Runoff Coefficient
A Runoff Coefficient is a simple but important measurement tool that water management professionals use to predict how much rainwater will flow over different surfaces, like parking lots, roofs, or grass areas. Think of it like a score from 0 to 1 that shows how much water runs off instead of soaking in - where 0 means all water soaks in (like a sandy beach) and 1 means all water runs off (like concrete). Engineers and planners use this to design drainage systems, prevent flooding, and manage stormwater in construction projects.
Examples in Resumes
Calculated Runoff Coefficient values for a 50-acre development project to optimize drainage design
Used Runoff Coefficients to assess flood risks in urban development areas
Developed stormwater management plans incorporating Runoff Coefficient analysis for multiple construction sites
Typical job title: "Water Resource Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Water Resource Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you explain the importance of runoff coefficients to a city planning board?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should be able to explain in non-technical terms how runoff coefficients help predict flooding risks, plan drainage systems, and protect property, while also discussing cost implications and environmental impacts.
Q: How do you handle conflicting runoff coefficient requirements in a complex project?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in balancing different stakeholder needs, explaining how they would coordinate between developers, environmental regulations, and budget constraints while maintaining proper drainage design.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when determining runoff coefficients for a site?
Expected Answer: Should mention surface types, soil conditions, slope, vegetation, and development density, showing understanding of how these affect water flow.
Q: How do you adjust runoff coefficients for different storm intensities?
Expected Answer: Should explain how rainfall intensity affects runoff patterns and demonstrate knowledge of adjusting calculations based on storm severity.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is a runoff coefficient and why is it important?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain that it's a measure of how much water runs off versus absorbs into surfaces, and why this matters for drainage planning.
Q: What are typical runoff coefficient values for common surfaces?
Expected Answer: Should know basic values like concrete/asphalt (high), grass areas (medium), and natural areas (low), and explain why they differ.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of drainage calculations
- Familiarity with common surface types and their coefficients
- Ability to use standard calculation methods
- Basic AutoCAD or similar software knowledge
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex drainage system design
- Stormwater management planning
- Project coordination
- Regulatory compliance knowledge
Senior (5+ years)
- Advanced hydraulic modeling
- Project management
- Environmental impact assessment
- Stakeholder communication
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic drainage concepts
- No experience with drainage calculation software
- Lack of knowledge about local stormwater regulations
- No understanding of environmental impact considerations
