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Water Resource Engineer Jobs in Arizona (NOW HIRING)

The Water Resources Engineer will lead the planning, analysis, and design of water resources infrastructure projects, including stormwater systems, drainage improvements, flood mitigation, culverts ...

Water Resources Engineer

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$100K - $135K/yr

As part of our team, you will perform analysis and design as a Project Engineer on difficult to complex water resource-related projects for our municipal clients and support the work of other ...

As part of our team, you will perform analysis and design as a Project Engineer on difficult to complex water resource-related projects for our municipal clients and support the work of other ...

Water Resources Engineer II

Miami, AZ ยท On-site

$76K - $104K/yr

The Water Resources Engineer II serves as the primary technical ... resource for water management initiatives and collaborates closely with Operations, Tailings ...

Lead Water Resources Engineer

Tempe, AZ ยท On-site

$76K - $105K/yr

Project Management including scope, budget, schedule and resource management * Manage and ... Who You Are Requirements * BS in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering or related ...

Water Resources Engineer

Tucson, AZ ยท On-site

$73K - $100K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a highly motivated experienced Water Resources Engineer to join our team in our Tucson, AZ; Lakewood, CO or Lander, WY offices. Other WSP locations may be considered ...

Water Resources Engineer

Tucson, AZ

$73K - $100K/yr

This Opportunity WSP is seeking a highly motivated experienced Water Resources Engineer to join our team in our Tucson, AZ; Lakewood, CO or Lander, WY offices. Other WSP locations may be considered ...

Civil Engineer - Water Resources

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

... Engineer with 8+ years of experience to join their Surface Water team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * Support our growing water resources practice and will require working with ...

Civil Engineer - Water Resources

Mesa, AZ ยท On-site

$78K - $107K/yr

... Engineer with 8+ years of experience to join their Surface Water team! This is not a remote position. Responsibilities * Support our growing water resources practice and will require working with ...

Civil Engineer - Water Resources

Mesa, AZ

$78K - $107K/yr

Kimley-Horn's Mesa, AZ office is seeking a Civil Engineer with 8+ years of experience to join their Surface Water team! This is not a remote position. * Support our growing water resources practice ...

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Water Resource Engineer information

See Arizona salary details

$27K

$87.5K

$124.4K

How much do water resource engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resource engineer in Arizona is $87,498.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,600.00 and $100,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water resource engineer, and why are they important?

Water Resource Engineers need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and water management, usually supported by a relevant engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Familiarity with GIS software, hydrological modeling tools like HEC-RAS or SWMM, and CAD systems is typically required. Strong problem-solving, communication, and project management skills help engineers collaborate with stakeholders and address complex water-related challenges. These competencies ensure effective design, implementation, and sustainability of water resource projects that protect communities and the environment.

What are some typical collaborative projects a water resource engineer might work on with other professionals?

Water Resource Engineers frequently collaborate with a multidisciplinary team, including environmental scientists, civil engineers, urban planners, and government agencies. Common projects involve designing flood control systems, developing sustainable water supply strategies, or restoring wetlands. These projects require effective communication and coordination to balance technical requirements, regulatory compliance, and environmental considerations. Working closely with stakeholders ensures that solutions are practical, sustainable, and aligned with community needs.

What does a water resource engineer do?

A Water Resource Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and managing systems and structures that control water resources. This includes projects such as water treatment facilities, dams, flood control systems, irrigation networks, and stormwater management. They analyze data on water availability, quality, and distribution to develop sustainable and efficient solutions. Their work helps ensure safe water supply, proper wastewater disposal, and protection against water-related hazards. Water Resource Engineers often collaborate with other engineers, government agencies, and environmental organizations.

What is the difference between Water Resource Engineer vs Civil Engineer?

AspectWater Resource EngineerCivil Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often preferredBachelor's in Civil Engineering; PE license common for licensed civil engineers
Work EnvironmentDesigning water systems, flood control, water treatment projects, often in environmental or water-focused firmsBroad construction projects including roads, bridges, water systems, and infrastructure
Industry UsageSpecialized in water-related projects within environmental, municipal, or consulting firmsGeneral construction and infrastructure projects across various sectors

Water Resource Engineers focus specifically on water systems, flood management, and water treatment, while Civil Engineers have a broader scope including various infrastructure projects. Both roles require similar credentials and often work in overlapping environments, but their project focus differs significantly.

What is a water resource engineer?

A water resource engineer is a civil engineer who oversees the construction and implementation of new equipment and systems for a water plant. They are responsible for plant management, new equipment design and maintenance of the various systems that clean and treat our water supplies. They are in charge of virtually every aspect of how a water resource plant functions and they also manage natural resources like underground springs or a well. Their job responsibilities also include ensuring compliance with government regulations and budget management. Additional skills necessary for success include planning, interpersonal and communication skills.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in Arizona? The most popular types of Water Resource Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What job categories do people searching Water Resource Engineer jobs in Arizona look for? The top searched job categories for Water Resource Engineer jobs in Arizona are:
What cities in Arizona are hiring for Water Resource Engineer jobs? Cities in Arizona with the most Water Resource Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Water Resource Engineer job openings in Arizona as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,498 per year, or $42.1 per hour.

Water Resource Engineer III- PE Required

KLJ

Flagstaff, AZ โ€ข On-site

$85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled Water Resources Engineer with a current Professional Engineer (PE) license and strong experience serving as a Technical Task Lead and Project Manager on hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) engineering projects. This role is ideal for an experienced engineer who combines technical expertise in H&H analysis and modeling with the leadership skills needed to successfully manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and client relationships.ย 

The Water Resources Engineer will lead the planning, analysis, and design of water resources infrastructure projects, including stormwater systems, drainage improvements, flood mitigation, culverts, bridges, and irrigation conveyance systems. This individual will work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams, mentor junior staff, and deliver high-quality solutions that meet client goals and regulatory requirements.ย 

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

Technical Leadershipย 

  • Serve as a technical lead for advanced hydrologic and hydraulic analyses for a wide range of infrastructure projects.ย ย 
  • Lead teams to develop and apply hydrologic and hydraulic models using industry-standard software such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, TR-55, HydroCAD, HY-8, SRH-2D, InfoDrainage, and OpenRoads Drainage.ย ย 
  • Evaluate drainage systems, floodplain impacts, culvert sizing, bridge hydraulics, and stormwater management strategies.ย ย 
  • Guide junior staff and review engineering calculations, technical reports, design plans, specifications, and cost estimates.ย ย 
  • Ensure designs comply with federal, state, and local regulations.ย ย 

Project Managementย 

  • Serve as Technical Task Lead and/or Project Manager for hydrologic, hydraulic, and water resource projects.ย ย 
  • Manage project scope, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and quality control.ย ย 
  • Coordinate with internal teams, subconsultants, and clients throughout all project phases.ย ย 
  • Monitor project progress and proactively address technical and scheduling challenges.ย ย 

Client & Business Developmentย 

  • Build and maintain strong client relationships.ย ย 
  • Participate in proposal preparation, scope development, and fee estimation.ย ย 
  • Identify opportunities for additional services and support business growth.ย ย 

Team Leadershipย 

  • Mentor and provide technical guidance to junior engineers and designers.ย ย 
  • Review work products to ensure technical accuracy and consistency.ย ย 
  • Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across project teams.ย ย 

Qualificationsย 

Requiredย 

  • Bachelorโ€™s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.ย ย 
  • Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.ย ย 
  • 6+ years water resources engineering experience.ย ย 
  • Strong background in hydraulic and hydrologic modeling.ย ย 
  • Proficiency with relevant engineering software and modeling tools.ย ย 
  • Excellent communication, organizational, and leadership skills.ย ย 

Preferredย ย 

  • Experience with transportation, municipal, or water resources infrastructure projects. ย 
  • Knowledge of Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain requirements and Federal Highway Administration drainage design standards. ย 
  • Experience working with public-sector clients, including Departments of Transportation, counties, and/or municipalities.ย 
  • Active PE license in one or more of these states: CO, NM, MT, MN, ND, SD and AZ

Physical Requirements:ย 

The physical demands described represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities.ย 

The employee is regularly required to:ย 

Sit, stand, walk, stoop, kneel, twist, crouch, and crawl.ย 

Use hands to handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.ย 

Talk or hear and communicate clearly.ย 

The employee must:ย 

Be able to occasionally walk on uneven terrain up to two miles per day.ย 

Frequently lift and move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and move up to 25 pounds and infrequently up to 50 pounds.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.ย 

Other Information:

At KLJ, we have a vested interest in the personal, financial, and professional goals of our employees. The salary for this position is expected to range between $85,000-105,000K + straight time for billable hours. Factors that may be used to determine actual salary include education (or applicable experience), training, job location, competencies relevant to the role, and internal equity. We offer a competitive full suite benefit package including health, dental, vision, and life insurance, performance bonus, 401k, employee stock ownership program and a flexible work environment that gives you options to support excelling both professionally and personally. The options available for the current year are described at www.kljeng.com/careers/benefits.ย ย ย ย 

This job description is not meant to be all-inclusive or restrictive and other duties may be assigned. It is a description of the job as presently defined and is subject at any time to revision. This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Individuals may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities, as needed.ย ย ย ย ย ย 

All applicants must be authorized to work in the US, without employer-sponsorship. KLJ does not offer employment based VISAS.ย ย ย ย ย ย 

KLJ will not be partnering with third-party recruiters on this position. Please review our third-party recruiting policy at www.kljeng.com/careers.ย ย ย ย