Surface Water Program Manager

About the role

Michael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, is seeking a highly proficient Surface Water Program Manager with expertise in California stormwater regulations, permits, and compliance programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of direct and indirect reports across multiple service lines.
• Oversee a high-volume portfolio of construction stormwater-related projects, ensuring quality, timeliness, and regulatory compliance.
• Manage project financials, including forecasting, budgeting, and profitability tracking.
• Optimize resource allocation through collaboration with Surface Water Managers and Practice Leaders.
• Cultivate and maintain trusted adviser relationships with key clients.
• Serve as a primary point of contact, responding quickly to evolving client needs.
• Led project pursuits, including proposal development and interview presentations.
• Actively participate in professional organizations, conferences, boards, and technical committees to strengthen industry presence and secure new work.
• Identify emerging industry needs and contribute to thought leadership through technical articles and presentations.
• Provide guidance on California stormwater regulations, including MS4 permits, industrial stormwater requirements, and construction stormwater compliance.
• Support the development of innovative solutions to meet evolving regulatory and client needs.

Qualifications

• Prior project management experience with increasing levels of responsibility.
• Experience with California stormwater regulations, permits, and compliance programs.
• Strong skills in proposal development, project financial management, and staff coaching.
• Demonstrated adaptability and comfort working in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly to clients, regulators, and internal teams.
• Familiarity with the California Construction General Permit (Order No. 2022-0057-DWQ).
• QSD and QSP certifications strongly desired, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Experience engaging with industry organizations and supporting business development initiatives.

Preferred

• Familiarity with the California Construction General Permit (Order No. 2022-0057-DWQ).
• QSD and QSP certifications strongly desired, or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Compensation

The approximate compensation range for this position is $138,000 to $189,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision insurance
• 401K Retirement Plan
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability
• Professional and personal development
• Generous paid time off
• Commuter and wellness benefits
• Project Manager Bonuses

About the team

Michael Baker International’s Water Group provides innovative consulting, planning and engineering solutions for the entire spectrum of the water cycle. We have proven experience in providing a full range of professional services from scientific and technical analysis, concept through design, and construction support services. Protection and management of water resources starts at the watershed level and follows the movement of water through urban and agricultural areas, streams, lakes and reservoirs, water distribution systems, wastewater collection systems, and water/wastewater treatment plants.