Position SummaryRSI is recruiting for a Civil-Hydrologic Engineer who will serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) for the Applied Studies & Technology (AS&T) program . The successful candidate will work under the mentorship of senior staff contributing to hydrologic analyses of engineered disposal cell covers and erosion protection systems. This position will lead forensic investigations, root-cause failure analyses, and complex risk assessments of engineered waste covers. The Civil-Hydrologic-Engineer will apply advanced soil and rock mechanics to evaluate disposal cell performance over 200- to 1,000-year regulatory timeframes. Additionally, this role will author key programmatic tools, interface with regulatory bodies like the NRC, and translate complex research into actionable guidance. By collaborating with senior scientists, mentoring early-career engineers, and partnering with project managers, to ensure field investigations remain on scope and schedule while analyzing how natural processes impact cover integrity and water balance over time.
Job Title: Civil-Hydrologic Engineer
Location(s): Grand Junction, CO
Status: Full-Time
FLSA: Exempt
Hiring Range: $100,000.00 - $115,000.00 per year.(The anticipated starting salary is based on the posted minimum requirements for this position. The offered salary will be based upon the selected applicant's education, training, and experience.)
This position is required to travel less than 35% of the time.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities- Conduct hydrologic analyses of disposal cell covers, diversion channels, and erosion protection systems under senior direction, with exposure to industry-standard modeling tools (e.g., HEC-RAS).
- Review hydrologic characterizations of Uranium Mill Tailings Radiation Control Act (UMTRCA) disposal sites prepared by external parties, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), to help ensure DOE-LM technical interests and long-term stewardship objectives are adequately captured.
- Participate in physical model (hydraulic flume) studies and associated work plans evaluating localized erosion protection performance of cover systems.
- Support field investigations at UMTRCA and Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) legacy sites, including data collection, characterization, and documentation of erosion and geomorphic features.
- Contribute to and draft technical reports and apply established risk-informed decision-support frameworks (e.g., erosion risk scoring) under senior review.
- Perform comprehensive technical reviews of hydrology, hydraulics, sediment transport, flooding, and engineered barrier designs. Formulate risk-informed strategies to ensure strict compliance with NRC UMTRCA (Title I and Title II) and EPA CERCLA regulations.
- Supports technical collaboration with regulatory bodies (NRC, EPA, state/local agencies), tribal partners, and research universities. Participates in seminars, national engineering committees, and reviews findings in peer-reviewed journals.
- Exposure to one or more hydrologic modeling tools (e.g., HEC-RAS); willingness to develop proficiency across the program's analysis suite.
- Other duties as assigned.
Required Education and Years of Relevant Experience- Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field. Master's degree preferred.
- 5 years of relevant experience.
- Experience with Civil/Environmental Engineering or reclamation of legacy waste sites.
Licenses and Certifications- Valid Driver's License.
- Ability to obtain Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. Active Professional Engineer preferred.
Required Skills and Abilities- Possess excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Working knowledge of unsaturated soil behavior, hydraulic conductivity, percolation, and the utilization of lysimeters for water balance monitoring.
- Demonstrated ability to build consensus and productively collaborate with diverse, multi-stakeholder groups, including federal agencies (NRC, DOE, EPA), state/local regulators, tribal governments, and research universities.
- Familiarity with hydrologic/hydraulic tools beyond HEC-RAS (e.g., HEC-HMS, TR-55, NRCS erosion models).
- Awareness of precipitation/flood estimation concepts (e.g., PMP/PMF), sediment transport, or geomorphic erosion processes.
- Exposure to riprap and erosion protection design, channel stabilization, or unsaturated soil/water-balance concepts.
- GIS competency (e.g., ArcGIS Pro, QGIS) for terrain and spatial analysis.
- Knowledge of NRC UMTRCA and EPA CERCLA regulatory frameworks.
Clearance and Health Requirements- Criminal Background Check
- Pre-placement Drug Screening
- Fit for Duty Test (if applicable)
Essential Physical Requirements Medium: Work involves moving objects by exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, or an above-negligible amount and up to 10 pounds constantly. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for light work.
Job Posting Close Date08/07/2026
