Ecological Resource Consultants (ERC) | Lakewood, Colorado

This position is expected to be filled by November 30, 2026. To receive full consideration, please submit your application before that date. This posting may remain open after November 30, 2026, until a qualified candidate has been selected.

Do Great Engineering Work. Work on Remarkable Rivers. Make a Real Impact.

Are you a water resources engineer who enjoys solving challenging problems, working in dynamic natural environments, and developing solutions that go beyond conventional engineering approaches? Are you looking for a position where you can focus on meaningful technical work rather than spending much of your time pursuing new business?

Ecological Resource Consultants (ERC) offers an opportunity to do just that.

ERC is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to join our team in Lakewood, Colorado. We are an established consulting firm specializing in water resources engineering and environmental science, with a particular emphasis on river systems, stream restoration, and the interaction between engineering and natural processes.

Our approach to river engineering sets us apart. Rather than relying solely on conventional engineered solutions, we strive to understand the physical processes that shape rivers and streams and develop practical, sustainable designs grounded in science. Our work brings together hydraulic engineering, hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, and ecological principles to address complex water resources challenges.

Our projects are as diverse as the environments in which we work. While we have extensive experience throughout the Denver metropolitan area and Colorado's Front Range, our work also takes us into Colorado's mountain watersheds, across the United States, and internationally. This geographic diversity provides opportunities to work on unique river systems, tackle challenging engineering problems, and gain experience that extends well beyond traditional local consulting projects.

What Makes ERC Different?

We believe great engineers should have the opportunity to focus on engineering.

Through our long-standing client relationships and reputation for quality work, ERC has developed a steady stream of interesting and challenging projects. Unlike many consulting firms where senior engineers are expected to devote significant time to business development, our team can focus primarily on technical work, project delivery, and developing innovative solutions for our clients.

As a smaller firm, ERC offers a collaborative environment where your ideas matter, your contributions are visible, and you can have a meaningful influence on both projects and the direction of the company.

You'll work closely with experienced professionals who share an interest in understanding and improving river systems. You'll have opportunities to lead projects, mentor other engineers, contribute to technical decisions, and develop your expertise across a broad range of water resources disciplines.

We also recognize that some of the most rewarding engineering happens outside the office. Our projects provide opportunities to spend time in the field, explore river systems, understand real-world conditions, and see the results of your work firsthand.

The Projects You'll Work On

At ERC, you won't be limited to a narrow specialty or a repetitive set of assignments. Our work encompasses a wide range of water resources projects, often involving complex technical challenges and interdisciplinary solutions.

Project areas include:

• River engineering and stream restoration: Developing designs that improve river stability, restore natural processes, and address hydraulic and ecological objectives.
• Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling: Evaluating complex flow conditions, flood risks, and hydraulic performance.
• Fluvial geomorphology and sediment transport: Understanding river processes and incorporating that knowledge into engineering design.
• Mountain stream and watershed projects: Addressing unique challenges associated with steep channels, variable flow regimes, and dynamic mountain environments.
• Drainage and floodplain management: Developing effective solutions for stormwater conveyance, flood mitigation, and floodplain mapping.
• Civil and hydraulic design: Preparing practical, constructible engineering solutions for a variety of water resources applications.
• Construction support and field engineering: Working directly with project teams to translate engineering designs into successful projects.

Our combination of local, regional, national, and international work offers opportunities to experience different river systems, project environments, and technical challenges throughout your career.

Your Role at ERC

We're looking for an engineer who enjoys both technical problem-solving and taking ownership of projects. Depending on your experience and interests, you'll have opportunities to:

• Lead and manage water resources engineering projects from initial planning through design and construction.
• Develop innovative, technically sound solutions that incorporate engineering principles and an understanding of natural river processes.
• Perform and oversee hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, river engineering design, and related technical studies.
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, reports, construction drawings, specifications, and supporting documentation.
• Provide technical leadership and quality oversight for project deliverables.
• Manage project schedules, budgets, staffing, and client communications.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with ERC's established clients.
• Mentor and support junior engineers, helping them develop technical expertise and professional judgment.
• Collaborate with other ERC professionals on multidisciplinary projects.
• Participate in field investigations, site evaluations, and construction support activities.
• Contribute to the continued technical excellence and success of ERC.

What We're Looking For

Our ideal candidate is an engineer with a strong technical foundation, sound engineering judgment, and a genuine interest in water resources and river systems.

We value technical ability, initiative, curiosity, and the desire to solve challenging problems. While we envision this as a senior-level position, we are flexible regarding years of experience and are more interested in finding the right person than meeting an arbitrary experience threshold.

Qualifications and experience we're looking for include:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Substantial professional experience in water resources engineering, ideally approaching or exceeding 10 years; however, candidates with fewer years of experience who demonstrate strong technical capabilities and leadership potential are encouraged to apply.
• Strong background in hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, drainage design, and water resources engineering.
• Experience with stream restoration, river engineering, or channel design.
• Understanding of fluvial geomorphology, sediment transport, and natural river processes is highly desirable.
• Strong engineering design skills and experience preparing or reviewing engineering plans, calculations, reports, and specifications.
• Project management experience or demonstrated potential to assume project leadership responsibilities.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a small team.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Interest in mentoring others and contributing to the technical growth of the company.

We recognize that talented engineers develop expertise through different career paths. If you have a strong engineering background, an interest in river systems, and enthusiasm for the type of work ERC performs, we encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't align perfectly with every qualification listed.

Why Join ERC?

We understand that choosing the right firm is about more than compensation. It's about the projects you work on, the people you work with, and the opportunities you have to grow professionally.

Interesting projects in remarkable places. Work on river and water resources projects ranging from Colorado's urban waterways and mountain streams to river systems throughout the United States and internationally.

Engineering grounded in science. Be part of a team that values understanding natural processes and developing innovative solutions that integrate engineering with the dynamics of river systems.

A focus on engineering, not sales. Our established client relationships allow our engineers to concentrate on technical work and project delivery rather than spending significant time pursuing new business.

A small-company atmosphere. Enjoy a collaborative work environment with direct access to company leadership, limited bureaucracy, and opportunities to make a meaningful contribution.

Professional independence and leadership. Take ownership of projects, influence technical decisions, and help shape the continued success of the company.

A balance of office and field work. Stay connected to the rivers, streams, and natural environments that make water resources engineering so rewarding.

Competitive compensation and benefits. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your professional development and personal well-being.

Compensation and Benefits

The anticipated salary range for this position is $120,000–$180,000 annually, depending on qualifications, experience, and technical expertise.

Our benefits include:

• Competitive salary and discretionary performance bonuses
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• HRA/HSA benefits
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off and paid holidays
• Phone and field gear allowances
• Support for professional registration and certification fees
• Potential hybrid work arrangements depending on position responsibilities and individual circumstances

Interested in Joining Our Team?

If you're an engineer who enjoys working on rivers, solving challenging problems, and applying sound science to meaningful water resources projects, we'd like to hear from you.

Whether you're an established senior engineer looking for a more rewarding consulting environment or an accomplished engineer ready to take the next step in your career, ERC offers an opportunity to make a real contribution while doing work you enjoy.

Learn more about ERC and our projects at www.erccolorado.net.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Ecological Resource Consultants is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer. ERC provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by applicable law. ERC is committed to nondiscrimination in its employment practices, programs, and activities.