Water Resources Engineer-Chicago

This Opportunity

Provides technical support to engineering staff and project managers on stormwater, surface water, and water resources planning, analysis, and design. Focus areas include hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling, stormwater management, and drainage system design.

Assists with the analysis and preliminary design of stormwater systems, including conveyance, detention/retention, water quality treatment, culverts, and open channels. Performs H&H modeling and develops supporting calculations for runoff, routing, storage, and hydraulic capacity. Contributes to stormwater management plans, drainage studies, and technical reports.

Prepares clear and accurate documentation, including reports, exhibits, and calculations, with limited field involvement. Ensures work meets applicable standards and supports overall project delivery.

Primarily supports water resources and stormwater design efforts, with additional support to multidisciplinary projects such as transportation, energy, and site development.

Your Impact

• Under the direction of engineering staff and project managers, support stormwater, surface water, and water resources planning, analysis, and design tasks, with a focus on hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling and drainage system design.
• Assist in the development of engineering calculations for runoff estimation, flow routing, detention/retention sizing, and hydraulic capacity.
• Perform H&H modeling using industry-standard software to evaluate drainage systems, watershed response, and flood risks.
• Support the preparation of stormwater management plans, drainage reports, and technical memoranda, including clear documentation of methodologies, assumptions, and results.
• Assist with the preliminary design of stormwater infrastructure, including conveyance systems, storm sewer networks, culverts, open channels, and water quality treatment practices.
• Generate figures, exhibits, and model outputs to support technical reports and project documentation.
• Assist with drafting and plan production for stormwater and drainage design efforts as part of project delivery.
• Review and interpret site data (e.g., topographic, hydrologic, and geotechnical information) to inform drainage design and modeling efforts.
• Prepare accurate and concise technical documentation, including reports, exhibits, and supporting calculations.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support multidisciplinary projects, including transportation, energy, and site development.
• Support compliance with applicable stormwater regulations and design standards as directed.
• Complete training and continue professional development in modeling tools, design practices, and industry standards.
• Exercise responsible and ethical decision-making and adhere to company policies and procedures.
• Perform additional responsibilities as required by business needs.
• Who You Are

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with a focus in Water Resources or closely related discipline.
• 1 to 3 years of relevant post education experience in water resources engineering.
• Knowledge of Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) modeling software such as HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, HydroCAD, SWMM, FlowMaster, or similar tools.
• Familiarity with design and drafting software such as Civil 3D or OpenRoads Designer (ORD).
• Understanding of water resources engineering principles, including stormwater management, drainage design, open channel hydraulics, and floodplain analysis.
• Familiarity with stormwater regulations, permitting requirements, and design standards at the local, state, or federal level.
• Experience or exposure to preparing engineering calculations, technical reports, and supporting documentation for stormwater or drainage projects.
• Experience or exposure to developing figures, exhibits, and plan sheets to support engineering design and reporting.
• Analytical mindset with an ability to exercise sound judgement in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills when interacting with others, expressing ideas effectively and professionally to an engineering and non-engineering audience.
• Capable self-leadership with attention to detail, accuracy, multi-tasking, and prioritization of responsibilities in a dynamic work environment.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, as well as part of a team to meet business objectives.
• Basic proficiency with technical writing, office automation, software, technology, math principles, predictive models, spreadsheets, and tools.
• Proven track record of upholding workplace safety and ability to abide by WSP’s health, safety and drug/alcohol and harassment policies.
• Ability to work schedules conducive to project-specific requirements that may extend beyond the typical workweek.
• Occasional travel may be required depending on project-specific requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Engineer in Training Certification.
• Prior stormwater/surface water design experience.
• A member of and/or actively participate in local professional practice organizations.

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