Senior Water Resources Engineer

Otak is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to provide technical leadership on complex water resources projects, including stream and river restoration initiatives that enhance watershed health and community resilience. Located in either our Portland, OR, or Vancouver, WA office, this role will lead the planning, design, and delivery of hydraulic engineering, restoration, stormwater, and fish passage projects across Oregon and Washington. As part of Otak’s interdisciplinary Water and Natural Resources team, you will help develop practical, science‑based solutions that improve infrastructure performance, stabilize waterways, reduce environmental impacts, and support healthy aquatic ecosystems.

How You’ll Contribute

• Provide technical excellence and thought leadership in the areas of river/stream restoration, fish passage design, bridge hydraulics and scour countermeasure design.
• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
• Prepare construction documents in support of transportation and restoration projects.
• Prepare construction drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Create design and permitting reports.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Prepare studies and master plans.
• Develop technical approaches, scopes, schedules, and budgets for proposals.
• Perform construction engineering and observation.

The Strengths You Bring

• A Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering, with an emphasis on Water Resources or Hydraulic Engineering, or a similar discipline, is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in hydraulic engineering.
• A valid Professional Engineer (PE) license is required.
• Expertise in water resources models such as HEC‑RAS and SRH‑2D.
• Experience hydrologic and hydraulic modeling.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, ArcGIS, and AutoCAD or MicroStation.
• Ability to independently prioritize, manage, and deliver multiple projects with simultaneous deadlines in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Salary Range: $119,000 - 170,000

At our core, we believe that supporting our communities begins with supporting our employees. No matter what stage you’re at in your career, we have a comprehensive total rewards program to enhance your quality of life, help support your family, and assist you in achieving your personal and professional goals. Otak employees enjoy competitive salaries; discretionary performance bonuses; no‑cost medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, HRA/HSA; a 401(k)‑retirement match that is 100% vested immediately; a hybrid work schedule; Paid Time Off (PTO) accrual based on your industry experience rather than your seniority plus 9 paid holidays per year; a commuter allowance (based on your office location); support for your professional registration and/or certification fees; and much more! If you are out of the area and interested in relocating for this opportunity, relocation assistance may be provided.

Why work at Otak?

We’re not just looking for skills and experience, having shared values is just as important! When you work at Otak, you aren’t just joining a firm — you’re joining a community. We believe our best work happens in a culture of collaboration and inclusion, where the expertise of diverse individuals can thrive in a foundation of teamwork. The work environment we create is built on a simple concept: working on interesting projects with interesting people. However, we don’t just believe in cultivating our own community; we’re also committed to enriching the communities around us with smart, creative solutions. We know our employees make an investment in us, so we’re committed to making an investment in them. Seasoned experts and young professionals work together to encourage personal growth and skill development at all experience levels. Plus, we’re expanding — and we’re dedicated to developing an internal infrastructure with the strength and talent to support that growth.

At Otak, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to cultivating a workplace that is inclusive, equitable, and respectful for all. We believe that diverse perspectives enrich our work environment, fuel innovation, and are essential to our collective success.

We are dedicated to maintaining a workplace that is free from discrimination, harassment, and bias. Every individual at Otak is valued, included, and treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

All employment decisions, including those related to recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits, and termination are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications. We strive to ensure that our practices uphold fairness and equity at every stage of the employment lifecycle.

Our Vision for an Inclusive Workplace

• Diverse identities are embraced, and differences are valued as a source of strength.
• Every employee feels safe to be their authentic self and contributes meaningfully.
• Unique perspectives are encouraged, and open dialogue is welcomed to foster innovation.
• Curiosity replaces judgment, and respectful engagement is prioritized in all interactions.
• Relationships are built on mutual trust, dignity, and respect, forming the foundation of our workplace culture.

Please contact Otak’s People Services Department at View email address on click.appcast.io for reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities, including pregnant employees, to ensure an accessible and supportive work environment.

Join us in shaping a more inclusive future!