U.S. Hydropower Growth Leader

About the role

The U.S. Hydropower Growth Leader position at Tetra Tech's National Water Group is aimed at expanding and shaping the hydropower and dam practice across the United States. This role offers hybrid work flexibility from Tetra Tech's Atlanta, GA office or any Tetra Tech office nationwide.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients and internal teams, helping to define market strategy, strengthen client relationships, and guide the delivery of technically complex projects that support the future of hydropower in the United States.
• Lead client engagement and serve as primary relationship manager for key hydropower and dam clients, converting industry relationships into repeat work and new awards across conventional hydropower and pumped storage markets.
• Drive opportunities, shape pursuit strategies based on trends and funding mechanisms, define technical approaches, assemble best-in-firm teams, and represent Tetra Tech’s technical credibility with developers, utilities, and public owners.
• Provide program level leadership for feasibility studies, site screening, FERC licensing support, conceptual design, permitting, and early development services for hydropower and pumped storage projects.
• Serve as senior technical reviewer and advisor on hydropower and dam projects, ensuring alignment with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and client expectations.
• Coverge multidisciplinary delivery teams across geographies and business lines, including dams, geotechnical, environmental, water quality, transmission, and fish passage.
• Support relationships with key clients of interest, including Public Utility Districts (PUDs) throughout the Northwest, the Tennessee Valley Authority; and clients with pumped storage hydropower (PSH) opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or a related field.
• A minimum of 20+ years of experience in hydropower and/or dam engineering, including significant leadership responsibility in technical delivery, client development, or program management roles.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure.
• Demonstrated expertise in FERC licensing, hydropower permitting, and coordination with environmental review processes.
• Proven capability leading early phase hydropower development, including feasibility studies, site screening, conceptual design, cost estimating, and licensing support.
• Strong record of building and sustaining client relationships with utilities, public utility districts, power authorities, and public agencies.
• Demonstrated success leading cross-disciplinary, multi-office teams and delivering complex infrastructure projects profitably.
• Knowledge of hydropower facility systems (e.g., turbines, gates, balance of plant, powerhouses) sufficient to guide integrated engineering teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent the firm at executive, regulatory, and industry association levels.

Qualifications

• Willingness to travel nationally to support client development, site visits, and project delivery.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid or flexible work environment.
• Manual dexterity to use a computer mouse, keyboard, and peripheral equipment.

Skills

• Deep knowledge of markets, trends, and clients.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning skills.
• Ability to navigate regulatory environments and manage complex projects.
• Excellent client relationship management.
• Experience in early phase hydropower development.
• Strong technical and project management skills.

Benefits

Tetra Tech offers comprehensive and market-competitive benefits, merit-based financial rewards, and a commitment to work/life balance. The company also values ongoing professional growth and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Pay

The salary range for this position is approximately $190,000 to $260,000, with compensation determined based on a combination of experience, skill set, certifications, and educational background.

Schedule

This is a full-time position typically scheduled Monday through Friday, but additional hours may be required to meet company and program needs.