V

Virginia Department of Transportation

Plans, builds, maintains Virginia transportation infrastructure

Hydraulics Engineer

Full-TimeDeadline 10/29/26
$71.9k - $116.8k
Mid
Bachelor's
Bristol, VA, USA
Remote
Architecture & Civil EngineeringWater Resources Engineering

About the job

Requirements
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with internal and external customers.
  • Engineering experience applying roadway design criteria, construction methods, standards, specifications, and materials.
  • Experience applying peak discharge hydrology, open and closed system design, erosion and sediment control features, and stormwater management.
  • FEMA floodplain experience.
  • Knowledge of civil engineering principles as they relate to hydraulic and roadway design and standard design technical knowledge.
  • Proficiency in hydraulics of bridged waterways, bridge scour analysis, flood routing, and calculation of run-off values.
  • Skill in using computers and software applications, including engineering design and analysis programs.
  • Ability to apply engineering principles and practices.
  • Ability to draw rational conclusions and develop solutions from analysis, make independent decisions, and manage multiple assignments.
  • Ability to enforce and demonstrate safety behaviors and practice safety in everyday work activities.
  • Ability to interpret technical data and prepare and maintain detailed reports.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities with competing deadlines and limited resources.
  • Ability to negotiate outcomes and work with diverse customer groups.
  • Ability to provide detailed reports on review findings.
  • Ability to read and understand highway construction plans.
  • Knowledge of engineering specifications and standards.
  • Knowledge of VDOT drainage policies, design procedures, and FEMA policies and procedures, including VDOT's Drainage Manual.
  • Knowledge of VDOT's Road and Bridge Specifications and Standards.
  • Knowledge of VDOT, state, and federal policies and procedures relating to transportation engineering.
  • Knowledge of peak discharge hydrology, open and closed system design, erosion and sediment control features and their application, and stormwater management principles and design.
  • Knowledge of project management procedures and principles.
  • Knowledge of roadway design criteria, construction methods, standards, specifications, and materials.
  • Skill in using computers and software applications, including MS Office, project management, and engineering software programs.
Responsibilities
  • Assist the District Engineer, Hydraulics, in meeting drainage design requirements.
  • Support roadway, maintenance, and bridge design staff in hydrology, hydraulic principles, and design.
  • Develop and design hydraulic models and drainage design elements for right-of-way and construction roadway plans.
  • Review hydrologic and hydraulic designs for drainage facilities prepared by others.
  • Oversee hydraulics-related issues to ensure compliance with processes, schedules, budgets, design criteria, standards, and specifications.
  • Provide technical advice, guidance, and training regarding assigned engineering program areas.
  • Prepare analyses, reports, and recommendations based on engineering determinations.
  • Provide engineering support and consultation related to the engineering program area.
  • Manage assigned projects to ensure timely and accurate completion.
  • Communicate with internal VDOT staff, local government staff, consultants, citizens, and FHWA regarding transportation projects and programs.
  • Analyze and interpret engineering data and information, and prepare complete, clear, and concise reports and recommendations.
  • Assess and resolve a variety of issues for residency and other field staff.
  • Establish effective communication between VDOT, contractors, government agencies, and the public; investigate issues and resolve complaints.
  • Complete tasks using hydraulic software, MicroStation, MS Office, and other non-CADD applications; file project-related correspondence, CADD files, and project information.
  • Use established VDOT policies and procedures to develop and deliver engineering projects in compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.
  • Perform hydraulic design reviews of drainage designs for VDOT, municipal, and land-development roadway projects; attend field reviews and project meetings; provide guidance and technical assistance to roadway designers.
  • Investigate, evaluate, design, and recommend solutions for drainage problems resulting from construction, maintenance, and citizen complaints; meet with involved individuals and organizations and coordinate activities.
  • Plan, schedule, and coordinate engineering program activities so deliverables meet established scope and timeline.
  • Assist in managing projects and tasks, including developing and managing scope, schedule, budget, deliverables, change management, quality, and status reports; complete multiple concurrent assignments and report status updates.
  • Organize work and monitor tasks so hydraulic designs are completed according to project schedules and support VDOT programs; manage time and adjust work priorities.
  • Manage assigned special program initiatives and projects; represent VDOT or the assigned program area on committees and work groups.
  • Coordinate the flow of information orally and in writing.
Desired Qualifications
  • A combination of training, experience, or education in Civil Engineering or a related field.
  • Erosion and Sediment Control Program Administrator Inspector or Plan Reviewer Certification.
  • Knowledge of VDOT drainage policies, design procedures, and FEMA policies and procedures, including VDOT's Drainage Manual.
  • Knowledge of VDOT's Road and Bridge Specifications and Standards.
  • PE license or EIT certification.
  • Work experience in transportation engineering project management.

About the company

V

Virginia Department of Transportation

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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) manages Virginia’s transportation network. It plans, builds, maintains, and operates roads, bridges, and tunnels to keep travel safe and efficient. Its work includes long-range planning (looking 20–25 years ahead), transportation modeling for regional partners, and public outreach to keep citizens informed and involved, such as campaigns promoting safer roundabouts. Unlike private companies, VDOT is a state government agency funded to serve the public interest rather than earn profits. Its goal is to provide a reliable, safe, and accessible highway system for all Virginians and to address future transportation needs through coordinated planning and infrastructure projects.

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • June 17, 2026 CTB approved $28.5 billion for roads, bridges, transit, and trails.
  • FY2027 budget rose 6.7% to $9.0 billion, lifting construction spending.
  • Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel targets substantial completion in 2026/2027, preserving marquee delivery wins.

What critics are saying

  • Fairfax Circuit Court's Awuah ruling exposed VDOT to vegetation-maintenance liability on March 24, 2026.
  • Delayed bridge and tunnel maintenance invites more quadriplegia litigation and insurance costs.
  • Megaproject slippage on I-66 and Hampton Roads could miss 2026/2027 deadlines, eroding trust.

What makes Virginia Department of Transportation unique

  • VDOT controls Virginia's $9.0 billion FY2027 transportation budget, unmatched statewide scale.
  • The agency manages 4,300 projects through a $28.5 billion FY2027-2032 SYIP.
  • VDOT runs megaprojects like Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel and Transform 66.

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Benefits

  • Health Insurance
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan
  • Paid Vacation

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