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Freelance Water Resources Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field * 7+ years of relevant experience in water resources engineering * EIT certification required; PE preferred

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 ...

Water Resources Engineer

Vienna, VA

$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 ...

Bachelor's degree in civil or water resources engineering, hydrogeology, or related field * Professional Engineer (PE) license in Texas * 10 years+ of relevant experience, including work with public ...

Water Resources Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$77K - $105K/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 ...

The ideal candidate will bring experience in water resources engineering with an emphasis on groundwater systems, water quality monitoring, hydrologic investigations, environmental data analysis, and ...

Showing results 41-60

Freelance Water Resources Engineering information

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$14

$47

$132

How much do freelance water resources engineering jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance water resources engineering in the United States is $47.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $24.28 and $61.78 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Water Resources Engineering vs Water Resources Consulting Engineer?

AspectFreelance Water Resources EngineeringWater Resources Consulting Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires engineering degree, licensure variesRequires engineering degree, professional licensure often necessary
Work EnvironmentIndependent, project-based, remote or on-siteOffice-based, client sites, consulting firms
Employer/IndustrySelf-employed or small firms, freelance platformsConsulting firms, engineering companies, government agencies

Freelance Water Resources Engineering involves independent, project-based work often done remotely or on-site, with a focus on specific client projects. Water Resources Consulting Engineers typically work within firms or agencies, providing expert advice and solutions. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in employment structure and work environment.

What is freelance water resources engineering?

Freelance water resources engineering involves working independently to provide expertise on the management, development, and conservation of water resources. Freelance engineers in this field may consult on projects such as flood control, irrigation systems, water supply, and environmental restoration. They often work with clients such as government agencies, private companies, or nonprofits, offering services like project design, analysis, regulatory compliance, and technical reporting. This role requires strong technical knowledge, self-management skills, and the ability to work on a variety of projects simultaneously.

What are some common challenges freelance water resources engineers face when managing multiple projects for different clients?

Freelance water resources engineers often juggle several projects simultaneously, each with distinct client expectations, regulatory requirements, and timelines. A key challenge is effective time management to meet deliverables while maintaining high-quality work across all projects. Additionally, freelancers must frequently adapt to different communication styles and project management tools depending on the client, which can require flexibility and strong organizational skills. Building strong relationships and setting clear expectations from the outset can help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure successful project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance water resources engineer?

To thrive as a Freelance Water Resources Engineer, you typically need a degree in civil or environmental engineering with a focus on hydrology, hydraulics, or water resource management, along with relevant licensure such as a Professional Engineer (PE) certification. Expertise in industry-standard software like AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, GIS, and water modeling tools is crucial for designing and analyzing water systems. Strong project management, communication, and client relationship skills set successful freelancers apart in managing diverse projects and stakeholders. These competencies ensure that engineers can deliver accurate, regulatory-compliant solutions that meet client needs efficiently and independently.
More about Freelance Water Resources Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Freelance Water Resources Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Water Resources Engineering job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resources Engineering jobs? The most popular types of Water Resources Engineering jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Water Resources Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Water Resources Engineering jobs include:
Infographic showing various Freelance Water Resources Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,230 per year, or $47.7 per hour.

Water Resources Project Engineer

Colliers Engineering & Design

Tampa, FL • On-site

$74K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 6 days ago


Colliers Engineering & Design rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

259th of 443 rated engineering


Job description

Overview
Colliers Engineering & Design is currently seeking a Project Engineer to join our Water team in Tampa, FL! Our Water Discipline is growing, and we have exciting projects to engage motivated engineers who enjoy working on a variety of projects on or near the water.
Water is the most plentiful, yet critical resource on the planet. Our water resources professionals specialize in critical practice areas, understand watershed dynamics and offer an extensive range of water resource planning and design experience, flood risk management, dam safety and environmental compliance. Our holistic approach to water resources projects ensures the best outcome for our clients and the ecosystem.
As a recognized national leader in the design of waterway structures, we handle projects from initial investigation and concept design, through final design and construction services. By applying our extensive knowledge and experience, we believe our engineers, scientists and planners can build a more sustainable world through design while protecting our most valuable resource and delivering cost-effective solutions that meet our clients' goals.
Responsibilities
  • Design and evaluate waterway structures, locks, dams, dam safety, hydropower, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and waterfront facility design and rehabilitation projects.
  • Select hydrologic approach and modeling tools, set up and solve surface water hydrology problems.
  • Select hydraulic approach and modeling tools, set up and solve open channel and closed conduit hydraulic problems for dams, levee systems, conduits, local flood protection project features, stormwater facilities, ecosystem restoration, and waterfront projects.
  • Conduct safety and condition inspection surveys for condition evaluation or in support of design efforts - investigate variables, obtain measurements, photographs, videos, and take notes; write reports.
  • Evaluate, select, and apply standard engineering techniques and procedures, using own judgement to make adaptations and modifications to existing designs.
  • Help prepare construction documents (plans and specifications).
  • Lead and mentor junior staff to further develop their understanding of water resources engineering analyses, design, and construction.
  • Develop work scopes, technical proposals, and manage the hydrologic and hydraulic design aspects of projects.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering is required with specialization in hydraulic/hydrologic, water resources or environmental; master's degree is preferred.
  • 5+ years of water resource engineering experience is required.
  • Engineer in Training (EIT) certification and on the path towards licensure is highly preferred.
  • Familiarity with HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMMM, ArcGIS and SITES is preferred.
  • USACE, NEPA, Civil Works, and permitting experience is also highly preferred.
  • Keen interest and passion in application of hydrology and hydraulics to the field of water resources engineering.
  • Desire to work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Specific H&H project or school experience a plus.
  • Ability to read, write, and understand English for purposes of comprehending written job-related communications and verbal instructions and interactions.

What We Offer
At Colliers Engineering & Design, our people are our most important resource. That's why we are committed to providing all our employees with a safe, comfortable work environment, potential for career advancement, and the ability to impact society through their projects as well as Company sponsored activities.
This dedication begins with supporting a work life balance through a generous compensation package that includes: company paid medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid pregnancy disability leave; short- and long-term disability insurance; life insurance; a company-matched 401(k)/Roth; paid time off that includes parental and military leave; employee referral and professional license bonuses and a straight time policy that compensates exempt employees for billable hours worked in excess of 40 billable hours within a work week.
We have also created an internal culture that provides the resources and technology needed to encourage personal and professional growth opportunities through reimbursement for education; a free in-house resource for hundreds of educational and self-enrichment courses; mentorship program; wellness program; Women's Organization and ongoing philanthropic opportunities.
Apply today to learn how you can join our team of professionals, so we can help you Accelerate Your Success!

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About Colliers Engineering & Design

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Colliers Engineering & Design, an affiliate of Colliers, is a trusted provider of multi-discipline engineering and architecture, design and consulting services to public and private sector clients. Headquartered in Holmdel, New Jersey with offices throughout the United States, we specialize in providing a comprehensive suite of services including civil/site, architecture, transportation, survey/geospatial, infrastructure, governmental, geotechnical/environmental, telecommunications, utilities/energy and project management. We employ professionals who utilize the most advanced technologies to deliver customized solutions for our clients.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Holmdel, NJ, US

Year founded

1984