Careers

Why work with us?

• At NSD we work exclusively on aquatic and floodplain habitat restoration, watershed analysis, and restoration planning and design, and we have developed a regional reputation for innovative and excellent work, which results in a constant stream of challenging and interesting projects with great clients. 
• We work on highly interdisciplinary teams and aim to consider ecological, geomorphic, hydrological, and engineering perspectives on every technical challenge; this leads to constant learning and lively discussions. 
• We are a group that is deeply committed to restoration and protection of natural processes, and also to finding solutions that benefit both the ecosystem and the community; we take pride in our work to make the world a better place and we advocate with our clients for the actions needed to make that happen. 
• Our work is highly varied, and ranges from field work in beautiful places – wading streams, surveying from boats, mapping wetlands – to using state-of-the-art data analysis tools, drafting programs, and hydraulic models in the office, to advising clients and contractors during engineered log jam construction, to presenting at stakeholder meetings.

Position Summary: We are seeking a Water Resources or Hydraulic Engineer with 1-3 years of experience to be based in any of our Seattle, Bellingham, or Port Angeles, WA offices. The successful candidate will have strong foundation in engineering, and a strong desire to grow their skills in analysis and design focused on restoring rivers, streams, or wetlands.

The work for this position is primarily in Washington and Oregon, but some projects may require travel to Idaho, Montana, Hawaii, Alaska, and California. NSD is currently using a hybrid model of in-office and remote work. Staff are welcome and encouraged to come into the office as much as possible to build relationships and foster collaboration. We are open to a fully remote working location anywhere in the Pacific Northwest Region for the right candidate with the commitment of some travel on occasion into one of our office locations. 

Responsibilities

• Technically support design and analysis of engineering approaches to restoration of streams, rivers, and wetlands
• Setup and develop project design files and plan sets in AutoCAD Civil 3D and/or Bentley MicroStation/InRoads formats
• Prepare plan sheets illustrating grading plans, culvert or hydraulic structure layout, typical engineering details, revegetation plans, etc. per the design lead’s sketches and direction
• Manage and adhere to file organization and design standards throughout the design and drafting process
• Collect field data at project sites, including driving to field sites throughout the Pacific Northwest, hiking and carrying gear of up to 40 lbs. over rough terrain, wading in streams, and taking careful and detailed field notes in all weather conditions
• Assist with hydraulic and hydrologic analysis of existing and proposed conditions, including analysis of observational data (e.g., USGS discharge) and implementation of models and software that include HEC-RAS, SRH2D, RiverFlow-2D, HEC-HMS, and HEC-SSP
• Complete and communicate calculations of scour, sizing, and stability for project elements, such as engineered log jams; calculate construction, earthwork, and impact quantities to assist with permitting and develop bid schedules
• Organize data and analyses to be reproducible and clearly documented
• Write technical narratives describing methodology and results of analyses
• Support production of illustrative figures and maps of technical analyses using ArcGIS, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Track hours, budget, progress, and review processes to ensure high-quality and on-time delivery of design packages; actively contribute to success of project teams
• Proactively and clearly communicate status and results to colleagues through discussions, presentations, data visualizations, and technical writing
• Ask questions, volunteer knowledge, and maintain an attitude of constant learning and excellence
• Maintain an upbeat attitude and persevere during challenging field conditions including storms, dust, heat, rain, snow, and blackberry brambles.

Minimum Qualifications

• BS in Civil Engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of professional experience
• Engineer-In-Training for Washington State (or ability to gain within 1 year of employment)
• Proficiency with drafting in AutoCAD or MicroStation
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Experience with field data collection, such as topographic survey using Real Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS and/or Total Station, pebble count, channel morphology measurements, and field mapping
• Competence with technical writing and technical communication
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Ability to manage and prioritize workload to meet dynamic project needs

Preferred Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in river restoration and design related to engineered log jams, culvert replacements
• High proficiency with drafting in AutoCAD or MicroStation
• Proficiency with ArcGIS platform, including acquiring and importing geospatial and remote sensing data, geospatial analysis using spatial analyst and 3D analyst tools, and cartography
• Competency writing and executing scripts for data processing, analysis, and visualization in R or Python
• Experience working with and analyzing large digital elevation files (e.g., lidar) and other gridded datasets (e.g., soils, vegetation, climate)
• Experience in field-based and remote sensing-based quantitative analysis of landscape evolution and fluvial and hillslope morphology and processes, including channel form and adjustment, channel migration, and landform mapping.
• Experience working with hydraulic and hydrologic models such as HEC-RAS, SRH2D, RiverFlow-2D, HEC-HMS, HEC-SSP, VELMA, or other software applications.
• Demonstrated understanding of and sensitivity to a range of perspectives on relationships and interconnections with the natural world, such as traditional indigenous knowledge

Compensation

Salary range beginning at $65k+ based on experience. Total compensation includes your base salary, plus the value of any benefits received in addition to your salary. We provide a compensation package that includes:

• End-of-year bonus as appropriate based on individual performance and financial performance of the company
• Medical, dental and vision coverage including a company contribution toward an HAS plan and dependent coverage
• A 401K with a 4% match
• Seven paid holidays
• Four weeks Paid Time Off (PTO) per year
• A continuing education stipend, cell phone reimbursement, and commuter benefits
• Schedule flexibility

Start Date

November/December 2022

Hours

Full-time, generally working within the hours of 7 am–7 pm, M-F, with occasional weekend and/or evening work.

Apply:

Please apply by clicking the Apply Now button and completing the form. 

Closing Date:

Applications will be accepted through October 28^th, 2022.  

NSD is an equal opportunity employer and candidates who identify with groups that are frequently underrepresented in the science, engineering, technology, and math fields are highly encouraged to apply. All candidates will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or protected veteran or disabled status or any other category protected under law.

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document form upon hire.