1

Natural Resource Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Water Resource Engineer

Norwood, MA ยท On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

... natural hazard risk management, and climate change adaption and resilience, and dams/levee ... Our Water Resources Engineers work on a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to ...

Showing results 21-40

Natural Resource Engineer information

See salary details

$53K

$96.8K

$155.5K

How much do natural resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for natural resource engineer in the United States is $96,794.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a natural resource engineer?

Natural Resource Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and implement solutions to manage and protect natural resources such as water, soil, air, and land. They apply principles from engineering, environmental science, and ecology to address issues like water quality, erosion control, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use. Their work often involves conducting environmental impact assessments, designing conservation projects, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. Natural Resource Engineers play a vital role in balancing human development needs with environmental protection.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a natural resource engineer?

To thrive as a Natural Resource Engineer, you need a solid background in environmental engineering, hydrology, and resource management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with GIS tools, modeling software like HEC-RAS, and environmental impact assessment systems is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help you collaborate with stakeholders and develop sustainable solutions. These skills ensure that natural resources are managed responsibly, regulatory standards are met, and projects benefit both the environment and communities.

How does a natural resource engineer collaborate with environmental scientists and government agencies on projects?

Natural Resource Engineers often work closely with environmental scientists to assess the ecological impact of engineering projects, such as water resource management or land reclamation. They also interact with government agencies to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and to obtain necessary permits. Effective collaboration involves regular meetings, sharing technical data, and jointly developing sustainable solutions that balance project goals with environmental protection. This multidisciplinary teamwork is essential for successfully completing projects that meet both engineering standards and conservation objectives.

What is the difference between Natural Resource Engineer vs Environmental Engineer?

AspectNatural Resource EngineerEnvironmental Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in engineering, environmental science, or related field; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or related; PE license common
Work EnvironmentField sites, resource management projects, consulting firmsResearch labs, government agencies, consulting firms, fieldwork
Industry UsageNatural resource management, water and land development, resource extractionPollution control, waste management, environmental compliance

Natural Resource Engineers focus on managing and developing natural resources like water, land, and minerals, often working in resource extraction and management. Environmental Engineers concentrate on protecting the environment through pollution control, waste management, and environmental compliance. While both roles require similar credentials and may work in overlapping environments, their primary goals differ: resource development versus environmental protection.

What do natural resource engineers do?

Natural resource engineers design and implement solutions to manage and conserve natural resources such as water, minerals, and land. They analyze environmental data, develop sustainable practices, and often use tools like GIS and modeling software to optimize resource use while minimizing environmental impact.
More about Natural Resource Engineer jobs

What states have the most Natural Resource Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Natural Resource Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Natural Resource Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 87% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,794 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Water Resource Engineer

