Coastal & Navigable Waterways Practice Leader

HDR · Corpus Christi, TX · 2 mo ago

On-siteEngineering$112k–$210k/yrFull-time

About the role

HDR is seeking a companywide Coastal & Navigable Waterways Practice Leader to complement our growing Waterfront Infrastructure Business Class and Maritime Market Sector. As a premier Maritime professional services firm, HDR delivers custom solutions to challenging projects globally. This role bridges the gap between local sponsors (ports, state agencies) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), managing staff and programs to deliver complex navigational, economic, and environmental studies under Section 203 of the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) to secure Congressional project authorization.

Responsibilities

Lead companywide development, coordination, training, monitoring, and improvement of technical competencies in channel planning and design to meet client needs and market drivers.
Collaborate with other practice leaders to develop transformative ideas that help clients capitalize on emerging navigable channels and coastal trends, ensuring future-proof investments and maintaining HDR’s thought leadership.
Drive open communication with Practice Group members regarding production needs and influence staffing and expertise levels.
Identify market opportunities in coordination with Area Business Development Leaders and develop winning pursuit strategies; assist with local and national pursuits.
Identify industry talent and work with leadership to attract and retain staff.
Oversee project service delivery to meet client expectations and maintain standards for quality and consistency.
Maintain qualification packages and staff skills matrices for project pursuits; assist in developing marketing materials, including proposals.
Lead workshare communications to ensure technical excellence and enhanced utilization.
Advocate for professional development of staff, including best practices, technical policies, papers, presentations, credentialing, and automation tools.
Serve as a project manager for major maritime projects, leveraging HDR’s global expertise to deliver quality work on time.
Develop client relationships in coordination with Area Business Development Leaders and local maritime planning staff.
Represent HDR at state and national professional organizations.
Act as a role model for HDR’s values, code of conduct, and professional/ethical/business standards.
Perform other duties as needed.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Coastal Engineering or related discipline (required).
Professional registration (e.g., PE, PTOE, PTP, PMP) preferred.
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or closely related discipline.
15+ years of relevant coastal engineering and/or planning experience in consulting or related fields.
Ability to bridge structural/civil/geotechnical design, federal regulations, and environmental compliance for navigable waterway projects.
Deep knowledge of U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting, United States Coast Guard (USCG) bridge and waterway rules, and environmental compliance.
Highly proficient with coastal engineering principles, practices, processes, design/build, and application to project work.
Record of delivering proposals and project deliverables with diverse teams.
Strong knowledge of marine, port, and coastal construction laws, codes, regulations, and compliance practices.
Experience providing critical review of documents and preparing complex technical deliverables and plans.
Demonstrated effectiveness in coordinating and directing subcontractors to complete tasks safely and efficiently.
Flexibility to adapt to varying schedules, prioritize responsibilities, and work under pressure.
Travel required based on project-specific needs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
A minimum of 10 years of design experience managing civil/site design projects.
Professional engineering license (e.g., PE or P.Eng) recognized by the licensing board for the position’s location.
Project engineering and project management experience.
Commitment to active participation in HDR’s employee-owned culture.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package promoting employee ownership, health, performance, and success, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, and an employee assistance program.
Paid time away, parental leave, and paid holidays.
Retirement savings plan with employer match.
Employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement.
Eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) fostering inclusion and belonging.

Pay

Expected compensation range: $111,720 – $210,000 (varies by skills, experience, education, and geographical location).

Schedule

Full-time, regular position.

Locations

United States: Texas (Corpus Christi, Houston), Ohio (Cincinnati, Cleveland), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh), Iowa (Davenport), Idaho (Lewiston), Louisiana (Metairie, Baton Rouge), Missouri (Kansas City, St. Louis), Nebraska (Omaha), Alabama (Mobile), California (Sacramento, Oakland), North Carolina (Wilmington), Georgia (Savannah), Wisconsin (Milwaukee), New York (Buffalo, Albany), Michigan (Detroit), Minnesota (St. Paul), Kentucky (Louisville), South Carolina (Charleston), Oregon (Portland), Virginia (Richmond, Norfolk), Florida (Jacksonville), Illinois (Chicago). Canada: Quebec, Ontario (Toronto).