Entry-Level (Staff) Water Resources Engineer

Job Description:

Do you have an interest in applying your engineering expertise toward providing innovative water supply solutions for projects across the state of Colorado? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! The water rights/water resources engineering team in the Longmont, Colorado office is seeking a Staff Engineer (entry level) who has a passion for solving complex problems, adaptability to draw from a diverse skillset, and the ability to learn the unique water policies and laws that form the foundation of nearly any water project in Colorado and the West. We are looking for entry-level or experienced candidates with high motivation, attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of and provide leadership to a growing team.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist in performing historical use analyses of water rights including calculation of crop consumptive use, tabulation and analysis of diversions, analysis of water rights call records, calculation of conveyance losses, and estimation of return flows


• Review of water rights decrees regarding decreed amounts, location, timing, and limitations on water usage


• Assist in calculation of lagged groundwater depletion/accretion to stream systems


• Assist in calculation of historical and projected usage for municipal and private user water rights portfolios


• Assist in development of operations modeling to calculate historical and projected water availability and usage operations


• Use ArcGIS to prepare location maps and report figures, georeference aerial images and maps, delineate crop irrigated areas, and identify areas/structures of project interest


• Assist in preparation of technical reports, substitute water supply plans, and Water Court-related engineering reports


• Prepare data-driven graphics for engineering reports, professional papers, and presentations


• Some travel may be required

Required Skills/Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering discipline from an ABET-accredited program.


• 0-2 years of relevant professional experience in water resources, hydraulics, hydrology, dams, or related engineering work.


• Strong interest or background in water rights/water resources engineering, hydraulics/hydrology, or agricultural engineering


• Excellent oral and written communication skills  


• Positive attitude  

• Ability to multi-task   


• Strong work ethic and a desire for continual self-improvement  


• Willingness to perform a variety of tasks including office and field work

Preferred Skills/Experience: 

• Prior internship or professional work in a related field


• Master’s in civil engineering from an ABET-accredited institution

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid U.S. driver’s license as driving is an essential function of the job 


• Ability to pass a background check which may include criminal history, motor vehicle record and credit check

• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening

The compensation range for this position is between $62,400 to $86,000. Compensation for this position may vary based on geographic location and other factors. We remain committed to providing competitive and equitable compensation to all employees, regardless of their location.