Water Resources Project Manager
Water Resources Project Manager Environmental & Water Resources Consulting · Full-time
📍 Irvine, CA | Davis, CA | Daly City, CA | Pasadena, CA
We are an employee-owned engineering and environmental sciences consulting firm serving private- and public-sector clients across the United States. We're looking for an experienced Water Resources Project Manager to join our team and help drive meaningful improvements in water management strategies and practices.
This role reports to a Team Leader and oversees projects from initial planning through feasibility analysis, design, implementation, and completion. Project work spans SGMA compliance and implementation, groundwater basin characterization, water budgets and accounting frameworks, groundwater flow and constituent transport modeling, water supply planning, production well design, potable reuse planning, litigation support, and more.
What You'll Do
- Plan, organize, and manage project deliverables to ensure timely delivery, technical quality, and on-budget execution
- Oversee development and/or implementation of hydrogeologic conceptual models, water balances, numerical models, well siting, and groundwater recharge studies
- Interpret technical analysis results and form defensible conclusions
- Execute multiple concurrent projects efficiently
- Prepare technical memorandums, reports, and studies - including groundwater sustainability plans, water supply assessments, urban water management plans, integrated plans, water transfer analyses, and conservation programs
- Develop and deliver effective presentations that communicate complex technical problems to broad audiences
- Coordinate and facilitate meetings with clients and external stakeholders
- Maintain project schedules and budgets; prepare monthly progress reports
- Provide quality assurance and quality control review of project deliverables
What We're Looking For
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, or related field
- Master's degree preferred
Experience & Skills
- Minimum 4 years of experience as an engineer, planner, or hydrogeologist on water resources projects; 8+ years desirable
- 3+ years of project management experience desirable
- Technical proficiency in numerical groundwater modeling (e.g., MODFLOW, IWFM), water resources planning, data management and visualization, and ArcGIS
- Proficiency with Python or R, and Surfer preferred
- Knowledge of California groundwater and water planning regulations - including SGMA, the Urban Water Management Planning Act, and/or SB 610 - preferred
- Professional Registration (PE, PG, or similar) desirable; or 12+ years of demonstrated professional experience
- OSHA HAZWOPER training preferred but not required
Competencies
- Strong verbal and written communication skills - able to coordinate effectively with clients, subconsultants, regulatory agencies, and the public
- Ability to multi-task, stay organized, work independently, and collaborate across project teams
- Demonstrated time management skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail
- Genuine desire to grow professionally and personally
- Valid driver's license required
Work Environment & Travel
- Fast-paced environment with high-volume workload and frequent deadlines
- Occasional travel (up to 25%), including overnight, for client meetings and site visits
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and work in a stationary position for extended periods
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $107,000 - $150,000 annually
- Annual incentive compensation based on personal and firm performance
- As an employee-owned firm, eligible employees participate in an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) + 401(k) profit-sharing contributions
- Comprehensive group medical, vision, and dental benefits
- Outstanding training and career advancement opportunities
- Strong commitment to work/life balance
We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or military service.
FAQs
Congratulations, we understand that taking the time to apply is a big step. When you apply, your details go directly to the consultant who is sourcing talent. Due to demand, we may not get back to all applicants that have applied. However, we always keep your resume and details on file so when we see similar roles or see skillsets that drive growth in organizations, we will always reach out to discuss opportunities.
Yes. Even if this role isn’t a perfect match, applying allows us to understand your expertise and ambitions, ensuring you're on our radar for the right opportunity when it arises.
We also work in several ways, firstly we advertise our roles available on our site, however, often due to confidentiality we may not post all. We also work with clients who are more focused on skills and understanding what is required to future-proof their business.
That's why we recommend registering your resume so you can be considered for roles that have yet to be created.
Yes, we help with resume and interview preparation. From customized support on how to optimize your resume to interview preparation and compensation negotiations, we advocate for you throughout your next career move.