Water Resources Project Manager

Fairfax, Virginia | Transportation Drainage & Stormwater Projects

The Opportunity

My client, a fast-growing, locally rooted civil engineering firm based in Fairfax, Virginia, is seeking a Water Resources Project Manager to join its expanding team.

Over the past 18 months, the firm has experienced significant growth in transportation-related water resources work, driven by a strong influx of VDOT and locally administered transportation projects. With a healthy backlog and additional work anticipated over the coming months, they are looking for a Project Manager who can take ownership of project delivery while playing a key role in the continued growth of the water resources group.

Despite this success, the company has intentionally remained lean, collaborative, and free from unnecessary corporate layers. With approximately 20 employees and a hands-on leadership team, this is an environment where your contributions are visible, your ideas are heard, and career progression is tied directly to your impact.

The water resources team already has an established Director in place, and this individual will work closely alongside them. Initially, the role will be heavily focused on technical delivery and project management, but there is a clear growth path for someone who wants to take on greater leadership responsibilities over time.

As the firm continues its rapid expansion and moves into a larger office, there are plans to keep building out the team. This creates a unique opportunity for someone who wants to remain hands-on technically while positioning themselves to eventually lead staff, support hiring efforts, and build their own team within the practice.

Position Summary

The Water Resources Project Manager will lead the delivery of transportation drainage and stormwater projects throughout Virginia, ensuring projects are completed on schedule, within budget, and to the highest technical standards.

This role combines project management, technical expertise, client interaction, and team coordination. Working directly under the Director of Water Resources, you will play a critical role in supporting project delivery while helping expand the group's capabilities and developing future leadership responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

Project Management & Technical Delivery

• Manage transportation drainage and stormwater projects from planning through final delivery.
• Develop and oversee project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource allocations.
• Coordinate with internal disciplines and subconsultants to ensure successful project execution.
• Prepare and review technical reports, drainage studies, stormwater analyses, and cost estimates.
• Develop and review hydrologic and hydraulic models for transportation projects.
• Lead quality control reviews and ensure compliance with company and client standards.
• Support projects through design and construction phases as required.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining quality, budget, and schedule commitments.

Team Coordination & Development

• Coordinate multidisciplinary project teams and technical resources.
• Communicate project progress, risks, and key milestones to stakeholders.
• Mentor junior engineers and support their professional development.
• Participate in project reviews, lessons learned discussions, and technical training initiatives.
• Work alongside the Director of Water Resources in helping grow and develop the team.
• Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and staff development efforts as the group expands.

Client Relations & Business Development

• Build and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Participate in client meetings and project progress discussions.
• Assist with proposal preparation, fee development, and pursuit strategies.
• Support shortlist interviews and business development initiatives.
• Help identify opportunities for repeat work and long-term client growth.

What They're Looking For

This firm is focused less on title and more on capability. Candidates with 6+ years of experience in water resources, stormwater, or transportation drainage are encouraged to apply, particularly those who are ready to take ownership of projects and begin stepping into broader leadership responsibilities.

The ideal candidate will bring:

• Strong project management and technical delivery experience.
• Experience working on VDOT or transportation-related drainage and stormwater projects.
• The ability to lead project teams and coordinate multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication and client relationship skills.
• A desire to mentor junior staff and help build a growing team.
• Ambition to progress into future leadership opportunities.

Whether you're already operating as a Project Manager or are a Senior Engineer ready for the next step, this role offers a clear pathway for growth as the business continues to expand.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• 6+ years of water resources, drainage, stormwater, or transportation engineering experience.
• Virginia PE license or ability to obtain licensure.
• Experience with VDOT and locally administered transportation projects.
• Strong understanding of transportation drainage and stormwater design.
• Experience managing project schedules, budgets, and client expectations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, and Bentley software platforms including MicroStation and ProjectWise.
• Ability to successfully manage multiple projects concurrently.

Compensation & Growth Opportunity

• Base Salary: $115,000 - $160,000+ depending on experience, project management background, technical expertise, and leadership potential.
• Flexible title and compensation structure for exceptional candidates.
• Opportunity to work directly under an established Water Resources Director.
• Clear pathway into future team leadership as the department continues to grow.
• Opportunity to help build and develop your own team over time.
• Long-term career progression within a firm that has ambitious plans for continued expansion across Virginia.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

• Strong backlog of transportation, drainage, and stormwater projects.
• Exposure to high-profile VDOT and locally administered transportation programs.
• Direct access to firm leadership and decision-makers.
• Opportunity to help shape the future of a growing Water Resources practice.
• Technical project work today with a genuine pathway toward team leadership.
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial culture with minimal bureaucracy.
• New office expansion supporting the firm's next phase of growth.
• Chance to make a visible impact within a rapidly growing civil engineering firm.