Hydraulics Engineer

The work we do matters!

Hiring Agency:

Transportation - Agency 27

Location:

Lincoln NE

Hiring Rate:

$35.641

Job Posting:

JR2025-Hydraulics Engineer (Open)

Applications No Longer Accepted On (If no date is displayed job is posted as open until closed):

0

Job Description:

Are you looking for a leading-edge design position on a variety of bridge projects across the state in the engineering discipline of hydrology and hydraulics Are you looking for an opportunity for growth through on-the-job training with a highly skilled bridge hydraulics design staff If so come join The Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) and become an integral member of the Bridge Division!

We reward our employees hard work with a friendly and supportive work environment and a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

State-matched retirement contribution of 156%
13 paid holidays
Generous leave accruals that begin immediately
Military leave
Tuition reimbursement program
Dependent tuition reimbursement program with partnering Nebraska community colleges
Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF) through the Federal government
79% employer-paid health insurance plans
Dental and vision insurance plans
Employer-paid $20000 life insurance policy
Wide variety and availability of career advancement as the largest and most diverse employer in the State
Opportunity to be part of meaningful work and make a difference through public service
Training and Development based on your career aspirations
Job security and stability even during times of economic hardship
Employee Assistance Program
Fun inviting teammates

If unable to fill at the Professional Engineer I level NDOT will consider applicants at the Engineer level.

The pay range for the Professional Engineer I classification is $35.641 - $52.539 per hour. The pay rate may be commensurate with education and/or experience within fiscal constraints if approved.

The pay rate for the Engineer classification is $31.265 per hour.

• Perform hydrologic and hydraulic analysis at state highway structure sites. Assemble and analyze hydrologic parameters to develop flood frequency data that is used for defining bridge design requirements.
• Analyze floodplains to define structure size requirements identify bridge design parameters set road grades across the floodplains assess environmental impacts and requirements for channel countermeasures. Use Professional Engineering license to certify project floodplain development requirements for the department.
• Utilize two-dimensional hydraulic modeling software to analyze floodplains and flow dynamics needed for state highway bridge and culvert design. Will also use current engineering methods and technology to help ensure scour stability of designed and repaired bridges.
• Field inspect structures to assess hydraulic adequacy scour floods channel geomorphology floodplain characteristics maintenance requirements wetland impacts and survey adequacy.
• Prepare preliminary bridge and final box culvert data plans utlizing 3D CAD and two dimesional hydraulic analysis.
• Review hydrology and hydraulics of needed state/local/county bridge design projects.
• Perform highway project drainage design drainage studies of existing and future culverts and storm sewer systems inspect structures in the field to assess drainage and hydraulic adequacy document design requirements in bridge data sheets guidance and training of all levels of roadway design personnel and consultants permit review and recommendations floodplain analysis and certification wetland studies and design hydraulic software investigation and support and development of Section 408 documentation for submittal to USACE for projects impacting levees dams or other civil works projects. Drainage studies are also performed analyzing existing conditions and conditions that occur after construction or conditions that are proposed due to development.
• Complete floodplain analysis and certification of the NDOT highway project and impacts on a floodplain in order to submit a floodplain permit to the floodplain administrator. In addition a floodplain memo completed by a professionally qualified staff which is a registered engineer with hydraulics expertise is required for all NDOT state highway projects to meet FHWAs regulations for categorical exclusions and location hydraulic studies found in 23 CFR 650.111. The other project delivery components are related to drainage basin delineations hydrology and flow calculations culvert and bridge hydraulics storm sewer design and analysis stormwater treatment in Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems (MS4) detention basins and energy dissipation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements / Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

Engineer: Bachelors degree in an Engineering discipline. Must obtain Engineer Intern Enrollment (Engineering in Training Certification) within one year of employment.

Professional Engineer I: Bachelors degree in an engineering discipline. Must possess a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license at the time of application and be licensed by the Nebraska Board of Engineers and Architects at time of employment or be able to obtain such license within 90 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering or a related field (emphasis on water resources preferred).

• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain one within a specified timeframe.

• Experience: Proficiency with modeling tools (e.g. HEC-RAS HY-8 SRH-2D) and familiarity with hydrology methods (e.g. Regression Equations Gage Station Analysis).

• Hydrology and Hydraulics experience/education specific to the transportation industry and bridge design as well as familiarity with Section 408 related to USACE-regulated levees dams and civil works projects.

Other:

• Engineering degrees must be from an EAC/ABET-accredited program (or evaluated by NCEES as equivalent).

• Occasional out of town travel may be required with infrequent overnight stays and some availability to work extended hours to assure project delivery.

• Valid drivers license or the ability to provide independent authorized transportation is required.

• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices as they relate to water resources engineering.
• Skills and knowledge working with hydraulic modeling software for use with hydraulic structure design and floodplain modeling with a preference for two-dimensional hydraulic modeling experience.
• Knowledge that includes utilizing various forms of survey (ground bathymetric LiDAR etc.) to aid hydraulic model development.
• Preferable software experience will include HEC-RAS SRH-2D CAD (OpenRoads Civil3D etc.) and GIS (ArcGIS Pro QGIS etc.).
• Hydrologic analysis knowledge and background with rainfall runoff methods gage station analysis and regression equation analysis.
• Knowledge and experience utilizing technical documents that include HEC-18 HEC-14 and Bulletin 17-C. Familiar with NDOTs Roadway Design Manual Drainage & Erosion Control Manual and Standard Plans and Specifications.
• Ability to learn new software and modeling techniques as they become well suited for the hydraulics section.
• Strong ability to problem solve while incorporating innovative and trusted solutions for highway bridge transportation projects.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive package of pay benefits paid time off retirement and professional development opportunities to help you get the most out of your career and life. Your paycheck is just part of your total compensation.

Check out all that the State of Nebraska has to offer! Benefit eligibility may vary by position agency and employment status. For more information on benefits please visit: Opportunity Statement

The State of Nebraska values our teammates as well as a supportive environment that strives to promote diversity inclusion and belonging. We recruit hire train and promote in all job classifications and at all levels without regard to race color religion sex. age national origin disability marital status or genetics.

Current employees of the State of Nebraska should NOT apply on this external career. Instead go to Workday and access the Jobs Hub - Internal Apply app from your home landing page.