Water Resources Engineer

RESPEC • Sarasota, FL

5d

About The Position

RESPEC seeks an experienced Senior Water Resources Engineer to support its growing Florida practice, with emphasis on groundwater resources, alternative water supply development, underground injection control (UIC), and regulatory permitting. The role is part of RESPEC’s Water Sector, which provides water resources engineering, hydrogeology, water supply planning, and water and wastewater infrastructure services. The Florida practice works with municipal utilities, water management districts, industrial clients, and other organizations on water supply reliability, groundwater management, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure needs.

The engineer will lead and support water resources engineering, groundwater development, and water supply planning projects for municipal, industrial, and regional clients. The position offers opportunities to lead multidisciplinary projects, develop client relationships, mentor technical professionals, and collaborate across RESPEC’s national Water Sector.

Responsibilities include developing groundwater and surface water management strategies and alternative water supply solutions; planning, designing, permitting, and supporting construction and testing of wells and associated infrastructure; providing UIC technical and regulatory support; conducting or overseeing modeling and hydrogeologic evaluations; preparing engineering and regulatory deliverables; managing projects and teams; coordinating with regulators and clients; and contributing to business development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in civil engineering, water resources engineering, or a related engineering field.
• At least 15 years of experience in water resources engineering, groundwater development, water supply, or related infrastructure projects.
• Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain it upon hire, and experience providing engineering services in the state.
• Practical application of groundwater modeling software such as MODFLOW, SEAWAT, or comparable tools.
• At least 5 years of experience with groundwater systems, water supply planning, hydrogeologic investigations, or wellfield development.
• Working knowledge of FDEP regulations and permitting processes, including familiarity with UIC regulatory requirements.
• Experience mentoring and leading junior engineers in technical and non-technical aspects of water resources engineering.
• Experience supporting business development, proposal preparation, and client relationship management.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; the position requires operating a company or personal vehicle for business-related travel.
• Strong technical, analytical, communication, and leadership skills.

Nice To Haves

• At least 5 years of experience with Florida municipal utilities, industrial clients, and Water Management Districts.
• Direct experience with FDEP UIC permitting, Class I injection wells, and related monitoring systems.
• Experience with alternative water supply development, including ASR, brackish groundwater, and reclaimed water systems.
• Experience with well construction oversight, aquifer testing, and well rehabilitation.
• Established client relationships within Florida’s water resources and utility markets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support water resources engineering, groundwater development, and water supply planning projects for municipal, industrial, and regional clients.
• Develop groundwater and surface water management strategies, water supply assessments, and alternative water supply solutions.
• Support water supply planning, permitting, and development, including consumptive use permits (CUPs) and water use permits (WUPs) administered through Florida’s Water Management Districts.
• Plan, design, permit, and support construction and testing of production wells, injection wells, monitoring wells, and associated infrastructure.
• Provide technical and regulatory support for UIC projects, including Class I municipal and industrial injection wells and applicable Class V systems, in accordance with FDEP and applicable federal requirements.
• Support UIC permitting, mechanical integrity testing, injection and monitoring zone evaluations, operational monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
• Support aquifer storage and recovery (ASR), aquifer recharge, reclaimed water, and brackish groundwater development projects.
• Perform or oversee groundwater modeling, aquifer performance evaluations, hydrogeologic investigations, and water quality assessments.
• Prepare technical reports, engineering analyses, feasibility studies, permit applications, design documents, and project cost estimates.
• Manage project scopes, budgets, schedules, technical deliverables, and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Coordinate with FDEP, Florida Water Management Districts, municipal utilities, and other regulatory agencies.
• Support business development through client relationships, proposals, presentations, and project interviews.
• Mentor junior engineers and collaborate with technical professionals across RESPEC’s Florida offices and national Water Sector.
• Operate a company or personal vehicle for business-related travel during work hours.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), with participation after a qualifying period
• Professional development and training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Comprehensive fringe-benefits package

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior