Water & Environmental Engineer

Water & Environmental Engineer

Position Overview

Samawada is seeking a technically capable, innovative, and solutions-oriented Water & Environmental Engineer to support the organization's humanitarian water initiatives, environmental engineering projects, sustainable water infrastructure, water resource management, and climate resilience programming.

The successful candidate will contribute engineering expertise to the assessment, planning, design, development, and evaluation of sustainable water and environmental systems that address challenges affecting vulnerable communities.

The role will focus on developing practical engineering solutions for improved access to safe water, sustainable water infrastructure, sanitation systems, wastewater management, environmental protection, and climate-resilient community infrastructure.

The Water & Environmental Engineer will work closely with International Programs & Partnerships, WASH, Hydrology, Research, GIS & Remote Sensing, Data & Analytics, Climate Resilience, and organizational leadership to translate engineering knowledge into practical humanitarian interventions.

The role will contribute to:

• Water infrastructure engineering
• Water supply system design
• Community water infrastructure
• Borehole and well infrastructure assessment
• Water distribution systems
• Water treatment solutions
• Water purification technologies
• Sanitation infrastructure
• Wastewater management
• Environmental engineering
• Sustainable infrastructure development
• Water infrastructure feasibility assessments
• Engineering design and technical specifications
• Infrastructure cost estimation
• Environmental impact assessment support
• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Rainwater harvesting systems
• Stormwater management
• Drainage system design
• Irrigation engineering
• Infrastructure rehabilitation
• Technical project supervision
• Engineering documentation
• WASH project development

This is an excellent opportunity to apply engineering knowledge to real-world humanitarian challenges while developing professional experience in water engineering, environmental engineering, sustainable infrastructure, WASH programming, climate resilience, and international development.

What You Will Do

Water Infrastructure Engineering

• Support the planning and engineering assessment of community water infrastructure.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of sustainable water supply systems.
• Assess the technical requirements of community wells, boreholes, water storage facilities, and distribution networks.
• Develop engineering recommendations for improving existing water infrastructure.
• Research appropriate technologies for rural and underserved communities.
• Support the identification of technically and economically feasible water infrastructure solutions.
• Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, and infrastructure plans.
• Assess infrastructure requirements based on community needs and available resources.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable water infrastructure models.
• Recommend engineering improvements that enhance infrastructure reliability and long-term sustainability.

Water Supply & Distribution Systems

• Support the design and assessment of community water supply systems.
• Research appropriate water distribution technologies for rural and remote communities.
• Assess water storage requirements and distribution infrastructure.
• Support the engineering assessment of pumps, pipelines, reservoirs, and water storage facilities.
• Evaluate potential water distribution challenges.
• Contribute to the development of water supply system layouts.
• Assess infrastructure requirements for connecting water sources to communities.
• Research energy-efficient water pumping solutions.
• Support the evaluation of solar-powered water supply systems.
• Recommend appropriate engineering solutions for improving community water access.

Water Treatment & Purification Systems

• Research appropriate water treatment and purification technologies.
• Support the technical assessment of water treatment systems.
• Evaluate treatment options based on available water quality information.
• Research filtration, disinfection, sedimentation, and other water treatment processes.
• Support the identification of appropriate technologies for rural and underserved communities.
• Assess the technical requirements of small-scale and community-level water treatment facilities.
• Research low-cost and sustainable water purification solutions.
• Support the evaluation of treatment system efficiency and operational requirements.
• Work with WASH specialists and water quality professionals to identify appropriate treatment solutions.
• Contribute technical recommendations for improving access to safe drinking water.

Sanitation & Wastewater Engineering

• Support the assessment and planning of community sanitation infrastructure.
• Research appropriate sanitation technologies for rural and underserved communities.
• Contribute to the design and evaluation of sanitation systems.
• Research wastewater collection, treatment, and disposal solutions.
• Assess appropriate decentralized wastewater treatment technologies.
• Support the evaluation of septic systems and other sanitation infrastructure.
• Research environmentally sustainable wastewater management approaches.
• Identify potential environmental risks associated with inadequate sanitation infrastructure.
• Support the development of engineering recommendations for improving sanitation services.
• Work with WASH and environmental specialists to integrate sanitation solutions into humanitarian projects.

