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Graduate Coastal Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Williammary

Research Scientist

Gloucester Point, VA · On-site

$65K/yr

Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering, Oceanography, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Marine Science ... Experience mentoring graduate students * Experience contributing to proposal development and grant ...

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Graduate Coastal Engineer information

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$30.5K

$68.6K

$115.5K

How much do graduate coastal engineer jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for graduate coastal engineer in the United States is $68,617.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,000.00 and $74,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Graduate Coastal Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Graduate Coastal Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or coastal engineering, supported by an accredited engineering degree and strong analytical skills. Familiarity with modeling software such as MIKE21, AutoCAD, and GIS tools, along with knowledge of relevant industry standards, is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and teamwork abilities help you collaborate effectively and present complex information clearly. These skills are essential for designing resilient coastal structures, addressing environmental challenges, and working within multidisciplinary project teams.

What types of projects can a Graduate Coastal Engineer expect to work on, and how do they typically collaborate with senior engineers and multidisciplinary teams?

As a Graduate Coastal Engineer, you can expect to be involved in a variety of projects such as shoreline protection, harbor and marina design, flood risk assessments, and beach nourishment schemes. You will frequently work under the guidance of senior engineers, contributing to tasks like data analysis, site assessments, report writing, and design development. Collaboration is key—expect to work closely with hydrologists, environmental scientists, surveyors, and construction teams to ensure holistic project outcomes. This role offers an excellent opportunity to develop technical skills while gaining exposure to client interactions and project management in a supportive team environment.

What does a Graduate Coastal Engineer do?

A Graduate Coastal Engineer is an entry-level professional who assists in the design, analysis, and management of projects related to coastal environments, such as beaches, harbors, and flood defenses. They work under the supervision of senior engineers to help protect and manage coastlines against erosion, flooding, and other environmental challenges. Typical tasks include data collection, site assessments, computer modeling, and preparing technical reports. The role requires a strong background in civil or environmental engineering and often involves collaboration with other specialists to develop sustainable solutions.

What is the difference between Graduate Coastal Engineer vs Coastal Engineer?

AspectGraduate Coastal EngineerCoastal Engineer
CredentialsTypically recent degree in civil, environmental, or coastal engineering; may lack professional licensureLikely licensed Professional Engineer (PE) with several years of experience
Work EnvironmentEntry-level projects, supervised tasks, research, and data collectionProject management, design, and implementation of coastal protection structures
Industry UsageInternships, graduate programs, entry-level roles in consulting firms or government agenciesMid-level to senior roles in engineering firms, government agencies, or research institutions

The main difference is experience and responsibility. Graduate Coastal Engineers are early in their careers, focusing on learning and supporting projects, while Coastal Engineers have more experience, take on design and project management roles, and often hold professional licensure.

More about Graduate Coastal Engineer jobs
What job categories do people searching Graduate Coastal Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Graduate Coastal Engineer jobs are:
Graduate Coastal Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Graduate Coastal Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $68,617 per year, or $33 per hour.

COASTAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST

Cameron County

San Benito, TX • On-site

$62K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

COASTAL RESOURCES SPECIALIST


Salary: $ 62,000.00


Distinguishing Features of the Position (Summary)

The Coastal Resources Specialist will support the management, conservation, and restoration of coastal and inland ecosystems in Cameron County by leveraging local resources to secure external funds. Expertise water quality management, estuarine watershed management geographic information systems, and coastal system process. The specialist will contribute to de development of Estuary Program in the Lower Laguna Madre, design and implement monitoring projects, and analyze spatial and ecological data to inform natural resource management decisions.

The Coastal Resources Specialist performs professional-level work in the coordination, planning, development and implementation of shoreline, coastal and estuary project. Pursue State, Federal and Local grants and funding opportunities for program activities. Develop strategies to support short-term and long-term coastal, natural resources and resiliency priority projects assigned by the Natural Resources Director (NRD) and County Commissioners. Work in direct coordination the Parks Department and County Engineer to implement the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan and Erosion Response Plan, Develop the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Program and Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan. Responsibilities include the management and coordination of grant applications and prepare reports and presentations. The incumbent is expected close coordination NRD in carrying out assigned duties, who reviews work through reports, and overall results achieved.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.


  • Develops short-term and long-term coastal protection and resiliency priority projects.
  • Develops the Lower Laguna Madre Estuary Comprehensive Conservation Management Plan
  • Develops and implements the Cameron County Dune Protection and Beach Access Plan and Cameron County Erosion Response Plan
  • Provides support and recommendations to the Cameron County Dune Protection Committee
  • Implements sound scientific and ecological principles necessary for shoreline and coastal restoration and estuary management.
  • Represent Cameron County local committees, advisory boards and stakeholder groups and utilize their resources to support the Department's mission.
  • Establish and develop strategic partnerships with local higher education institutions to ensure scientific and ecological principles are integrated in the decision-making process.
  • Works with community-based projects such as dune restoration, beach cleanups and educational outreach.
  • Supports annual beach monitoring programs and prepares related reports for the US Army Corp of Engineers in consultation with the US Fish & Wildlife Department
  • Makes effective oral presentations to all levels of employees, elected officials, County management, government organizations and the general public
  • Researches grant opportunities pursues coastal funding for coastal improvement projects, natural resources and resiliency.
  • Generates and Analyzes geographic and geo reference data relevant to natural resources management.
  • Supports the preparation and monitors grant applications for coastal improvement projects.
  • Ensures compliance with grant requirements
  • Collects information to complete necessary reports and presentations

Ability to:

  • Manage multiple projects with competing deadlines
  • Present information clearly and concisely to various audiences
  • Work independently with minimal supervision
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with other County Departments, the public, and other interested and affected parties
  • Maintain a professional demeanor during stressful situations

Additional Functions


Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering, Science or Technology from an Accredited School in Environmental Science/Engineering (graduate degree preferred), or related discipline with a minimum of three (3) years of experience environmental and coastal resiliency projects. Clear Understanding of Cameron County's Coastal setting and needs. Strong skills in GIS and use of UAVs is desired. Experience in coordinating and participating with stakeholder-based groups and locally appointed advisory boards. Experience in working with multidisciplinary professionals and local governmental agencies.


ADA Compliance


Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert medium physical effort in medium work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of medium weight (20-50 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motion at a keyboard or work station.


Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.


Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions. Exposure to damp/wet surfaces, duty conditions, fumes and odors, and infectious diseases.


Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.


AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER