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Water Resources Engineering Jobs in Virginia (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 ...

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 ...

Engineer I - Water Resources

Fairfax, VA

$80K - $110K/yr

Coursework in Fluid Mechanics, Water Resources Engineering, and/or Urban Hydraulics and Hydrology * Zero (0) - Two (2) years of experience in water resources engineering * Knowledge of commonly used ...

Lead Water Resources Engineer

Fairfax, VA · On-site

$143.43 - $163.93/hr

Lead water resources engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including roadway, rail and highway improvements.* Perform and oversee design of stormwater management systems ...

Dewberry is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineering Intern to in our Fairfax, VA office for Summer 2027 . This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual ...

Dewberry is currently seeking a Water Resources Engineering Intern to in our Fairfax, VA office for Summer 2027 . This is an excellent career opportunity for an enthusiastic and talented individual ...

$111K - $127K/yr

Lead water resources engineering design for transportation infrastructure projects, including ... roadway, rail and highway improvements. * Perform and oversee design of stormwater management ...

Water Resources Engineer

Fairfax, VA · Hybrid

$78K - $107K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Civil, Biological Systems or Environmental Engineering; * 2+ years of water resources engineering experience; * Strong working knowledge of Virginia Department of Transportation ...

Water Resources Engineer

Herndon, VA · On-site

$82K - $127K/yr

Bachelor's Degree Civil/Environmental Engineering from ABET accredited engineering program. * EIT certification preferred. * 3+ years experience in Water Resources Design Engineering for ...

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Water Resources Engineering information

See Virginia salary details

$38.7K

$111.4K

$153.7K

How much do water resources engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for water resources engineering in Virginia is $111,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $135,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a water resources engineer?

A Water Resources Engineering job involves designing, managing, and protecting water resources such as rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Engineers in this field work on projects related to flood control, stormwater management, irrigation, and water supply systems. They apply hydrology, hydraulics, and environmental science to ensure sustainable water use and minimize environmental impacts. Their work often includes modeling water flow, designing infrastructure, and collaborating with policymakers and environmental agencies.

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

To thrive as a Water Resources Engineer, you need a solid background in civil or environmental engineering, hydrology, and fluid mechanics, typically supported by a related engineering degree and Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Experience with technical tools such as AutoCAD, GIS software, HEC-RAS, and water modeling systems is important. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this field. These qualifications enable you to design and manage sustainable water systems, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

What are some common challenges faced by water resources engineers on the job?

Water Resources Engineers often encounter challenges such as adapting designs to changing environmental conditions, addressing complex regulatory requirements, and balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders. The role can involve managing uncertainty in weather and climate data, ensuring accurate modeling, and finding cost-effective solutions for water management projects. Collaboration with government agencies, local communities, and internal project teams is frequent, requiring excellent teamwork and communication skills. Overcoming these challenges is vital for safeguarding water resources and delivering reliable infrastructure solutions.

Is water resources engineering a good career?

Water resources engineering is a stable and growing field that involves designing and managing systems for water supply, flood control, and environmental protection. It requires skills in hydraulics, environmental science, and often a professional engineering license, offering opportunities in government, consulting, and research sectors.

What is the role of a water resources engineer?

A water resources engineer designs, develops, and manages systems for the collection, storage, treatment, and distribution of water. They analyze water flow, assess environmental impacts, and use tools like hydraulic modeling software to ensure sustainable water use and infrastructure resilience. The role often requires knowledge of hydrology, environmental regulations, and engineering principles, along with relevant certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

What are popular job titles related to Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia?

For Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Resources Engineering jobs in Virginia are:

Infographic showing various Water Resources Engineering job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,404 per year, or $53.6 per hour.

Water Resources Engineer

HDR

Vienna, VA • On-site

$79K - $108K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 25 days ago


HDR rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 60 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 451 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'
Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

In the role of Water Resources Engineer, we'll count on you to:
  • Provide project engineering and task management, conduct difficult to complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures
  • Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and assisting groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task
  • Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation
  • Assist in water resources permitting efforts
  • Perform other duties as needed
Preferred Qualifications
  • MS degree
  • A minimum of 3 years experience in water resources engineering projects
  • Experience with HEC-1, HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, GEO-RAS, storm drain system analysis
  • Preference given to local candidates

*LI-MJ1

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering or equivalent field
  • Previous experience in water resources engineering projects
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


What HDR employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917