Environmental Engineering & Protection

• Research engineering solutions that reduce environmental degradation.
• Support the assessment of environmental risks associated with infrastructure development.
• Evaluate potential environmental considerations related to water projects.
• Research sustainable approaches to waste management and pollution prevention.
• Support environmental protection initiatives.
• Assess potential environmental impacts associated with water infrastructure.
• Research nature-based solutions for water management.
• Contribute to environmental sustainability assessments.
• Support the integration of environmental considerations into project planning.
• Recommend practical engineering approaches that minimize environmental harm.

Rainwater Harvesting & Water Conservation

• Research rainwater harvesting technologies and systems.
• Support the assessment and design of community rainwater collection systems.
• Evaluate appropriate rainwater storage technologies.
• Research water conservation methods for water-stressed communities.
• Support the development of rainwater harvesting infrastructure.
• Assess potential applications of rooftop and surface runoff collection.
• Research low-cost water storage and conservation technologies.
• Contribute engineering recommendations for improving water availability during dry seasons.
• Support the integration of water conservation into community resilience initiatives.

Climate-Resilient Infrastructure

• Research engineering solutions that strengthen water infrastructure against climate-related risks.
• Assess infrastructure vulnerabilities associated with droughts, flooding, and extreme weather.
• Support the development of climate-resilient water supply systems.
• Research resilient infrastructure technologies for vulnerable communities.
• Evaluate potential engineering improvements for existing water systems.
• Support the integration of climate adaptation into infrastructure planning.
• Research sustainable and energy-efficient infrastructure solutions.
• Work with Hydrology and Climate Resilience specialists to incorporate environmental and hydrological information into engineering assessments.
• Contribute technical recommendations for disaster-resilient community infrastructure.

Irrigation & Agricultural Water Systems

• Research sustainable irrigation technologies.
• Support the assessment of community and small-scale agricultural irrigation systems.
• Evaluate appropriate water-efficient irrigation technologies.
• Research drip irrigation and other water conservation methods.
• Support the engineering assessment of water storage and distribution systems for agricultural applications.
• Examine opportunities for improving irrigation efficiency.
• Research solar-powered irrigation systems.
• Contribute to climate-resilient agricultural water management initiatives.
• Work with agricultural and environmental specialists where relevant.

Engineering Feasibility & Technical Assessments

• Conduct preliminary engineering assessments of proposed water and environmental infrastructure projects.
• Review available technical information and project requirements.
• Assess infrastructure feasibility based on available engineering and environmental information.
• Identify potential technical constraints and implementation challenges.
• Research alternative engineering solutions.
• Support preliminary infrastructure planning and design.
• Contribute to technical feasibility reports.
• Identify potential infrastructure risks and maintenance requirements.
• Support the development of engineering recommendations.
• Work with Programs & Partnerships to ensure proposed interventions have appropriate technical foundations.

Engineering Design & Technical Documentation

• Support the preparation of engineering drawings and technical designs.
• Develop preliminary infrastructure layouts where appropriate.
• Prepare technical specifications for proposed infrastructure.
• Support the development of bills of quantities (BOQs).
• Assist with preliminary engineering cost estimates.
• Prepare technical documentation for proposed water infrastructure.
• Review available construction and engineering documentation.
• Support the preparation of infrastructure implementation guidelines.
• Maintain organized engineering documentation.
• Ensure engineering assumptions and design limitations are clearly documented.

Infrastructure Rehabilitation & Maintenance

• Support the assessment of existing community water infrastructure.
• Identify potential infrastructure deterioration and maintenance challenges.
• Research appropriate rehabilitation approaches for damaged or underperforming water systems.
• Support the development of infrastructure maintenance recommendations.
• Evaluate the sustainability of proposed infrastructure rehabilitation solutions.
• Research preventative maintenance approaches.
• Identify opportunities to improve infrastructure efficiency and reliability.
• Support the development of basic infrastructure maintenance plans.
• Contribute to the evaluation of long-term infrastructure performance.

GIS, Spatial Analysis & Engineering Applications

• Work with GIS and Remote Sensing specialists to support infrastructure planning.
• Contribute to mapping water infrastructure and environmental assets.
• Support the spatial assessment of potential infrastructure locations.
• Interpret elevation, terrain, drainage, and land-use information.
• Use geospatial information to support infrastructure feasibility assessments.
• Contribute to mapping wells, boreholes, pipelines, reservoirs, and other water infrastructure.
• Support the identification of infrastructure accessibility challenges.
• Work with hydrological datasets to inform engineering assessments.
• Contribute to geospatial infrastructure planning.
• Support the integration of engineering information into organizational GIS platforms.

