Water Resources Engineer

HR Green • McHenry, IL

3d • $107,350 - $180,600

About The Position

HR Green is seeking a Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership and subject-matter expertise on water resources and civil infrastructure projects, including large-scale flood control and stream restoration. The role focuses on integrating ecological restoration with infrastructure needs such as grading, utilities, storm sewer, and culvert and bridge improvements. The engineer will work closely with in-house ecologists and multidisciplinary teams to develop practical, innovative solutions that balance infrastructure, environmental, and community needs.

The position leads technical work and guides project teams from planning through construction, including engineering analysis, design, permitting, quality review, and resolution of complex technical challenges. It also includes mentoring engineers and communicating technical concepts to project teams and, when needed, clients and stakeholders. Business development, sales, and direct client management are not core responsibilities.

HR Green describes its culture as collaborative and focused on technical excellence, innovation, teamwork, and professional growth. The stated compensation range is $107,350 to $180,600. Final compensation depends on factors including education, qualifications, skills, experience, competencies, and geographic work location; eligible employees may participate in performance and discretionary incentive bonus programs after a qualifying period.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• More than 10 years of experience in civil engineering, water resources, land development, or related infrastructure design.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Proficiency 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 versatility to apply technical expertise across 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.
• Strong communication skills.

Nice To Haves

• Experience communicating technical ideas directly with clients and stakeholders.

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.
• Develop practical, innovative solutions integrating ecological restoration with civil and infrastructure design.
• Provide technical expertise related to large-diameter storm sewer and water main design.
• Guide project technical 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.
• Coordinate technical solutions with multidisciplinary teams, including in-house ecologists.
• Lead or support QA/QC processes and uphold design and quality standards.
• Identify and help resolve complex technical challenges.
• Mentor and guide engineers and project staff to support their technical growth and development.
• Clearly communicate technical concepts and recommendations to 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.
• Collaborative culture that values technical excellence, innovation, teamwork, and professional growth.

What This Job Offers

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