Water Resources Principle
Our client is looking for an experienced Water Resources leader to establish, grow, and lead a high-performing practice in the Pittsburgh market. This is a rare opportunity for a senior engineer and business developer to shape the direction of a growing regional water resources team while delivering complex projects across hydrology, hydraulics, flood risk, watershed management, dams, and regulatory permitting.
The successful candidate will play a key role in driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, mentoring technical staff, and leading a diverse portfolio of water resources projects for public and private sector clients throughout Pennsylvania and the surrounding region.
The Role
As the Water Resources Principal, you will lead the strategic growth of the practice while remaining engaged in project delivery and client development. You'll work closely with leadership across the organization to expand capabilities, pursue new opportunities, and build a team recognized for technical excellence and outstanding client service.
This is a true seller-doer leadership position, ideal for someone who enjoys balancing business development, team leadership, and technical oversight.
Responsibilities
- Lead and grow a Water Resources practice in the Pittsburgh region
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with municipal, state, federal, and private-sector clients
- Identify opportunities, lead pursuits, and secure new work
- Manage and oversee complex water resources projects from planning through design and permitting
- Provide technical leadership in areas such as:
- Hydrologic and Hydraulic (H&H) modelling
- Watershed management
- FEMA floodplain studies and permitting
- Dam safety and dam breach analyses
- Ports, waterways, and coastal/inland navigation projects
- Stormwater and drainage systems
- Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and ensure successful project delivery
- Mentor, develop, and recruit engineering staff
- Support project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and financial performance
- Build a collaborative and high-performing team culture
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- 15+ years of experience within water resources engineering
- Strong technical expertise in one or more water resources disciplines, including H&H modelling, floodplain management, dam safety, watershed studies, or FEMA-related work
- Demonstrated success leading teams and developing technical staff
- Proven business development experience with a history of winning work and growing client relationships
- Experience managing project financials, proposals, and contracts
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
- Familiarity with local, state, and federal regulatory requirements, including FEMA and USACE processes
Why Consider This Opportunity?
This role offers the chance to build something meaningful within an established and highly respected engineering organization. You'll have the support, resources, and technical network of a larger firm while helping shape the future of a growing regional practice.
Benefits include:
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Employee ownership opportunities through an ESOP program
- Performance-based bonus structure
- Strong project backlog and long-term growth potential
- Clear pathway to influence office and regional strategy
- Leadership development and professional growth support
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company contributions
- Profit sharing and additional employee ownership benefits
- Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
Apply
This is an excellent opportunity for a senior Water Resources professional looking to take ownership of a regional practice, expand an existing client base, and lead a team delivering impactful projects across flood risk, stormwater, watershed management, dams, and hydraulic modelling.
Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid) Level: Principal / Practice Lead Experience: 15+ Years License: PE Required Compensation: Competitive base salary, bonus, and employee ownership package available
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