Humanitarian WASH & Project Development

• Provide engineering input into Samawada's humanitarian water and sanitation projects.
• Support the technical development of WASH project proposals.
• Assess engineering requirements for community water access initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of sustainable water infrastructure projects.
• Work with Programs & Partnerships to identify appropriate engineering interventions.
• Support project feasibility and technical planning.
• Contribute engineering recommendations to donor proposals and funding applications.
• Support the development of project implementation plans.
• Help identify suitable infrastructure technologies for local contexts.
• Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of water infrastructure projects.

Technical Research & Innovation

• Research emerging technologies in water and environmental engineering.
• Identify innovative and affordable solutions for community water challenges.
• Research solar-powered water systems and energy-efficient technologies.
• Explore decentralized water treatment and sanitation technologies.
• Research sustainable construction materials and infrastructure approaches.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with universities, engineering institutions, and research organizations.
• Evaluate engineering solutions suitable for resource-constrained environments.
• Contribute to technical research and organizational publications.
• Recommend opportunities for improving Samawada's engineering capabilities.

Technical Reporting & Documentation

• Prepare engineering assessment reports.
• Document technical methodologies and engineering assumptions.
• Prepare technical summaries for project proposals and donor applications.
• Develop infrastructure assessment reports.
• Document technical specifications and preliminary cost estimates.
• Prepare engineering recommendations for organizational leadership.
• Maintain records of technical assessments and engineering documentation.
• Present engineering findings to multidisciplinary teams.
• Translate technical information into understandable recommendations for non-technical audiences.

Collaboration Across Teams

The Water & Environmental Engineer will work closely with:

• International Programs & Partnerships
• Hydrology
• WASH & Water Security
• Research & Development
• GIS & Remote Sensing
• Data & Analytics
• Climate Resilience
• Environmental Research
• Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
• Grants & Partnership Development
• Finance & Operations
• Organizational leadership

The Engineer should help ensure that Samawada's humanitarian water and environmental initiatives are supported by practical engineering solutions, sustainable infrastructure planning, technical assessments, and environmentally responsible approaches.

Engineering Governance

• Follow Samawada's organizational policies and technical procedures.
• Maintain professional and scientific integrity.
• Use appropriate engineering methodologies and technical standards.
• Document engineering assumptions, limitations, and recommendations.
• Consider environmental sustainability and community requirements in engineering assessments.
• Follow applicable health, safety, environmental, and infrastructure requirements.
• Respect local engineering regulations and construction standards.
• Obtain appropriate authorization before undertaking field assessments or infrastructure-related activities.
• Escalate significant technical, environmental, and infrastructure risks.
• Ensure technical recommendations receive appropriate review before implementation.

The Water & Environmental Engineer does not independently authorize construction, approve infrastructure expenditure, certify engineering designs, or undertake regulated professional engineering activities without the required qualifications, licensing, and authorization. Where professional engineering approval or sign-off is required, appropriately licensed professionals must provide it in accordance with applicable regulations.

What We Are Looking For

A background, experience, or strong interest in:

• Water Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Water Resources Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Sanitary Engineering
• Water Supply Engineering
• Wastewater Engineering
• Hydraulics
• Water Treatment
• Sanitation Infrastructure
• Sustainable Infrastructure
• Climate-Resilient Infrastructure
• Environmental Management
• WASH Programming
• Infrastructure Planning
• Engineering Research

Knowledge or experience with any of the following is an asset:

• AutoCAD
• Civil 3D
• Revit
• QGIS
• ArcGIS
• EPANET
• WaterGEMS
• SewerGEMS
• SWMM
• HEC-RAS
• HEC-HMS
• MATLAB
• Python
• Excel
• Hydraulic modelling
• Water treatment technologies
• Wastewater treatment systems
• Pumping systems
• Solar-powered water infrastructure
• Infrastructure cost estimation
• Bills of Quantities (BOQ)
• Engineering design documentation
• Environmental impact assessment
• Life-cycle cost analysis

Strong engineering and analytical skills.

Strong technical problem-solving abilities.

Ability to evaluate engineering challenges and identify practical solutions.

Strong attention to detail and technical documentation.

