Group Leader - Drainage

About the role

GFT Inc. is seeking a Chief Engineer Drainage position in any of their Florida offices. This role operates under a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance at one of their Florida offices. It is a full-time position.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in advancing the practice through the implementation of innovative engineering practices, standardized processes, emerging technologies, and strategic technical initiatives that enhance project delivery, operational efficiency, and technical excellence.
• Build and grow the Florida drainage practice, including staffing, training, and technology investments.
• Support FDOT prequalification, resumes, and technical marketing materials for proposals.
• Identify emerging opportunities in resiliency, flooding, sea-level rise, and stormwater infrastructure.
• Serve as the lead for drainage and stormwater engineering in Florida.
• Provide technical oversight and QA/QC for complex drainage designs and reports.
• Lead drainage and stormwater design for roadway and infrastructure projects.
• Perform hydrologic/hydraulic modeling and prepare drainage reports and plans.
• Apply FDOT Drainage Manual and Florida water management district criteria.
• Cover coordination with roadway, structures, environmental teams, and agencies.
• Mentor and junior engineers.
• Act as Drainage Discipline Lead on major FDOT, municipal, and design-build projects.
• Interface with FDOT, counties, municipalities, and Florida water management districts (SWFWMD, SFWMD, SJRWMD, NWFWMD).
• Participate in key client meetings, scope development, and fee negotiations.
• Recruit, mentor, and develop drainage engineers and designers.
• Provide technical training and career development for staff.
• Foster a culture of quality, innovation, and collaboration.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in Florida (or ability to obtain within 6 months).
• 15+ years of drainage and stormwater design experience, with significant Florida project experience.
• Demonstrated leadership of drainage teams and major infrastructure projects.
• Deep knowledge of FDOT Drainage Manual, Florida Administrative Code, and water management district permitting.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Experience: 15+ years of drainage and stormwater design experience, with significant Florida project experience.
• Skills: Demonstrated leadership of drainage teams and major infrastructure projects, deep knowledge of FDOT Drainage Manual, Florida Administrative Code, and water management district permitting.

Benefits

Featured Benefits:

• A hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
• A comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• A competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
• A tuition reimbursement for continued education.
• A commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations.
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $130,000 - $205,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Schedule

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status

Full-Time