Ecological Restoration Project Engineer

NV5 (NASDAQ: NVEE) is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.

As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.

The Ecological Restoration and Mitigation Team at NV5 is seeking a full-time, remote Ecological Restoration Project Engineer with 3+ years of experience and a strong proficiency in engineering analysis and design focused on rivers, streams, and wetlands. The successful candidate will work cooperatively on a multi-disciplinary design team and will be administratively responsible to the Ecological Engineering Group Manager. The most frequent and essential work activities include:

• Technically support the design and analysis of stream, river, and wetland restoration projects on a multi-disciplinary team.
• Utilize CAD software (including AutoCAD Civil 3D) for design, plan set preparation, and surface development.
• Conduct hydraulic and hydrologic analysis for design and permitting purposes, including analyzing observational data and developing models of existing and proposed conditions using software such as HEC-RAS.
• Develop design surfaces and quantity take-offs for restoration projects, including earthwork for cost estimating and developing bid schedules.
• Assist permit specialists with calculating impacts to natural resources.
• Develop technical specifications and special provisions according to state or federal standards (NCDOT, GDOT, USACE, etc.).
• Prepare technical narratives describing the basis of design and results of engineering analyses.
• Produce illustrative figures and maps of technical analyses using ArcGIS, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Provide construction oversight, utilizing effective communication and decision-making with contractors and clients during project construction to ensure successful implementation.
• Maintain and track project schedules, deliver design deliverables on time and within budget, and effectively communicate and collaborate with the project team.
• Provide engineering expertise to clients ranging from federal, state, and local agencies, Tribal entities, non-profit organizations, and private landowners.

Secondary Duties

• Conduct field investigations to gather data for design purposes, including tasks such as geomorphic classification, sediment sampling, and topographic surveying.
• Attend and actively participate in training sessions, activities, and field-related conferences as directed by supervisors. This ensures continuous learning and staying updated with industry best practices and advancements.
• Conduct all duties in strict accordance with NV5 handbook and policies. Ensure that all activities comply with guidelines that promote inclusivity and non-discrimination, providing equal access to educational programs, assistance, and materials regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or veteran status.
• Be prepared to perform any other related work as directed by Project Managers and supervisors. This may involve tasks beyond the outlined responsibilities, requiring flexibility and a willingness to adapt to changing project needs.

• BS in ecological engineering, civil engineering, or a related engineering field.
• A minimum of 3 years of work experience, with a minimum of one year of experience working on river, stream, or other water resources related projects is preferred.
• Highly experienced Engineer-In-Training with the ability to obtain a PE within one year of hire.
• Demonstrated expertise in using hydraulic and hydrologic models, particularly HEC-RAS, or similar software applications. This includes proficiency in conducting analysis, interpreting results, and applying findings to design and engineer projects.
• Advanced skills in AutoCAD Civil 3D, including drafting, plan set development, surface modeling, and grading. This involves the ability to create detailed designs and engineering drawings essential for project implementation.
• Hands-on experience with various field data collection techniques, such as site assessments, pebble counts, channel morphology measurements, and vegetation mapping. Proficiency in using equipment like total stations and RTK devices for accurate topographic surveys.
• Competence with technical writing and technical communication.
• Non-field work is typically performed from the employee’s home. Therefore, in addition to being able to perform the duties outlined above, the successful candidate will be flexible in the timing and methods of work and assignments, independent, a self-starter, and a problem solver.
• Ability to work independently and remotely with minimal supervision.
• Maintain consistent and effective work habits to make efficient use of time and resources.
• Superior organizational and analytical skills with keen attention to detail and quality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree preferred, in field specific to ecological engineering, ecological restoration, fluvial geomorphology, or river science.
• Professional Engineering License preferred, or ability to earn PE within 1 year of employment.
• Experience in applied fluvial geomorphology, either through education or consulting experience working with/under an experienced fluvial geomorphologist.
• Experience developing detailed grading plans and modifying large surfaces for design and analysis.
• Demonstrated experience with and/or training in Natural Channel Design.

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Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

While most of the work is remote based, a portion of this position is subject to outside environmental conditions. The characteristics described below are representative of those encountered while performing the essential functions of this position. When properly requested and when feasible (without undue hardship to the organization), reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

• This position may be subject to indoor and outside environmental conditions, including weather conditions such as wet and /or humid environments, extreme cold and/or heat, dusty and noisy work environments. 
• Work in the field will involve long-term standing and frequent walking as well as include common hazards at construction and project sites.
• Must be able to carry, lift and push/pull up to 30 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Must be able to walk over rough and uneven terrain and be able to stand up to 10-12 hours a day on occasion.
• Must have the ability to see, smell, hear, talk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and twist, crouch, crawl, reach, grasp, sit, stand, and walk.
• Weekend and overtime work and/or overnight work and travel may be required.
• Additional physical duties may be required as necessary.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.