Ability to communicate engineering concepts to non-technical audiences.

Ability to work independently in a fully remote volunteer environment.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary humanitarian, research, environmental, and technical teams.

Ability to take initiative and make evidence-based engineering recommendations.

Passion for humanitarian work, sustainable infrastructure, environmental protection, water security, and international development.

Preferred Areas of Interest

Candidates with experience or interest in any of the following are encouraged to apply:

• Water infrastructure development
• Community water supply systems
• Borehole and well infrastructure
• Water treatment and purification
• Wastewater management
• Sanitation engineering
• Environmental engineering
• Sustainable water infrastructure
• Rainwater harvesting
• Water distribution networks
• Solar-powered water systems
• Irrigation engineering
• Climate adaptation
• Environmental sustainability
• Infrastructure rehabilitation
• Humanitarian WASH programming
• GIS-based infrastructure planning
• Hydraulic modelling
• Environmental impact assessment
• Rural infrastructure development

What You Will Gain

• Real-world experience contributing to humanitarian water infrastructure initiatives.
• Hands-on experience in water and environmental engineering research.
• Exposure to sustainable water infrastructure development.
• Experience supporting community water supply projects.
• Experience researching water treatment and sanitation technologies.
• Exposure to climate-resilient infrastructure planning.
• Experience working with GIS and engineering applications.
• Opportunities to contribute to humanitarian WASH projects.
• Experience developing technical assessments and engineering reports.
• Exposure to international humanitarian and development programming.
• Portfolio-building experience through practical engineering projects.
• Networking opportunities with engineers, environmental specialists, researchers, universities, and humanitarian professionals.
• Experience translating engineering knowledge into practical community impact.

Strategic Projects You May Support

Samawada Community Water Infrastructure Initiative

Support the technical assessment, planning, and development of sustainable water infrastructure designed to improve access to safe and reliable water for vulnerable communities.

Sustainable Water Supply & Distribution Project

Contribute to the assessment and planning of community water supply systems, including wells, boreholes, pumping systems, storage facilities, and distribution networks.

Community Water Treatment & Purification Initiative

Research and assess appropriate water treatment and purification technologies suitable for rural and underserved communities.

Water Infrastructure Rehabilitation Project

Support technical assessments of existing wells, boreholes, water storage systems, and community water infrastructure to identify rehabilitation and improvement opportunities.

Climate-Resilient Water Infrastructure Program

Research and develop engineering recommendations for water infrastructure that can withstand climate-related challenges, including droughts, flooding, and extreme weather.

Rainwater Harvesting & Water Conservation Initiative

Support the development of practical rainwater harvesting, water storage, and water conservation solutions for communities experiencing water scarcity.

Sustainable Sanitation & Wastewater Management Project

Research and assess decentralized sanitation and wastewater management technologies that can improve environmental conditions and community health.

Solar-Powered Water Infrastructure Initiative

Explore engineering solutions that integrate solar energy with community water pumping, distribution, and storage systems.

Humanitarian WASH Engineering Support

Provide engineering expertise to support the technical planning, feasibility assessments, and development of Samawada's WASH projects.

Environmental & Infrastructure Assessment Platform

Work with Hydrology, GIS, Remote Sensing, and Data & Analytics specialists to develop technical assessments and spatial information supporting water infrastructure planning and environmental decision-making.

Primary Success Measures

Success in this role will be measured by the ability to:

• Produce useful engineering assessments and technical recommendations.
• Contribute to sustainable water infrastructure planning.
• Support the technical development of WASH initiatives.
• Identify appropriate water treatment and sanitation solutions.
• Contribute to water supply and distribution system assessments.
• Support infrastructure feasibility assessments.
• Develop useful engineering documentation and technical reports.
• Identify innovative and affordable infrastructure solutions.
• Contribute to climate-resilient water infrastructure research.
• Improve the technical quality of proposed water projects.
• Collaborate effectively with hydrologists and multidisciplinary teams.
• Support the development of practical, environmentally responsible engineering solutions.
• Strengthen Samawada's technical capacity in water and environmental engineering.
• Help translate engineering expertise into sustainable humanitarian infrastructure and community impact.

The overall objective is to strengthen Samawada's engineering capacity to develop sustainable, technically sound, and environmentally responsible water and infrastructure solutions that improve living conditions and water security for vulnerable communities.