Water & Wastewater Designer 1 (early career professional)

Why DOWL?

DOWL is a top-ranked, multi-disciplined consulting firm with over 60 years of experience in civil engineering and related services. Our in-house expertise spans Civil and Land Development, Construction-Related Services, Transportation and Structures, and Water and Environmental Services. At DOWL, you’re valued. We support your growth, offer great benefits, and foster a culture of integrity, professionalism, and teamwork.

Water and Wastewater

Join our team and help shape reliable, efficient water and wastewater systems that make a difference in communities. We take a comprehensive, cost-effective approach to every project, maximizing value while delivering long-lasting solutions. For drinking water systems, we prioritize consistent pressure, exceptional water quality, and straightforward maintenance. Our wastewater and recycled water work reflects a One Water philosophy, supporting utilities as they manage every drop—whether entering the system, leaving it, or returning as a valuable resource that strengthens the entire community. If you’re passionate about smart infrastructure and practical innovation, we invite you to be a part of our team, the People Who Make it Happen!

Summary

The Water & Wastewater Designer 1 provides entry-level assistance with the planning and design of water and wastewater systems including pipelines, pump stations, storage facilities, and other water-related facilities. Duties include assisting with site visits, calculating pressure, flow and capacities, designing underground and above-ground piping systems, selecting and specifying equipment, coordinating with government agencies and other stakeholders, and preparing plans, specifications and estimated costs for project bidding and construction. The person in this position is expected to exercise a strong work ethic, a desire to learn new design concepts, and have good organizational and communication skills. A Water & Wastewater Designer 1 should demonstrate basic proficiency with drafting and design software and be able to quickly learn and apply 2D and 3D design concepts. This person is expected to work well with others, absorb and apply constructive criticism, and seek guidance from more experienced members of the team as necessary. This position works under the guidance of a licensed professional engineer.

Job Responsibilities and Duties

To be successful in this position, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Software

• Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel) - Basic
• Market Sector Software (C3D/P3D/GIS/WaterCAD) - Basic

Technical Expertise

• Basic understanding of technical fundamentals
• Performs basic technical tasks assigned by market sector with oversight from others
• Motivated to learn new technical skills through self-study and mentoring

Teamwork

Team player who mostly functions in a supporting role in a project team setting. Collaborates, listens, takes direction well, and retains information provided. Is motivated to grow skills and help the team.

Project Delivery

Produces the following under close oversight from others:

• Basic water and sewer pipeline evaluation and design
• Field data collection
• Water and sewer infrastructure sizing
• Basic hydraulic calculations
• Project layout
• Technical memoranda
• CAD/GIS drawings
• Standard details
• Report figures
• Alternatives/economic analysis
• Quantity takeoffs
• Cost estimating
• Draft specifications
• Limited construction inspection assistance

Understanding Budget and Schedule

Basic understanding of scopes, schedules, and budgets. Collaborates with supervisor and/or resource manager to plan work time on assignments. Conducts basic monitoring of budget and schedule for simple project tasks assigned.

Industry Standards and Regulations

Demonstrates basic familiarity with the following design codes:

• Governing state water/WW rules
• AWWA standards (water)
• Uniform Fire Code
• NFPA820 Fire Code for WW Facilities
• 10 state standards

Client Interaction

Infrequent direct client interaction. Reads emails, occasionally attends client meetings, listens, and prepares meeting minutes.

Other

Other duties as assigned.

Level of Work/Accountability

Performs basic levels of technical work on projects in support of more experienced staff within the market sector. Operates with minimal autonomy – work is closely supervised by more senior staff.

Supervisory Duties

No

Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required
• Years of experience required: none
• Years of experience required with advanced degree: none

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• EIT/EI required (within 6 months of hire)
• Driving is an essential job function or a valid driver’s license is required to support legitimate business purposes

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit. The employee is required to talk and hear. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and use hands. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Geographical locations are taken into consideration with respect to compensation.