Project Engineer, Reservoir Operations

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

$81K — $114K *
Energy & Utilities
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, mechanical engineering, or related field.
  • 2+ years of technical/professional experience in civil engineering (water/wastewater, construction, design, hydraulics, etc.).
  • Valid motor vehicle operator's license.
  • Obtain Massachusetts Grade 1D OIT Water Distribution License within 12 months.
  • Current FAA Part 107 UAS (drone) operator license within 12 months.
  • Training in underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) operations within 12 months.
  • Engineer-in-Training registration preferred.

Responsibilities

  • Assess reservoir and river levels; recommend reservoir operations and prepare daily reports.
  • Assist with flood control and reservoir management planning alongside the Senior Engineer.
  • Run computer simulations to evaluate rain forecasts on reservoir levels.
  • Coordinate maintenance activities and data acquisition for dams and dikes.
  • Review and maintain records of assigned 8(m) permits.
  • Manage record drawings and respond to information inquiries.
  • Inspect construction for adherence to specifications; act as in-house Resident Engineer as needed.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and dental coverage.
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions.
  • Generous vacation and leave policies.
  • Opportunities for professional development and continuing education.
Full Job Description
Summary:
Performs engineering related tasks in the areas of flood control, dam safety, aqueduct operations, plan and records management, 8M permit oversight, and other duties as directed.

Posting Period: 6/23/2026 to 7/07/2026
Location: Southborough, MA
Salary: $81,989.47 - $114,518.48 Annually $1,576.72 - $2,202.28 Weekly
Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm

Key Responsibilities
  • Performs daily engineering assessment of reservoir and river levels and makes recommendations on reservoir release, transfer and diversion rates. Provides daily electronic reporting on reservoir and related operations to a wide range of recipients, and maintains databases and other records as necessary to report storage volumes, elevations, water demand, transfers, power generation, etc.
  • Prepares operations plans and assists the Senior Engineer, Reservoir Operations with planning and monitoring for flood control and reservoir release, transfer, and diversion operations. Coordinates with other Western O&M sections to ensure needed actions and work are proceeding according to plan.
  • Performs run-off computer model simulation runs using SCADA, TELOG and other information, including collaboration on Planning Department's watershed model, to assess the impact of short-term and long-term forecast precipitation events on reservoir levels.
  • Assists with coordination of review, construction, and operations and maintenance activities for dams and dikes piezometer maintenance and data acquisition, invasive species control, and other MWRA/Department of Conservation and Recreation watershed protection issues.
  • Performs 8(m) permit and design reviews as assigned. Maintains a database and records of 8m permits related to Western Operations and Maintenance.
  • Maintains Western Operations record drawings and resource center. Responds to information requests.
  • Inspects construction or maintenance work for conformance to plans and specifications, and makes minor revisions to meet local conditions encountered in field; plans sequence of work with contractor on jobs and submits progress reports. Acts as an in-house Resident Engineer on minor construction projects.
  • Assists in coordination with other MWRA departments, communities, public interest groups and government agencies.
  • Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications
  • A Bachelor's degree in civil, environmental, mechanical engineering or related field; and
  • At least two (2) years of technical or professional experience in civil engineering work such as water/wastewater facilities, construction, survey, design, hydraulics, structural, highway architecture, soils and materials; and
  • Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • A valid motor vehicle operator's license.
  • A valid Massachusetts Grade 1D OIT Water Distribution License within 12 months.
  • A current FAA Part 107 UAS (drone) operator license within 12 months.
  • Training in deployment, operation and maintenance of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) in tanks, shafts, and reservoirs within12 months).
  • Engineer-in-Training registration preferred.

Knowledge and Abilities
  • Ability to read and interpret blueprints preferred.
  • Proficiency in use of Microsoft Office, Experience with database programs, AUTOCAD, and hydraulic modeling software preferred.
  • Demonstrated abilities to work as part of a project team and to develop and maintain productive working relationships with external parties.
  • Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

Tools and Equipment Used
Office equipment as normally associated with the use of telephone, personal computer including word processing and other software, copy and fax machine.

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 job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk or hear. The employee is regularly required to use hands to handle, feel or operate objects, including office equipment, or controls and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand and walk.
The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the 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 job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office environment. The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet in an office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised
Performs engineering related tasks in the areas of flood control, dam safety, aqueduct operations, plan and records management, 8M permit oversight, and other duties as directed.
Works under the general supervision of the Senior Program Manager, Reservoir Operations.

Other Position Information
PCR

Division: Operations
Department: Reservoir Operations
Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/ Grade 21

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