Water Resources Project Manager - Dams & Floodplain
Water Resources Project Manager - Dams & Floodplain
About the Company
My client is a multidisciplinary civil and water resources engineering firm supporting a diverse portfolio of municipal, state, federal, and private-sector projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic. Their work spans mixed-use developments, data centers, transportation infrastructure, public works improvements, environmental restoration projects, and flood risk management initiatives.
The firm's Water Resources practice provides expertise in floodplain analysis, dam safety, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, permitting, inspections, and resiliency planning for a wide range of public and private clients.
The Opportunity
My client is seeking an experienced Water Resources Project Manager to join their growing Floodplain and Dam Safety Team in Chantilly, Virginia.
This role is ideal for a professional with 8+ years of experience in floodplain management, dam safety, and H&H engineering who is looking to take ownership of projects, manage client relationships, mentor junior staff, and play a key role in the continued growth of the practice.
The successful candidate will lead multidisciplinary projects from proposal through completion while serving as a technical resource for floodplain studies, dam breach analyses, FEMA permitting efforts, and dam rehabilitation projects.
Key Responsibilities
Project Management & Client Leadership
- Manage floodplain and dam safety projects from planning through final delivery
- Serve as the primary point of contact for municipal, state, federal, and private-sector clients
- Develop project scopes, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans
- Monitor project financial performance and resource allocation
- Coordinate with regulatory agencies and review authorities throughout project execution
- Lead project meetings, presentations, and technical discussions with clients and stakeholders
- Support proposal preparation, fee development, and business development efforts
- Mentor and oversee junior engineers and technical staff
Technical Responsibilities
- Lead the development and review of hydrologic and hydraulic models using HEC-RAS (1D and 2D)
- Oversee floodplain studies, FEMA CLOMR and LOMR submissions, and floodplain permitting efforts
- Manage dam breach inundation studies, hazard classification evaluations, and dam safety assessments
- Direct the preparation of Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) and supporting documentation
- Provide technical oversight for dam rehabilitation, floodplain mitigation, and stream crossing projects
- Conduct technical reviews to ensure quality and regulatory compliance
- Interpret and apply state, federal, and local regulations related to floodplain management and dam safety
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field
- Minimum 8+ years of water resources engineering experience
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Strong experience managing floodplain and dam-related projects
- Advanced knowledge of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling principles
- Experience with HEC-RAS, GIS software, and FEMA floodplain permitting processes
- Proven track record managing project budgets, schedules, and client relationships
- Strong technical writing, communication, and leadership skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM)
- Experience with HEC-RAS 2D modeling
- Dam Safety Inspection certification or related dam safety experience
- Experience working with Virginia Dam Safety regulations and FEMA requirements
- Familiarity with AutoCAD Civil 3D or related design software
- Experience managing multidisciplinary engineering projects
Why Join?
This position offers the opportunity to take a leadership role within a well-established and growing water resources team while working on impactful projects across the region. You'll have the ability to influence project strategy, mentor engineers, build client relationships, and contribute to the long-term growth of the practice.
Benefits
- Competitive base salary and performance bonuses
- Hybrid and flexible work schedule
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- Life insurance and disability coverage
- 401(k) with company contribution
- Professional development, training, and continuing education support
- Clear pathway toward senior leadership within the organization
Salary Range: $110,000 - $160,000+ depending on experience, credentials, and project management background.
FAQs
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