Blog - Three Oaks Engineering

FILLED: Hydraulic Engineer – Durham, NC; Raleigh, NC; or Columbia, SC

Three Oaks Engineering is seeking a full-time engineer to join our expanding hydraulic design team. The position can be located in any of our three office locations (Durham, NC; Raleigh, NC; West Columbia/Cayce, SC). Three Oaks is a growing, sustainability-oriented, woman-owned business comprised of talented and motivated individuals focused on helping clients accomplish infrastructure projects with careful consideration of community and environmental needs. We are searching for like-minded individuals to work in a collaborative atmosphere with the goals of delivering outstanding products and superior client service, while providing our employees with the flexibility to balance business and family responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will support our hydraulic design group in leading hydraulic and erosion and sediment control design and floodplain modeling within our growing company. Three Oaks recently started a transportation design group to work cohesively with our established hydraulic design group. Our goal is to offer our transportation clients expanded services in hydraulic and transportation design for multimodal transportation and other infrastructure planning and design projects. This position will also support our existing services in environmental permitting, stormwater control measure (SCM) inspection, and watershed planning.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, Biological & Agricultural Engineering or equivalent education.
Professional Engineer with at least at least 3 years of experience in either hydraulic or water resources engineering.
Professional Engineer in North Carolina and/or South Carolina or ability to obtain within 12 months.
Experience with various hydrologic and hydraulic analysis software (HEC-RAS, HY-8, GEOPAK Drainage, HEC-HMS, StormCAD, HydroCAD, etc.).
An interest in contributing to multiple design disciplines in a collaborative work environment.
Experience with the linear transportation design process.
Proficiency with Microstation, Civil3D, and/or OpenRoads Designer.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with NCDOT and/or SCDOT design projects.
Experience with Floodplain modeling, No-Rise Certifications, and Conditional Letters of Map Revision (CLOMRs).
NCDOT Level III Erosion Control Design Certification.
Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).

To Apply:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The start date for this position is flexible. Please send resume and cover letter via email to careers@threeoaksengineering.com and reference Hydraulic Engineer Position in the subject line.

Three Oaks is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and promote employees regardless of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally recognized basis.

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September 13, 2023

Articles / Projects

Coastal Area Permitting: Protecting & Preserving Coastal Zones

Permitting regulations can be difficult terrain to navigate, especially in coastal areas where additional layers of permits are often required. Three Oaks’ permit specialists have extensive experience working with clients on projects in the coastal plain. In this article, we’ll break down the complexities and walk through an overview of coastal permitting, coastal zone consistency, and common events that trigger consistency reviews in North and South Carolina.

What is defined as a “coastal zone”? The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) segments the term into two primary subsections—coastal waters and adjacent shorelands. This encompasses coastal waters, inland zones that directly and significantly impact coastal waters, and all water and land that fall in and under those areas. North Carolina specifically uses the term “coastal area” while South Carolina utilizes “critical area.” North Carolina’s coastal areas that are protected under the Coastal Area Management Act (CAMA) include Beaufort, Bertie, Brunswick, Camden, Carteret, Chowan, Craven, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hertford, Hyde, New Hanover, Onslow, Pamlico, Pasquotank, Pender, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washington counties. In South Carolina, Beaufort, Berkeley, Charleston, Colleton, Dorchester, Horry, Jasper, and Georgetown counties fall into critical areas as declared by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC). The coastal zone maps for each state can be seen in the below figure (see figure 1 below).

Figure 1: Coastal Zones – NC & SC

Projects in coastal zones require additional permitting beyond those required by the Clean Water Act and are subject to Coastal Zone Consistency Certifications through each state’s respective Coastal Zone Management Program, authorized through the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) of 1972 to protect, restore, and responsibly develop coastal zones. There are two programs that may affect your project—Federal CZMA Consistency Review and State Coastal Zone Consistency Reviews. Common triggers for consistency reviews are any projects in coastal zones, projects significantly impacting coastal lands and waters, and projects receiving federal funding (see figure 2 below).

