Senior Water Resources Engineer - Drainage & Floodplain

Felsburg Holt & Ullevig (FHU) is seeking a dynamic, entrepreneurial mid-level water resources engineer to join our innovative team and help shape the future of transportation solutions. This role, based in Des Moines, IA, offers an exciting opportunity for professionals with 8 to 15 years of relevant experience who are eager to advance their careers with a forward-thinking company committed to engineering excellence.

Role Overview:

As a key member of our Water Resources Group, you will lead drainage and floodplain analysis efforts for transportation projects. Additionally, you will help pursue and support other diverse water resources projects like green infrastructure assessments, stream stabilization and restoration design, and wetland design. In this role, you’ll help drive design efforts, mentor a team of engineers and designers, and contribute to business development and client management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with leadership to manage staff, provide mentorship, and guide professional growth within the Water Resources Group.
• Lead drainage design and water resources elements of transportation projects, ensuring alignment with project schedules, budgets, and scopes.
• Manage independent water resources projects, handling all aspects of project development, team management, client interactions, and deliverables.
• Engage in business development and marketing activities for water resources projects and select transportation projects.
• Design and manage roadway drainage systems, stormwater quality and detention solutions, and erosion control BMPs, ensuring compliance with MS4 permit requirements.
• Conduct hydraulic analysis for bridges and culverts, including sizing, scour analysis, and protection design.
• Perform floodplain analysis with HEC-RAS modeling and prepare necessary documentation for local and FEMA floodplain permit applications.
• Provide construction support through submittal review, RFI responses, and field visits to verify compliance with project specifications.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, specializing in water resources (Master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in drainage design and water resources, particularly in transportation-related projects.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil3D and/or MicroStation, with experience in hydrology and hydraulic modeling software (e.g., HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SRH-2D).
• Familiarity with DOT, county, and city requirements is advantageous.
• Project management experience required; marketing and business development experience preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• PE License (required)
  

The pay for this position has a range of $90,0000 - $135,000 annually. The actual offer will carefully consider a range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, and experience.

Application Deadline: 11/15/2026

At FHU, we are committed to supporting our employees with competitive benefits, flexible programs, and opportunities for professional growth so our teams can thrive both personally and professionally.

Our benefits package includes:

• Medical, prescription, dental, vision, life, and disability coverage, with FHU contributing a significant portion of premiums and covering 100% of the cost for some plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions for employees enrolled in the high-deductible health plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) for healthcare and dependent care expenses
• Telehealth and mental health resources available at no cost to eligible employees
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling, legal, financial, and work-life support services
• Generous vacation, sick leave, paid holidays, and floating holidays
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance programs
• 401(k) with immediate vesting on employer match and discretionary profit-sharing contributions
• Annual discretionary bonus opportunities based on company and individual performance
• Flexible schedules and remote work options depending on position and business needs
• Professional development opportunities including continuing education assistance, tuition reimbursement, professional society participation, and reimbursement for certifications and registration fees
• Opportunities to get involved through internal committees and employee-led groups

We are passionate about creating a workplace where employees feel supported, connected, and inspired by the work they do. From professional development opportunities to company-sponsored events and team activities throughout the year, we are committed to building a culture that celebrates employees and strengthens the communities we serve.