Water Resources Designer 1

About the Role

DOWL is seeking a motivated and highly skilled Water Resources Engineer to join our Surface Water Group in Montana (Billings, Bozeman, & Helena Offices). This role offers the opportunity to work on diverse and impactful projects involving drainage design, river engineering, stormwater, floodplains, dams and irrigation infrastructure.

Key Responsibilities

• Assists with basic planning, analysis, and design for a variety of water resource projects including irrigation canals, dams, storm drainage systems, stream restoration and fish passage, bridges and culverts.
• Assists with basic field investigations and inspections.
• Performs hydrologic and hydraulic analysis.
• Conducts watershed modeling.
• Performs alternatives analysis.
• Engages in design and drafting.
• Develops cost estimating.
• Writes technical report writing.
• Functions in a supporting role on a project team.
• Collaborates, listens, takes direction well, and retains information provided.
• Participates in tasks and produces with close direction/oversight:
• Site investigations
• Design calculations
• Technical reports and memos
• Exhibits and figures
• Construction quantity calculations and cost estimates
• Design documents and construction plans
• Presentation content and slides
• Construction inspection of designed components
• Possesses a basic understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets.
• Collaborates with supervisor and/or resource manager to plan work time.
• Self-monitors budgets and schedules for simple project tasks.
• Exhibits basic ability to read and interpret applicable design standards and technical guidance documents.
• Infrequent direct client interaction: reads emails, occasionally attends client meetings, listens, and prepares meeting minutes.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements & Tech Stack

• Software
• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) – Basic Knowledge
• Market Sector Software (Water Related, GIS, and CAD Software) – Basic Knowledge
• Desired exposure and experience in HY-8, HEC-RAS 1D and 2D, HEC-HMS, SRH2D, and rainfall simulations models.
• Technical Expertise
• Basic understanding of technical fundamentals.
• Performs basic technical tasks assigned with oversight.
• Performs self-review of basic deliverables.
• Motivated to learn new technical skills through self-study and mentoring.
• Teamwork
• Motivated to grow skills and help the team.
• Work Ethic & Skills
• Strong work ethic.
• Desire to learn new design concepts.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Basic proficiency with drafting and design software.
• Ability to quickly learn and apply 2D and 3D design concepts.
• Ability to work well with others.
• Ability to absorb and apply constructive criticism.
• Ability to seek guidance from more experienced team members.
• Works under the guidance of a licensed professional engineer.

Qualifications

• Education
• Bachelor's Degree required.
• No years of experience required with Bachelor's Degree.
• No years of experience required with advanced degree.
• Desired Qualifications
• Master's degree in Civil Engineering, or a related engineering discipline.
• An academic emphasis in hydrology and/or hydraulics.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
• EIT/EI required (within 6 months of hire).
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a good driving record.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear.
• Regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands.
• Occasionally navigate uneven terrain during site visits.
• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.