Figure 2: Federal, North Carolina, and South Carolina general triggers*

Navigating coastal permitting laws can be a challenge, but Three Oaks can help keep your project on track, on time, and on budget. A prime example of successful Three Oaks task completion is the Rodanthe Bridge project in Outer Banks, North Carolina. One of the main concerns for the project from NCDOT and partnering agencies was sub-aquatic vegetation (“SAV”), particularly a special seaweed that grows locally to the project site and provides resources to microorganisms and various wildlife. The seaweed was handled delicately and rehomed to continue prosperous growth. Additionally, sea turtles were a concern, so alternative lighting methods and revised timelines were used to mitigate harmful impacts to sea life during construction. Three Oaks provided the permitting and compliance assistance to ensure successful and efficient execution for the $145 million project.

If there is anything Three Oaks Engineering can assist with, reach out to either or our Durham, NC, or Columbia, SC, office anytime at durham@threeoaksengineering.com or columbia@threeoaksengineering.com, respectively.

*Always make sure to check your federal and state’s specific triggering actions before starting a project, or refer to a knowledgeable, licensed professional. Sources: (NOAA) https://coast.noaa.gov/data/czm/media/CZMA_10_11_06.pdf, (NOAA) https://coast.noaa.gov/data/czm/consistency/media/federal-consistency-overview.pdf, (NC Consistency) https://coast.noaa.gov/data/czm/consistency/media/nc.pdf, (NC CAMA Counties) https://www.deq.nc.gov/CAMAcounties, (SC Consistency) https://coast.noaa.gov/data/czm/consistency/media/sc.pdf, https://scdhec.gov/coastal-zone-consistency-state, (SC Critical Areas) https://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t48c039.php#:~:text=(B)%20%22Coastal%20zone%22,Horry%2C%20Jasper%2C%20and%20Georgetown, (Federal Consistency) https://coast.noaa.gov/czm/consistency/states/ , https://outerbankscoastallife.com/jug-handle-ecology/ (Jug Handle Project details)

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August 30, 2023

Careers

FILLED: Traffic Engineer – Raleigh, NC

Three Oaks Engineering is seeking an exceptional individual to join our expanding team in our Raleigh office. The ideal candidate is a transportation engineer with one to five years of experience in transportation planning and traffic engineering. Experience with TransModeler, Synchro, HCS, SIDRA, or TransCAD is a plus. This is an excellent ground-floor opportunity for an ambitious individual looking to grow with a dynamic firm.

Three Oaks is a growing, sustainably-oriented, woman-owned business comprised of talented and motivated individuals focused helping our clients implement infrastructure projects with careful consideration of community and environmental needs in a family environment. We are searching for like-minded individuals to work in a collaborative atmosphere with the goals of delivering outstanding products and superior client service, while providing our employees opportunities for growth and advancement along with the flexibility to balance business and family.

Preferred Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent education and experience. Professional Engineer (PE) or Engineer Intern (EI) certification is a plus.
• One to five years of experience in the field of traffic engineering, transportation planning, or travel demand modeling.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Benefits:
Three Oaks offers exceptional benefits, including health, dental, and matching 401K, as well as flexible work schedules and the opportunity to grow with the company. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and capabilities.

To Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, and three references via email to careers@threeoaksengineering.com and reference Traffic Engineer Position in the subject line.

Three Oaks is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and promote employees regardless of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally recognized basis.

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May 2, 2023

Careers

FILLED: Senior Transportation Design Engineer – Durham, NC; Raleigh, NC; or Columbia, SC

Three Oaks Engineering is seeking a full-time Senior Transportation Design Engineer to join our expanding team. The selected candidate will develop and lead a transportation design engineering group from one of our three office locations. Our goal is to provide our clients with expanded services in feasibility studies, conceptual designs, alternatives development, and corridor plans for multimodal transportation projects. The ideal candidate will enjoy collaborating with transportation planners, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) specialists, traffic engineers, systems planners, hydraulic engineers, and natural resource specialists to develop designs that meet project goals while best balancing competing needs.

Three Oaks is a growing, sustainability-oriented, woman-owned business comprised of talented and motivated individuals focused on helping clients accomplish infrastructure projects with careful consideration of community and environmental needs. We are searching for like-minded individuals to work in a collaborative atmosphere with the goals of delivering outstanding products and superior client service, while providing our employees with the flexibility to balance business and family responsibilities. Three Oaks offers exceptional benefits, including health, dental, flexible spending account, and matching 401K, as well as flexible work schedules.

