Water Resources Project Manager
The Role
Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment between project objectives and deliverables.
Prepare and lead client meetings, technical presentations, and design workshops.
Lead the planning, modeling, design, and delivery of complex water resources projects, including flood mitigation, stormwater systems, river restoration, dam/reservoir rehabilitation, and watershed studies.
Oversee advanced hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses using tools such as HEC-RAS (1D/2D), HEC-HMS, SWMM/PCSWMM, and other modeling platforms.
Direct preparation and QA/QC of plans, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, and FEMA or permitting submittals.
Develop engineering approaches, alternatives analyses, and recommendations that balance technical performance, cost, constructability, and environmental stewardship.
Manage full project lifecycle: scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resourcing, risk identification, and change management.
Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated and timely project delivery.
Lead construction-phase services including RFIs, submittal reviews, field observations, and resolution of design-related issues.
Maintain accurate project documentation, progress tracking, and financial performance reporting.
Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and performance feedback to junior engineers and EITs.
Delegate tasks effectively and support staff development through coaching, training, and design reviews.
Champion company QA/QC standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality across project deliverables.
Identify new opportunities, support client account growth, and help develop strategic pursuits.
Lead or contribute to proposal development, including scopes, schedules, level of effort, and interview participation.
Make key technical and delivery decisions, balancing risk, cost, constructability, and regulatory requirements while guiding the team to successful outcomes.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or similar ABET-accredited engineering program
- 8+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, including design and project delivery
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; must demonstrate independent technical leadership + client management experience
- Advance knowledge with hydrologic and hydraulic judgement
- Experience preparing and reviewing PS&E packages, technical reports, design documentation, and modeling summaries
- Track record of managing project financial performance
- Experience leading proposals and interviews and expanding existing client accounts
- Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS)
- Familiarity with permitting processes (FEMA LOMR/CLOMR, USACE 404/401, state DEQ, dam safety, local stormwater regulations)
- Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk across multiple concurrent projects
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies
- Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time, within budget, and with strong quality outcomes
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client presentations, technical reporting, and team coordination
- Strong problem-solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and ability to make informed decisions under pressure
- Client-service mindset and ability to build, maintain, and grow long-term client relationships
- Interest in practice development, innovation, and continuous improvement
- Valid driver’s license and insurable record for periodic travel
Qualifications
- Valid driver’s license and insurable record for periodic travel