At Midwest Wetland Improvements, our Water Resources Engineers are at the core of designing resilient, sustainable infrastructure that protects our watersheds. This includes modeling flood elevations in a stream corridor or designing a green infrastructure stormwater retrofit in a neighborhood park. Our dedicated engineers bring technical precision and ecological insight to every project.
Field Work Rooted in Design
Fieldwork is a vital part of a Water Resources Engineer’s role. When evaluating a stream for restoration or verifying modeled flood elevations, our engineers collaborate with colleagues in the field to collect survey data, inspect infrastructure, and gain an understanding of on-the-ground hydrology.
Field tasks may include:
- Surveying culvert inverts and dimensions
- Walking stream reaches to identify bankfull elevations and bed features
- Locating high water marks that help calibrate floodplain models
Water Resources Engineers often work closely with Stream Ecologists to integrate geomorphic assessments into restoration designs and to verify channel capacity during peak flow events. The insights gathered during these visits inform our design decisions and guide stormwater management strategies back in the office.
Modeling, Design, and Technical Analysis
When working in the office, Water Resources Engineers lead the development and refinement of flood elevation models, design stormwater systems and controls, and prepare stream restoration plans. Using tools like HEC-RAS, SWMM, HydroCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D, they simulate water flow through watersheds and across project sites to size culverts, channels, outlet structures, and flood storage and mitigation features.
Our engineers also develop grading plans, prepare construction documents, and write technical reports that support permit applications and funding requests. When stream restoration is the goal, they integrate hydraulic modeling with ecological design to ensure that new channels, riffles, and floodplains function safely while improving habitat and sediment transport.
Water Resources Engineers frequently collaborate with colleagues to prepare planting plans, mitigation bank documentation, and restoration monitoring plans, ensuring each design meets both regulatory and ecological objectives.
Collaboration Across Disciplines and Clients
Water Resources Engineers at MWI collaborate daily with Landscape Architects, Wetland Scientists, and Stream Ecologists. Whether assessing site constraints during pre-design or troubleshooting solutions during construction, they rely on a multidisciplinary approach to produce well-rounded, buildable designs.
Our Water Resources Engineers also work closely with public clients, private developers, and regulatory agencies to explain models, justify designs, and answer technical questions. This type of stakeholder engagement ensures that each project is grounded in sound science and practical outcomes.
Engineering with Purpose
At MWI, Water Resources Engineers help protect communities, improve ecological function, and solve water resource challenges. From flood modeling and culvert replacement to stream realignment and wetland restoration, every project is an opportunity to make a measurable difference!
If you’re a problem-solver with a passion for hydrology, stormwater systems, or ecological restoration, we’d love to talk. Contact Midwest Wetland Improvements if you’re interested in helping us shape a more resilient, water-smart future across the Midwest.
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