Group Leader - Drainage
About the role
GFT Inc. is seeking a Chief Engineer Drainage position in any of their Florida offices. This role operates on 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.
- Cook up with roadway, structures, environmental teams, and agencies.
- Mentor and junior engineers.
- Act as Drainage Discipline Lead on major FDOT, municipal, and design-build projects.
- Cook up with roadway, structures, geotechnical, environmental, and permitting teams.
- 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: Professional Engineer (PE) license in Florida (or ability to obtain within 6 months), demonstrated leadership of drainage teams and major infrastructure projects, deep knowledge of FDOT Drainage Manual, Florida Administrative Code, and water management district permitting.
Benefits
- Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment.
- Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
- Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan.
- Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual.
- Tuition reimbursement for continued education.
- 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
Company Overview
At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more. Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.
Equal Opportunity Employer
GFT is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.