Required Qualifications:

A minimum of a bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering with at least 10 years of experience in roadway, transit, and/or multimodal design
Professional Engineer in North Carolina and/or South Carolina

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience on NCDOT and/or SCDOT roadway design projects
Proficiency with Microstation, Geopak, Open Roads Designer, and/or Civil 3D
Experience with different design aspects for transportation projects (e.g., drainage, traffic control, signing)
Strong project management experience
Supervisory experience

To Apply:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The start date for this position is flexible. Please send resume and cover letter via email to careers@threeoaksengineering.com and reference Senior Transportation Design Engineer Position in the subject line.

Three Oaks is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and promote employees regardless of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally recognized basis.

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April 19, 2023

Careers

FILLED: Proposal Coordinator (Part-Time) – Columbia, SC

Three Oaks Engineering is seeking a part-time Proposal Coordinator to join our South Carolina team. This position will assist our technical staff in developing marketing proposals from beginning to end. Work will include preparing and editing text, formatting documents, developing graphics, and coordination with prime firms and clients for submission of materials. Tasks will also include monitoring and identifying potential projects using client, industry, and government websites. While the position is currently part-time (average 20 hours/week), it has the potential to develop into a full-time position (30+ hours) with benefits. We are open to hybrid in-office and remote work schedules.

Three Oaks is a growing, sustainability-oriented, woman-owned business comprised of talented and motivated individuals focused on helping clients accomplish infrastructure projects with careful consideration of community and environmental needs. We are searching for like-minded individuals to work in a collaborative atmosphere with the goals of delivering outstanding products and superior client service, while providing our employees with the flexibility to balance business and family responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:

Associate degree in English, marketing, graphic arts, or a closely related field or a combination of education and experience
Minimum of 2 years of experience in proposal coordination
Familiarity with state and federal procurement procedures
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
Strong organizational skills

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with SCDOT and/or SF330 proposals
Proficiency in graphics and/or publishing software
Experience in the A/E/C industry
Experience with ArcGIS or MicroStation

To Apply:
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The start date for this position is flexible. Please send resume, cover letter, and three references via email to careers@threeoaksengineering.com and reference Proposal Coordinator Position in the subject line.

Three Oaks is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and promote employees regardless of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally recognized basis.

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April 4, 2023

Careers

FILLED: Senior Environmental Project Manager – Columbia, SC

Three Oaks Engineering is seeking a full-time Senior Environmental Project Manager to join our expanding team in our Cayce/West Columbia, SC office. The successful candidate will manage projects and tasks associated with environmental permitting, protected species analysis, habitat assessments, plant identification, jurisdictional delineations, and/or wildlife surveys. The position will also include supervising staff, developing proposals, assisting in developing new business, and managing client relationships. While some field work will be required, we anticipate this position to primarily involve office work and are open to hybrid in-office and remote work schedules.

Three Oaks is a growing, sustainably-oriented, woman-owned business comprised of talented and motivated individuals focused helping our clients implement infrastructure projects with careful consideration of community and environmental needs. We are searching for like-minded individuals to work in a collaborative atmosphere with the goals of delivering outstanding products and superior client service, while providing our employees opportunities for growth and advancement along with the flexibility to balance business and family. We pride ourselves on maintaining the kind of corporate culture envisioned by our founders who wanted to create the kind of workplace where they wanted to work.

Preferred Qualifications:

A minimum of a B.A. or B.S. degree from an accredited university in biology, ecology, engineering, environmental studies, geology, or a closely related field
Ten or more years of applicable experience related to Clean Water Act 404/401permitting, Endangered Species Act/Section 7 Consultations, natural resources impact analysis, technical report writing, environmental consulting, and/or transportation planning
Strong project management experience
Supervisory experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Experience with ArcGIS or MicroStation

Benefits:
Three Oaks offers exceptional benefits, including health, dental, flexible spending account, monthly health stipend, and matching 401(k), as well as flexible work schedules and the opportunity to grow with the company. The salary for this position will be commensurate with experience and capabilities.

To Apply:
Please send resume, cover letter, and three references via email to careers@threeoaksengineering.com and reference Senior Enviromental Manager Position in the subject line.

Three Oaks is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and promote employees regardless of age, race, sex, color, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or other legally recognized basis.

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January 23, 2023