GZA GeoEnvironmental

Norwood, MA โ€ข On-site

$89K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

Job Title:
Project Manager/Technical Specialist (Water Resources)
Office:
Metro-Boston
GZA is growing its water resources practice, primarily in the areas of riverine and coastal hydrology and hydraulics, extreme flooding evaluation, natural hazard risk management, and climate change adaption and resilience, and dams/levee assessment and design. We are currently seeking a Project Manager (PM) or Technical Specialist (TS) to Senior Project Manager (SPM) or Senior Technical Specialist (STS) Level Civil/Water Resources Engineer for our practice based in the Norwood, Massachusetts office. Candidates closer to GZA's other offices including Providence, New York City, and metro Detroit will also be considered (please visit gza.com/office-locations for other office locations).
The ideal candidate for this position is an experienced civil engineering or hydrologist consulting professional with hydrologic and hydraulic expertise, civil engineering design skills, technical analytical skills, and experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Experience with project management, construction phase engineering experience and regulatory knowledge in the Northeast is also advantageous. The qualified candidate must have strong leadership skill with the potential for building business development skill to grow our ability to generate project leads and build and sustain client relationships. The position offers great potential for professional growth in an exciting working environment and the opportunity to apply the latest technology to water resources and dam/levee-related projects.
Our Water Resources Engineers work on a wide variety of projects including, but not limited to, rainfall/runoff analyses, climate change projections and vulnerability assessment to support climate resilience plans and projects, flood control designs, two-dimensional hydrologic, hydraulic, and hydrodynamic computer modeling, hydraulic structure design including hydropower restorations, stormwater analysis, dam/levee safety engineering, dam removal and ecological restoration, and related environmental permitting support. A sound knowledge of engineering principles relating to design and construction of civil projects, stormwater systems, dams, and other water infrastructure, is essential for this position. The successful candidate must have a strong civil background to support planning, design, and construction management activities for a variety of projects.
This is an in-person position that requires direct interaction with clients and the ability to manage and mentor GZA existing staff of project-level engineers. You will also work closely with GZA's Hydrology & Hydraulics and Climate Change Practice Area Lead in training staff and developing water resource services in our offices in the greater Boston area, the mid-Atlantic, and Great Lakes regions.
Key Duties:
  • Working with GZA's Water team in a collaborative manner to successfully complete projects
  • Conducting/reviewing hydrologic/hydraulic engineering technical analyses/calculations
  • Providing technical input for permit application packages
  • Communicating effectively and efficiently with clients and team members
  • Preparing reports with Principal guidance and review

Other Duties:
  • Developing design drawings and technical specifications
  • Overseeing and documenting civil construction projects
  • Project management duties including schedule and budget tracking
  • Developing health and safety plans and managing implementation and compliance with GZA Health and Safety programs, policies, and procedures during any on-site activities associated with water resources projects

Position Requirements:
  • B.S. in Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, Water Resources Engineering or related field of practice is required. Master's Degree is a plus.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license in MA is preferred with the ability to obtain PE in CT, NY, and RI with reciprocity (or the ability to obtain within two years). Alternate credentials will be considered (e.g., Professional Hydrologist or Certified Floodplain Manager).
  • A minimum of 6-10 years of experience in surface water hydrologic and hydraulic modeling with specific experience using HEC-RAS 2D.
  • Knowledge of water control structure designs and permitting.
  • Direct experience completing projects with public sector/municipal agencies in the New England Region is highly preferred.
  • Experience with design and development of engineering drawings, technical specifications, cost estimating and other related bidding documents is advantageous.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to speak publicly.
  • Ability to think critically and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Solid project financial management skills; knowledge of production support systems and personal computer proficiency are all required competencies.
  • Experience in providing technical and project leadership to staff-level or junior engineers.
  • A strong background using various hydrologic and hydraulic modeling software (i.e. HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, PCSWMM, HydroCAD, StormCAD, HY-8/CulvertMaster) is required.
  • Proven experience with and directing staff with ArcGIS is considered essential for this position.

About our GZA Metro-Boston (Norwood, MA) Office:
  • Exciting and friendly work environment
  • Professional development and enrichment
  • Leadership and technical training
  • Professional society involvement and sponsorship
  • Commitment to technical excellence and client relationships
  • Collaborative and cooperative work community
  • Advancement and ownership opportunities
  • Competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and 401K retirement plan

The base salary for this position may range between $100,000.00 to $150,000.00. The actual base salary and total compensation will depend on many factors, including location, candidate experience, education, professional licensure, and other qualifications.
GZA is an employee-owned multidisciplinary engineering consulting firm with a history of 60 years of providing innovative engineering solutions to improve the natural and built environment. We are an ENR Top 500 Design firm focused on geotechnical, environmental, water, ecological, and construction management services. With a staff of interrelated professionals dedicated to providing high-level expertise on complex projects above, below and at ground-level, GZA's experts provide seamless integration across practice areas, client type, and location.
GZA values diversity and is committed to providing an accepting and inclusive work environment for all employees. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds. GZA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, marital or veteran status, age, or other protected status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.