Water Resources Engineer

RESPEC • Fort Myers, FL

6d

About The Position

RESPEC is seeking an experienced Senior Water Resources Engineer to support the growth of its Florida practice. The role focuses on groundwater resources, alternative water supply development, underground injection control (UIC), and regulatory permitting. RESPEC’s Water Sector works in water resources engineering, hydrogeology, water supply planning, and water and wastewater infrastructure, serving municipal utilities, water management districts, industrial clients, and other organizations. The position offers opportunities to lead multidisciplinary projects, develop client relationships, mentor technical professionals, and collaborate across RESPEC’s national Water Sector.

The engineer will lead and support water resources engineering, groundwater development, and water supply planning projects for municipal, industrial, and regional clients. Work includes developing groundwater and surface water management strategies, water supply assessments, and alternative water supply solutions; planning, designing, permitting, and supporting construction and testing of wells and associated infrastructure; and providing technical and regulatory support for UIC projects. The role also supports aquifer storage and recovery, aquifer recharge, reclaimed water, and brackish groundwater projects.

The engineer will perform or oversee groundwater modeling, aquifer performance evaluations, hydrogeologic investigations, and water quality assessments. They will prepare reports, analyses, feasibility studies, permit applications, design documents, and cost estimates; manage scopes, budgets, schedules, deliverables, and multidisciplinary teams; coordinate with regulators and clients; support business development; and mentor junior engineers.

The successful candidate will help grow RESPEC’s Florida Water Resources practice, deliver high-quality solutions, strengthen client relationships, and advance the company’s commitment to technical excellence, employee development, and sustainable growth. Salary depends on experience and expertise. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe-benefits package. RESPEC is 100% employee-owned, and employees are eligible to participate in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan after a qualifying period.

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 one upon hire; experience providing engineering services in Florida.
• 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 during work hours 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 overseeing well construction, 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 and water use permits 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 applicable Class I municipal and industrial injection wells and Class V systems, in accordance with FDEP regulations and federal UIC requirements.
• Support UIC permitting, mechanical integrity testing, injection and monitoring zone evaluations, operational monitoring, and regulatory compliance.
• Support aquifer storage and recovery, 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 during work hours for business-related travel.

Benefits

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

What This Job Offers

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