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Water By Design Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid ... Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future ...

GFT is seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team! This role follows a hybrid ... Backed by over a century's experience, together we're building a lasting legacy for future ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท Hybrid

$82K - $127K/yr

The Water Resources Engineer will perform a variety of engineering tasks primarily supporting MDOT ... Perform reviews of design plans, specifications, and estimates prepared by others. * Occasionally ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท Hybrid

$82K - $127K/yr

The Water Resources Engineer will perform a variety of engineering tasks primarily supporting MDOT ... Perform reviews of design plans, specifications, and estimates prepared by others. * Occasionally ...

Water Resources Engineer

Glen Allen, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Typical projects involve stormwater management design, stream restoration / natural channel design ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

Water Resources Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Typical projects involve stormwater management design, stream restoration / natural channel design ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

Water Resources Engineer

Virginia Beach, VA ยท On-site

$80K - $103K/yr

Typical projects involve stormwater management design, stream restoration / natural channel design ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $127K/yr

The Water Resources Engineer will perform a variety of engineering tasks primarily supporting MDOT ... Perform reviews of design plans, specifications, and estimates prepared by others. * Occasionally ...

Water Resources Engineer

Glen Allen, VA ยท On-site

$82K - $106K/yr

Typical projects involve stormwater management design, stream restoration / natural channel design ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

Water/Wastewater Project Manager

Danville, VA ยท On-site

$115K - $147K/yr

Typical projects involve pump station design, inflow and infiltration studies, hydraulic modeling ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

Water/Wastewater Project Manager

Danville, VA ยท On-site

$115K - $147K/yr

Typical projects involve pump station design, inflow and infiltration studies, hydraulic modeling ... These screenings will be conducted by Dewberry's background vendor of choice and will be conducted ...

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us. AECOM is ... Manage, plan and lead engineering design projects for water/wastewater infrastructure systems ...

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Water By Design information

What is the difference between Water By Design vs Water Engineer?

AspectWater By DesignWater Engineer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications in water management, design, or related fieldsRequires engineering degrees and professional engineering licensure
Work EnvironmentDesign firms, consulting agencies, project sitesEngineering firms, construction sites, consulting agencies
Industry UsageUsed in project planning, water system design, and consultingInvolved in technical engineering, analysis, and system design

Water By Design focuses on planning and designing water systems, often in a consulting or project management role, while Water Engineers are involved in technical engineering, analysis, and implementation of water infrastructure. Both roles are essential in water projects but differ in scope and credentials.

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

To thrive as a Water Resources Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management, usually with a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with modeling software like HEC-RAS, AutoCAD, and GIS, along with certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE), is often required. Strong problem-solving, project management, and communication skills help professionals effectively design and implement sustainable water systems. These competencies are crucial to ensuring safe, efficient, and environmentally responsible water resource solutions.

What are typical collaboration points between a Water by Design specialist and other departments within an engineering or environmental consultancy?

A Water By Design specialist frequently collaborates with civil engineers, landscape architects, and environmental scientists to develop sustainable water management solutions. These collaborations often involve joint site assessments, integrated stormwater management planning, and coordinating the implementation of water-sensitive urban design (WSUD) features. Regular meetings and interdisciplinary workshops are common to ensure that water management strategies align with broader project goals and regulatory requirements. Effective communication and teamwork are essential for balancing technical, ecological, and community considerations throughout the project lifecycle.

What is Water by Design?

'Water By Design' is an initiative or program focused on sustainable water management, particularly in urban environments. It provides resources, guidelines, and training for best practices in water-sensitive urban design (WSUD), helping planners, engineers, and developers to incorporate water management solutions into their projects. The aim is to improve water quality, reduce flooding, and enhance urban environments through innovative design and community collaboration. Water By Design often works with government agencies, industry professionals, and the community to promote the sustainable use and management of water resources.
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Water By Design jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Water By Design job openings:
Infographic showing various Water By Design job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution.

Water Treatment Facility Design Engineer

GFT.

Fairfax, VA โ€ข On-site

$90K - $200K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

GFTis seeking a Water Treatment Design Engineer to join our Water team!This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of our many offices. 

Joining the water resources team at GFT means contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable water management and infrastructure. Our team excels in dams and levees, advanced water and wastewater treatment, stormwater management, and conveyance, collection, and transmission. With a focus on integrating technology, sustainability, and compliance, we consider each water resources and environmental remediation project a chance to innovate and evolve to protect public health and enhance quality of life. Explore some of our signature water resources and environmental projects here.  

What youโ€™ll be challenged to do:

In this role you will lead and support design, optimize, and manage systems that treat and transport drinking water to ensure safety, efficiency, and environmental compliance.

 

In this capacity, the successful candidate will be responsible for the following:

  • System Design:Designing water treatment plants and pumping stations, including detailed CAD drawings and equipment selection. Design new treatment systems or upgrade existing systems, including pre-treatment, various filtration processes including granular media and membranes, chemical storage and feed, UV and other advanced treatment technologies, and pumping equipment
  • Process Optimization:Analyzing and enhancing treatment techniques (e.g., pH adjustment, chemical dosing, aeration) to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
  • System Hydraulics: Performing hydraulic analysis of existing and new water treatment plants, pump stations, and piping systems, making pump selections, and evaluating performance of existing pumps.
  • Testing and Monitoring:Analyze lab data, operator reports, and chemical usage to resolve operational issues and improve efficiency.
  • Compliance and Safety:Ensure that treated water meets municipal or industrial regulatory standards, protecting public health and the environment.
  • Project Management:Conducting feasibility studies, upgrading existing infrastructure, and managing projects from design to completion. Develop cost projections, feasibility studies, and supervise construction or commissioning of new technology. 
  • Data Analysis:Monitoring operator reports and lab results to refine treatment techniques.
  • Technical: Function as a technical specialist in the areas of conventional and advanced water treatment 

What you will bring to our firm: 

  • BS in Civil, Environmental, Chemical Engineering (MS is preferred)
  • Professional Engineer Licensed required (PE) or the ability to obtain in 6-12 months
  • 8 + years of experience preferred in water discipline, particularly as a water engineer designing (study, plans and specifications) water infrastructure (i.e. treatment and pumping station projects)
  • Expert knowledge in standard engineering techniques and procedures.
  • Demonstrated experience and knowledge in primary treatment, filtration processes, chemical storage and feed, advanced water treatment, disinfection, hydraulics, and solids processing and handling preferred.
  • Successful track record leading water design and plant facilities projects
  • Demonstrated ability in both conventional filtration as well as membrane filtration is preferred. In addition, experience in hydraulics, chemical feed systems, alternate disinfection would be preferred.
  • Progressive experience in the evaluation, design, permitting and construction administration of water treatment facilities, pumping stations, and water storage and distribution facilities
 Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $90,000 - $200,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.
 
Featured Benefits: 
โ€ข Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
โ€ข Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
โ€ข Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
โ€ข Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
โ€ข Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
โ€ข Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
โ€ข Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships โ€“ thatโ€™s why weโ€™re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industryโ€™s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a centuryโ€™s experience, together weโ€™re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Livesโ„ข is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteransโ€™ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions. 

Location: Fairfax, Newport News, Richmond, Virginia Beach,VA; Raleigh,NC; Baltimore or Owings Mills, MD
Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM โ€“ 5:00 PM
Employment Status: Full-Time

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