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Professional Design Engineer

St. Johns River Water Management District

Palatka, FL · Posted November 2, 2026

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About the job

Palatka, Florida, Professional Design Engineer, DIVISION OF ENGINEERING Make an Impact on Florida's Water Resources The St. Johns River Water Management District is an environmental agency whose work is focused on ensuring a long-term supply of drinking water, and to protect and restore the health of water bodies in the District’s 18 counties in northeast and east-central Florida. Enjoy work-life balance in a professional culture with competitive pay and benefits. The District is seeking an experienced Professional Engineer to perform civil, structural, and water resources engineering design. This position independently prepares drawings, specifications, calculations, cost estimates, and other technical deliverables for District projects. The ideal candidate will have strong hands-on design experience, apply sound engineering judgment, coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, and produce accurate, constructible designs that comply with applicable requirements. What You'll Do

Prepare construction drawings, technical specifications, material takeoffs, cost estimates, plans, and supporting design documentation for District projects. Serve as engineer of record for assigned projects and ensure designs comply with applicable laws, codes, standards, permit requirements, District criteria, and accepted engineering practice. Develop and evaluate design criteria, alternatives, technical recommendations, project scopes, schedules, and budgets; identify design risks and recommend practical solutions. Perform and document quality-control reviews of plans, specifications, calculations, reports, and other design deliverables; confirm that review comments are resolved before issuance. Review design submittals prepared by District staff, consultants, contractors, and external entities for technical accuracy, constructability, completeness, and compliance; recommend revisions as needed. Prepare or support permit applications and coordinate with regulatory agencies, partner agencies, and other stakeholders to resolve design and permitting issues. Provide engineering support during bidding and construction by reviewing contractor submittals, requests for information, proposed substitutions, and design changes and by preparing coordinated responses and revisions. Conduct site investigations and construction observations; obtain and evaluate field measurements and data, document site conditions, and prepare or review inspection reports. Communicate technical information clearly through drawings, reports, presentations, and meetings, and represent the District in coordination with consultants, contractors, agencies, and other stakeholders.

Key Skills for Success

Proficiency with engineering and design software; advanced experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D and ArcGIS Pro is preferred. Advanced knowledge of civil and structural engineering design, plans and specifications, construction methods, field inspection, cost estimating, and applicable codes, regulations, and standards. Ability to independently prepare and interpret engineering calculations, plans, specifications, maps, survey data, and construction contract documents. Ability to lead complex design assignments, develop scopes of work, evaluate technical problems, and exercise sound independent judgment. Ability to review work products for accuracy, quality, completeness, constructability, and compliance. Ability to communicate technical information clearly in drawings, reports, presentations, and meetings.

Working Environment Work is performed primarily in an office environment, with periodic fieldwork at project sites. Fieldwork requires working outdoors year-round in Florida weather and site conditions. Location Jacksonville or Palatka

Salary is based on qualifications and experience. Why Join Us? In addition to meaningful work and opportunities for professional growth, benefits include:

Florida Retirement System

Health and dental insurance

Life and long-term disability insurance

Paid parental leave

Paid leave and holidays

Professional development opportunities

Wellness program

Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program

Your application will receive careful consideration. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted to schedule an appointment. The St. Johns River Water Management District participates in E-Verify. Certain service members, veterans, and qualifying spouses and family members receive preference in employment and are encouraged to apply. Closing Date Open until filled Equal Employment Opportunity/Veterans’ Preference/Drug-Free and Tobacco-Free Workplace What You'll Bring | Minimum Qualifications State of Florida Professional Engineer license. Candidate licensed in another state must be able to obtain Florida licensure within one year of employment. Licenses Professional Engineer license issued by the State of Florida, or the ability to obtain Florida licensure within one year of employment. Valid State of Florida Driver’s License.