Lead Engineer - Water Resources
About The Position
HR Green is seeking a Lead Engineer for its Water Resources team to bring technical expertise and help shape complex, innovative solutions, particularly in ecological design and restoration. In this role, you will serve as a technical leader and subject matter expert on projects ranging from large-scale flood control to stream restoration. You will collaborate closely with in-house ecologists and multidisciplinary engineering teams to take a holistic approach to project challenges, integrating ecological restoration with the practical infrastructure needs of grading, utilities, storm sewer, and culvert and bridge improvements. This is an opportunity to work on technically challenging, highly visible projects, help grow an evolving area of our practice, and contribute to work that advances the conversation within the industry. You will lead the technical work and guide project teams without the expectation of business development or owning client relationships. Strong communication skills and the ability to share ideas and communicate technical concepts with clients are a plus, but direct client management is not a core responsibility.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field
- +10 years of experience in civil engineering, water resources, land development, or related infrastructure design
- Professional Engineer (PE) license required
- Proficient in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including experience developing and working with corridor models for complex grading and linear infrastructure projects
- Experience with one or more of the following: stream restoration, ecological restoration, large-scale flood control, heavy earthwork, grading, bridge or culvert replacement, large-diameter storm sewer, water main infrastructure, or similar civil infrastructure projects
- Strong understanding of site and civil design principles, with the versatility to apply technical expertise across a range of project types
- Experience supporting projects involving public agencies and regulatory permitting, including IDOT and Illinois EPA requirements
- Demonstrated ability to lead complex technical work and provide engineering guidance to project teams
- Strong technical judgment and problem-solving skills
- Experience mentoring or providing technical guidance to other engineers
Nice To Haves
- Strong communication skills; experience communicating technical ideas directly with clients and stakeholders is a plus, but not required
Responsibilities
- Lead and perform complex technical work for water resources and civil infrastructure projects
- Serve as a technical subject matter expert on projects involving stream restoration, large-scale flood control, heavy earthwork, grading, bridge and culvert replacement, and utility infrastructure
- Help develop practical, innovative solutions that integrate ecological restoration with civil and infrastructure design
- Provide technical expertise related to large-diameter storm sewer and water main design
- Guide technical project approach, engineering analysis, design, and problem-solving from planning through construction
- Develop and review engineering calculations, reports, plans, specifications, and other technical deliverables
- Support project planning, permitting, and regulatory coordination, including preparing and obtaining permits with agencies such as IDOT and the Illinois EPA
- Provide technical leadership and direction to project teams throughout design and construction
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, including in-house ecologists, to coordinate technical solutions across project disciplines
- Lead or support QA/QC processes and uphold design and quality standards
- Help identify and resolve complex technical challenges
- Mentor and guide engineers and project staff, supporting their technical growth and development
- Communicate technical concepts and recommendations clearly with project teams and, when needed, clients and project stakeholders
Benefits
- Employee ownership opportunities
- Performance-based bonus program
- Traditional and Roth 401(k) plans with immediate employer-match vesting
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development support
- Paid parental leave
- Two paid volunteer days each year
- Flexible career paths and advancement opportunities
- A collaborative culture that values technical excellence, innovation, teamwork, and professional growth
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
