Senior Water Resources / Stream Restoration Engineer

Job Summary

Senior Water Resources / Stream Restoration Engineer

The Senior Water Resources / Stream Restoration Engineer is responsible for leading and executing stream and wetland restoration projects for public and private clients. This role performs geomorphic assessment fieldwork, develops restoration designs, prepares plans and technical reports, and supports construction observation and post-construction monitoring. The position serves as a technical liaison between Project Managers and less experienced design staff.

Success in this role is demonstrated through a high level of independence, sound technical judgment, efficient production of quality deliverables, and minimal review or revision required by senior staff. The Senior Engineer is expected to mentor and support junior team members while maintaining strong communication and time management skills.

Primary Essential Functions

• Perform geomorphic assessments and lead field investigations for stream and wetland restoration projects.
• Develop stream restoration designs, including grade control structures, bank protection measures, floodplain connectivity features, and planting zones.
• Independently layout erosion control measures and develop plans in accordance with local and state standards with minimal revisions required.
• Prepare plan sets, technical memoranda, reports, and mitigation plans with minimal review comments or revisions.
• Produce complete plan sets using AutoCAD Civil 3D and Sheet Set Manager in accordance with company standards and jurisdictional requirements, including detail sheets, project notes, and construction sequencing.
• Serve as a technical resource and liaison between Project Managers and design staff, supporting coordination and project delivery.
• Review work products prepared by junior staff and help provide clear, constructive redlines consistent with quality control standards.
• Efficiently utilize Civil 3D tools including alignments, profiles, corridors, surfaces, and grading features to support stream and water resources design.
• Produce hydrologic calculations using the SCS Curve Number Method or other relevant methodologies to support water resources design and regulatory documentation.
• Lead or support construction observation and post-construction monitoring activities as required.
  
  

Secondary Essential Functions

• Train and mentor junior staff in design tools, standards, and restoration principles.
• Work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams, clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.
• Adapt to changing project demands and priorities while maintaining quality and schedule commitments.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Utilize restoration design software or equivalent spreadsheets to develop dimensionless design parameters and channel geometry.
• Use ArcGIS Pro for geoprocessing datasets and accurate transfer of spatial data internally and externally.
  
  

Competencies (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities)

Knowledge

• General understanding of construction sequencing and project specifications related to stream restoration and water resources projects.
• Stream and wetland restoration principles, geomorphology, and fluvial processes.
• Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis methods applicable to water resources projects.
• Local, state, and federal standards related to erosion control, stream restoration, and floodplain management.
  
  

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including alignments, profiles, corridors, surfaces, grading tools, and Sheet Set Manager, with correct application of design and CAD standards and minimal revisions required.
• Ability to set up and manage AutoCAD and GIS base files with accurate organization of existing and proposed data.
• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro for exhibit development, data processing, and spatial analysis.
• Preparation of hydrologic calculations using the SCS Curve Number Method or other applicable methodologies.
• Technical writing skills for preparation of reports, design narratives, and regulatory documentation.
• Experience producing detailed project notes and technical memoranda in accordance with local, state, and federal standards.
  
  

Abilities

• Perform riverine flood analysis, FEMA map revisions, and demonstrate proficiency with HEC-RAS.
• Identify potential utility conflicts and adjust designs accordingly.
• Produce earthwork calculations and modify grading to meet project goals.
• Ability to lead field work for geomorphic data collection, construction observation, and monitoring activities as necessary.
• Manage tasks independently while maintaining strong communication, organization, and time management.
  
  

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Biological or Agricultural Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or related field.
• 3–6 years of experience in stream restoration or related water resources engineering.
• Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS Pro.
• Experience preparing technical reports, design plans, and calculations.
• Strong communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

Preferred

• Rosgen or equivalent stream restoration training.
• Engineer-in-Training (EI) certification or progress toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure; PE preferred.
• Experience with restoration design spreadsheets or specialized channel design software preferred.
  
  

Physical Requirements

Willingness and ability to work outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions approximately 10–15% of the time. Ability to carry geofluvial data collection and monitoring equipment across uneven terrain and walk moderate distances associated with project sites.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Stratus is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, pregnancy-related conditions, and lactation), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Stratus Team’s management is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities, access to facilities and programs, and general treatment during employment.