering Jobs in Iowa

Entry Level Water Resources Engineering information

See Iowa salary details

$21.4K

$64.7K

$111.5K

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

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resources engineering in Iowa is $64,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,306.00 and $84,167.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level water resources engineer do?

Entry level water resources engineers assist in designing, analyzing, and managing systems related to water, such as stormwater management, flood control, and water supply projects. Their responsibilities often include collecting and interpreting data, preparing reports, using modeling software, and supporting senior engineers on project tasks. They may also help with site inspections, permitting, and ensuring projects comply with environmental regulations. This role is foundational for learning the technical and regulatory aspects of water resources engineering.

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

To thrive as an Entry Level Water Resources Engineer, you need a bachelor's degree in civil or environmental engineering, with knowledge of hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources principles. Familiarity with technical tools such as AutoCAD, GIS software, HEC-RAS, and potentially Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate analysis, effective project collaboration, and successful implementation of water management solutions.

What are some common challenges faced by an entry level water resources engineer during their first year on the job?

Entry level water resources engineers often encounter challenges such as learning to interpret and apply complex regulatory requirements, mastering specialized modeling software, and adapting to the fast-paced, multidisciplinary nature of project teams. New engineers are typically involved in tasks like collecting field data, preparing technical reports, and assisting with the design of stormwater or flood management systems. Balancing multiple projects and communicating effectively with senior engineers, environmental scientists, and clients can also be demanding, but these experiences provide valuable learning and growth opportunities.

What is the difference between Entry Level Water Resources Engineering vs Entry Level Civil Engineering?

AspectEntry Level Water Resources EngineeringEntry Level Civil Engineering
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil or Environmental Engineering, Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering, EIT certification often required
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, flood control projects, hydrology studies, often in consulting firms or government agenciesBroader infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, and buildings, in various engineering firms or public agencies
Industry UsageSpecialized in water-related projects and environmental considerationsGeneral civil infrastructure projects, including water, transportation, and structural work

Entry Level Water Resources Engineering focuses specifically on water-related projects like hydrology and flood management, while Entry Level Civil Engineering covers a broader range of infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in specialization and project types.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Iowa?

For Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Iowa are:

Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resources Engineering job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,710 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Design Engineer - Water/Wastewater

Bolton & Menk, Inc

Ames, IA

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Bolton & Menk rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 449 rated engineering

Job description

Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer, EIT, to join our Water/Wastewater team in our Ames office. As a Top Workplace, this is a fantastic chance to work with a talented team of professionals and make a lasting impact on the communities we serve. With over 75 years of experience, Bolton & Menk specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions across the Midwest, Southeast, and beyond.

In this entry level civil engineering role, we are looking to add an EIT who will help foster our mission that All People Should Live in Safe, Sustainable and Beautiful Communities! The majority of your time will be spent assisting project managers and project engineers in design and construction phase activities on Water/Wastewater projects. This position is open to December 2025 or May 2026 graduates or an experienced EIT with 1-3 years of experience.

What You Will Be Doing:

  • Assist Project Engineers with design and construction phase activities on municipal projects
  • Perform basic design computations, preliminary layout and design, research and prepare rough drafts of preliminary reports and feasibility studies
  • Assist with project plans and specifications, preparing cost and quantity take-off estimates
  • Construction observation activities may include performing construction staking, performing construction administration duties such as documenting activities, measuring and testing, providing general oversight, and interacting with contractors, sub-contractors, residents and City staff.

What We Are Looking For:

  • Master of Science or Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering from an ABET accredited post-secondary institution with an emphasis on water and/or wastewater treatment.
  • Certified Engineer-in-Training or able to obtain within 12 months of hire
  • Experience with water or wastewater treatment
  • Working knowledge and skills in CAD and design software. (i.e. AutoCAD Civil3D, REVIT)
  • Possess a valid drivers license as travel to various facilities and job sites may be required

Bolton & Menk will currently not be providing visa sponsorship or Optional Practical Training Extensions for STEM Students. Individuals must be legally authorized to work in the US at the start of employment without a need for current or future visa sponsorship.

WHY BOLTON & MENK?
Bolton & Menk, Inc. specializes in providing community infrastructure solutions. Since 1949, we have been committed to improving quality of life through engineering excellence and client satisfaction. From advocating for our communities to designing their dreams to finding funding; we take pride in our work because we live in these same communities. Today, Bolton & Menk has more than 1,000 employees throughout more than 40 locations in Minnesota, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, Colorado, North Carolina and South Carolina providing services to more than 400 communities and agencies. Learn more about our history here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/about-us/

OUR BENEFITS
At Bolton & Menk, we value our people and provide an exceptional Total Compensation and Benefits Package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Perks of being a Bolton & Menk employee include peace of mind with our benefits package and competitive compensation plan, flexible schedules, and career development opportunities. Learn more here: https://www.bolton-menk.com/careers

We thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Bolton & Menk does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party agencies in response to Bolton & Menk job postings. No fee will be paid to third parties who submit unsolicited candidates directly to our hiring managers. Pre-approval from the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team is required after any external candidate can be submitted and such candidate must be submitted to the Bolton & Menk Talent Acquisition team.

It is our responsibility and privilege to embrace the diversity of people, thoughts, and experiences necessary to develop infrastructure systems that serve all people. Bolton & Menk, Inc., is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer including disability and vets.

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