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Entry Level Water Resources Engineering Jobs in Virginia

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and ... Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning ...

HDR

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA · On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and ... Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineering Intern

Gainesville, VA · On-site

$17.75 - $28.75/hr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineering Intern in our Gainesville, VA office for Summer 2027 . This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual ...

Dewberry

Water Resources Engineering Intern

Fairfax, VA

$18.75 - $29.75/hr

Dewberry is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineering Intern to in our Fairfax, VA office for Summer 2027 . This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual ...

New

Rummel Klepper and Kahl

Drainage Engineer

Richmond, VA · On-site

Coursework in Fluid Mechanics, Water Resources Engineering, and/or Urban Hydraulics and Hydrology * Experience with Autcad Civil3D and/or Microstation/ORD * One (1) - Three (3) years of experience in ...

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

Entry Level Water Resources Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$22.9K

$69.2K

$119.1K

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

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level water resources engineering in Virginia is $69,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,873.00 and $89,959.00 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 the most commonly searched types of Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia? For Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Entry Level Water Resources Engineering job openings:
Entry Level Water Resources Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Water Resources Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Internship, 82% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,163 per year, or $33.3 per hour.

Early Professional, Water Resources Engineering

WSP

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$58K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

WSP rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 69 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

17th of 72 rated business consultants

Job description


WSP is seeking a dedicated Early Career Water Resources Engineer for its Virginia Beach, VA office. The selected candidate will participate in projects with the VA Water Team, contributing to an expanding organization that addresses client objectives and provides effective solutions to unique coastal challenges. Through our projects, you'll have the opportunity to participate in flood mitigation strategies, design green infrastructure, and support community resilience to climate change. The dynamic nature of our work means every project presents unique technical challenges and the chance to make a tangible difference by preserving water quality and preventing environmental degradation. Joining our team means being at the forefront of stormwater innovation, where your contributions help shape a healthier, more sustainable world.
This Opportunity
Takes part in providing local technical assistance for the analysis, development, and design of processes and infrastructure relating to stormwater facilities, culverts, hydrology, open channel hydraulics, roadway drainage, bridge hydraulics, floodplain modeling/mapping, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, river/stream/habitat restoration, pollution control and treatment, and preserving the quality of the environment by averting the contamination and degradation of water resources.
Your Impact
  • Work collaboratively as part of a multi-discipline team of engineers to execute project work.
  • Assist with performing basic professional water resources engineering work relating to stormwater management, water quality, stormwater facilities, culverts, hydrology, open channel hydraulics, bridge hydraulics, floodplain modeling/mapping, hydrologic/hydraulic modeling, river/stream/habitat restoration, pollution control and treatment, and preserving the quality of the environment by averting the contamination and degradation of water resources.
  • Assist with verifying the characteristics of a site, providing entry-level technical assistance on various stormwater and environmental issues.
  • Utilize computer-aided design (CADD) software to develop design plans. Use of Bentley, Autodesk, and ArcGIS software is expected.
  • Complete training on assigned tasks.
  • Regularly coordinate and communicate with project teams and supervisor. Attend and participate in project team meetings.
  • Comply with safety guidelines and site-specific procedures which include but are not limited to, location data, statistical documentation, engineering studies and surveys, and construction.
  • Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making regarding company funds, resources and conduct, and adhere to WSP's Code of Conduct and related policies and procedures.
  • Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.

Who You Are
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with a focus in Water Resources or closely related discipline.
  • Excellent research skills with analytical mindset.
  • Familiarity with the concepts of professional water resources engineering work relating to stormwater management, water quality, and drainage design.
  • Familiarity with relevant environmental laws, regulations, compliance practices, and record-keeping requirements.
  • Competent interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
  • Proficient self-leadership with attention to detail, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
  • Ability to work independently under general supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
  • Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
  • Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP's health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
  • Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
  • Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Engineer in Training (E.I.T) Certification.
  • Prior internship related to civil and/or water resources engineering.
  • Familiarity with discipline-specific design software (i.e., AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, SWMM, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, MicroStation, Power GEOPAK, OpenRoads Designer).
  • A member of and/or actively participates in local professional practice organizations.

Expected Salary: $58,200- $96,030
WSP USA is providing the compensation range that the company in good faith believes it might pay and offer for this position, based on the successful applicant's education, experience, knowledge, skills, abilities in addition to internal equity and specific geographic location. WSP USA reserves the right to ultimately pay more or less than the posted range and offer additional benefits and other compensation, depending on circumstances not related to an applicant's sex or other status protected by local, state, and/or federal law.
#LI-MF1
About Us
About WSP
WSP USA is the U.S. operating company of WSP, one of the world's leading engineering and professional services firms. Dedicated to serving local communities, we are engineers, planners, technical experts, strategic advisors and construction management professionals. WSP USA designs lasting solutions in the buildings, transportation, energy, water and environment markets. With more than 15,000 employees in over 300 offices across the U.S., we partner with our clients to help communities prosper.
www.wsp.com
WSP provides a flexible and agile workplace model while meeting client needs. Employees are also afforded a comprehensive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, disability, life, and retirement savings focused on providing health and financial stability throughout the employee's career.
At WSP, we want to give our employees the challenges they seek to grow their careers and knowledge base. Your daily contributions to your team will be essential in meeting client objectives, goals and challenges. Are you ready to get started?
WSP USA (and all of its U.S. companies) is an Equal Opportunity Employer Race/Age/Color/Religion/Sex/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity/National Origin/Disability or Protected Veteran Status.
The selected candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.
NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:
WSP does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters, employment agencies, or other staffing services. Unsolicited resumes include any resume or hiring document sent to WSP in the absence of a signed Service Agreement where WSP has expressly requested recruitment/staffing services specific to the position at hand. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers or other business leaders, will become the property of WSP and WSP will have the right to hire that candidate without reservation - no fee or other compensation will be owed or paid to the recruiter, employment agency, or other staffing service.

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