Senior Water Resources Engineer, Geomorphologist, or Scientist (Project Manager)

We are Natural Systems Design, a Washington-based environmental services and consulting firm. Founded in 2003, we are an interdisciplinary team with over 50 people with office locations in Seattle, Bellingham, and Port Angeles, Washington and we focus our efforts throughout Washington State. Our company was founded and grown with the intention of being a different kind of professional services and consulting company that prioritizes its people, science, the environment, and collectively making a positive impact.  

Position Summary 

We are currently seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer, Geomorphologist, or Scientist who has a strong background in managing and delivering multi-objective projects. Successful candidates will have a foundation in fluvial and/or watershed processes and a demonstrated ability to lead projects, manage multidisciplinary teams, and deliver high-quality work on schedule and within budget. 

This role blends technical leadership with project management responsibility, including scope, schedule, budget, team coordination, and client relationship management. The ideal candidate is equally comfortable leading technical analyses and designs as they are driving projects forward and ensuring successful delivery. 

This position plays a key role in advancing our mission to deliver innovative, science-driven restoration and resilience solutions across Washington State. 

Position Location: (Seattle, Bellingham, or Port Angeles, Washington; and/or Remote) 

We are currently using a hybrid model of in-office and remote work. For this position, our preferred candidate is located near one of our three office locations. However, the days you come into the office and the days you work from home are always up to you. A fully remote option may be considered for qualified candidates with demonstrated professional experience who currently reside in or are willing to relocate to Washington State. 

Key Responsibilities 

Design, Analysis & Technical Leadership 

• Lead technical analysis, design, and/or scientific evaluation for river, floodplain, and wetland restoration projects  

• Apply expertise in geomorphology, hydraulics, hydrology, sediment transport, and/or restoration science  

• Develop and oversee design plans, modeling efforts, calculations, specifications, and cost estimates  

• Ensure technical quality and consistency across deliverables  

Modeling & Technical Tools 

• Lead hydraulic, hydrologic, and/or geomorphic analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS, SRH2D, RiverFlow-2D, GIS, and related methods  

• Oversee development of CAD-based design deliverables (e.g., Civil 3D, MicroStation)  

• Integrate field data (survey, LiDAR, geomorphic assessments) into analyses and designs  

Project Management 

• Develop and manage project scopes, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans  

• Ensure projects are delivered on time, on budget, and in alignment with NSD QAQC standards  

• Proactively manage project risks, scope changes, and internal/external coordination  

• Oversee multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring consistent performance and delivery  

Client & Business Development 

• Serve as primary client contact and build strong, trusted relationships  

• Lead or support proposal development, including scoping, budgeting, and technical approach  

• Identify and pursue new project opportunities aligned with NSD’s mission and expertise  

• Represent NSD in client meetings, workshops, and industry settings  

Team Leadership & Mentorship 

• Lead multidisciplinary project teams across engineering, geomorphology, GIS, and ecology  

• Provide technical guidance, mentorship, and QA/QC review for junior and mid-level staff  

• Contribute to staff development and continuous improvement of team workflows  
  

Qualifications & Experience 

Education 

• BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering, Geomorphology, Earth Science, or related field  

• MS or PhD preferred  

Experience 

• 10+ years of relevant experience in water resources, restoration, or related fields  

• Demonstrated experience serving as a Project Manager, including managing budgets, schedules, and client relationships  

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and complex projects  

Technical Proficiency 

• Experience with hydraulic, hydrologic, and/or geomorphic analysis tools (e.g., HEC-RAS, SRH2D, GIS, sediment transport methods)  

• Experience with design tools such as AutoCAD Civil 3D or MicroStation (or ability to oversee their use)  

• Strong foundation in process-based restoration and/or water resources design  

Licensure / Credentials 

• Professional licensure or certification preferred (e.g., PE or equivalent relevant credential depending on discipline)  

• Candidates without licensure may be considered if they demonstrate senior-level technical expertise and project leadership experience  

Compensation: 

We offer a competitive salary and benefits, including up to a 4% match on 401(K), 7 paid holidays plus a day of service, and 4 weeks of paid time off accrued annually. For candidates that meet our qualifications, the salary ranges are: for engineers $130k - $140k, and for geologists and geomorphologists $110k - $130k.     

Start Date: 

The position's start date is flexible and will be negotiated with the selected candidate based on their availability. 

Hours: 

We trust each other as professionals and respect each other as people. For us, this means staff have the autonomy to manage when they come into the office and when they work from home. Our staff have flexibility with hourly positions. Hourly means when needed you could work less than a 40-hour week and conversely additional hours worked beyond 40 hours are compensated at a 1.5x hourly rate.   

Closing Date: 

Applications will be accepted until the right candidate is found.  

We are an equal opportunity employer. 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.  

Why NSD? Here are a few reasons why you might want to work with us:  

Advocacy and Actions: 

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. 

Challenging Projects with Rewarding Clients: 

We have a constant stream of challenging and interesting projects with great clients. We solely work on projects that benefit the environment and communities and only select project partners for collaboration that align with our vision and values. 

Culture: 

We strive to be an inclusive, welcoming, and understanding group of individuals who are proud of our culture, passionate about our clients, and dedicated to the impact-driven purpose of our work. We’re clear on who we are, why we’re here, and what we want most to experience in our daily lives.  

Flexibility: 

How, when, and where you work best - works best for us. We invest in honesty and integrity, with each of us holding personal responsibility. We are accountable to ourselves, each other, and our clients. 

Innovation and Excellence: 

We have developed a regional reputation for being purpose-driven and delivering innovative and excellent work. Our projects require holistic, innovative problem solving, and are often ones that don’t follow a linear development path. Here is where you will find us excel.  

Interdisciplinary Teams: 

We work in highly interdisciplinary teams and aim to consider ecological, geomorphic, hydrological, and engineering perspectives on every technical challenge. We rely on team values in all aspects of our work, and share knowledge and experience with, and across, project teams. 

Investment in Growth: 

We are invested in the wellbeing of our staff, and support professional growth in technical skills, soft skills, leadership opportunities, and overall career advancement. We encourage initiative and openness to learning new things. 

Knowledge of Washington Waters: 

We know the waters of Washington State. We help shape the landscapes and communities in the places we work and live in. 

Restoration and Resiliency: 

We work exclusively on aquatic and floodplain habitat restoration, watershed analysis, and restoration planning and design, including integration of climate change risk and resiliency.  

Trust and Respect: 

Clear is kind. We trust each other as professionals and respect each other as people. We communicate with empathy, active listening, and timely follow up, and follow through on our deliverables.