Restoration Engineer
Senior Restoration Design Engineer - Santa Cruz, CA
We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Restoration Design Engineer to join our team of hydrologists, geomorphologists, and engineers in our Santa Cruz office. We are looking for a team member with 8+ years of relevant work experience and a passion for watershed hydrology, open channel hydraulics, stream and wetland restoration, and nature-based and regenerative design.
What You'll Do:
- Lead the design of stream, wetland, and floodplain restoration projects from concept through construction documents
- Develop and apply hydrologic and hydraulic models (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, and similar) to inform restoration design and support permitting
- Perform geomorphic assessments and integrate fluvial geomorphology principles into nature-based design solutions
- Prepare technical reports, design plans, and specifications for regulatory submittals and client deliverables
- Manage project scopes, schedules, and budgets while mentoring junior engineers and reviewing their technical work
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies, clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams (hydrologists, geomorphologists, biologists, landscape architects)
- Support business development through proposal writing and client relationship building
What We're Looking For:
- 8+ years of experience in water resources, restoration, or civil engineering, with a strong focus on stream/wetland restoration and open channel hydraulics
- B.S. or M.S. in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a related field
- California PE license required (or ability to obtain via reciprocity)
- Demonstrated experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software (HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, or similar)
- Strong understanding of fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, and nature-based/regenerative design principles
- Experience managing projects and mentoring junior staff
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of preparing technical reports and permitting documents
- GIS proficiency (ArcGIS Pro) a plus
Why Join Us:
Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on meaningful restoration projects that balance ecological function with engineering rigor. We offer competitive compensation, flexibility across our California offices, and the opportunity to shape watershed-scale projects from planning through implementation.
FAQs
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