Project Civil/Aquaculture Engineer

Schnabel is an employee-owned, professional engineering and consulting firm that focuses on solving problems related to the earth and environment through specialization in geotechnical, geostructural, tunnel, and dam engineering. Schnabel’s high standards for quality, business ethics, and concern for the communities in which we live are a vital part of who we are. Schnabel is an ENR Top 500 Design Firm with 700+ employees in 31 offices throughout the United States. 

Recognized by CE News as one of the Best Engineering Firms to Work for, Schnabel provides employees with a competitive benefits package including maternity leave, tuition reimbursement for continuing education, health, dental, life and disability insurance and a wellness program. As an employee-owned company, through the Employee Stock Ownership Plan, Schnabel employees directly benefit from the success of our growing firm. 

Benefit options include: 

• Medical insurance


• Dental insurance


• Flexible spending accounts


• Employee life & ADD insurance (100% company-paid)


• Short-term disability (100% company-paid)


• Long-term disability


• Supplemental life insurance


• 401(k) and profit-sharing plan


• Employee stock ownership plan (ESOP)


• Bonus program


• Paid time off


• 9 Paid Holidays


• Wellness program


• Professional development and tuition reimbursement

Job Description:

Are you looking for interesting and meaningful work, a fun atmosphere, and opportunities to learn, grow, and excel? If so, then welcome to Schnabel! We approach problems with creativity and innovation. Our Boise, Idaho office is seeking a Mid-level Civil/Aquaculture Engineer to support our engineering group. We are looking for a motivated candidate with attention to detail, a passion to continue to develop as a professional, and a desire to be part of a strong multi-disciplinary team. This position offers a balanced combination of technical work and project management responsibilities.

The Boise office of Schnabel focuses on the evaluation and design of fish facilities, raw water intakes, and hydraulic structures within our dams engineering group. Example projects include the design of fish hatcheries, fish passage facilities, surface water intakes, pump stations, dams, pipelines and fabricated gates and valves. Our clients include utilities, state and federal agencies, private power producers, and conservation groups while regularly collaborating with other consulting firms. You would be joining an intelligent, dedicated, and enthusiastic group of engineers and designers.

Job Responsibilities:

• Analyze and design components related to aquaculture facilities (fish hatcheries, upstream and downstream fish passage, fish screens, etc.), including scoping and leading engineering evaluation and design tasks in one’s specific area of technical expertise.


• Lead hatchery design quality control efforts, including working to further develop existing design standards.


• Perform inspections of fish facilities and provide detailed assessment reports of conditions.


• Assist in the preparation of complete engineering plans and specifications to be part of construction documents.


• Work as a team member within the Boise office and across other Schnabel offices to effectively balance workload among available resources.


• Develop and maintain a group of relationship-oriented clients that provide a continuous source of work for the firm.


• Work with business development and branch staff to effectively respond to requests for proposals or presentation of qualifications in other forums.


• Perform management duties related to obtaining signed contracts, verification of time sheets, reviewing and approving invoices, developing, and tracking project schedules and budgets.


• Manage projects through investigation, design, and construction.


• Manage and mentor junior engineers, commensurate with experience level.


• Periodic travel will be required.

Required Skills/Experience:

• A bachelor's degree focused in civil or mechanical engineering, from an ABET-accredited institution is required.


• 5+ years of relevant work experience in Civil, Water Resources, Mechanical and/or Structural Engineering around fish facilities.


• Ability to become a Licensed Professional Engineer.


• Experience in the design, layout, and evaluation of fish hatcheries and aquaculture facilities.


• Experience developing system-wide hatchery plans and knowledge of hatchery facility construction techniques and maintenance needs.


• Ability to manage simultaneous tasks and multi-discipline projects throughout the full project cycle.


• Experience preparing and reviewing construction drawings and technical specifications for bidding and construction.


• Experience working with owners and contractors during the construction phases of a project.


• Willingness and ability to travel and perform field work.


• A strong work ethic and the desire to perform professionally at a high level.


• Excellent oral and written communication skills.


• Include a cover letter with your resume articulating why you are interested in joining Schnabel and our Boise office.


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


• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Skills/Experience:

• Master's degree in civil engineering or a secondary degree in biology or aquatic-related fields.


• Experience with Tribal, State, Federal and private fishery program managers.


• Experience with Bluebeam, Mathcad, AutoCAD, and/or Revit.


• Experience with biological programming, RAS/PRAS, water resource infrastructure, water conveyance, various approaches to fish rearing, mechanical hatchery components, civil grading, and aeration systems.


• Experience in consulting engineering.

Other Requirements:

• 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 $73,202 to $110,015. 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.