Position: Senior Water Resources Project Manager (H&H / Irrigation & Stormwater)
Job status: Exempt-salaried
Job type: Full-time
Location: Missoula, MT
(Relocation assistance provided)
Seeking a Senior Water Resources Project Manager to lead H&H modeling, stormwater, irrigation, flood mitigation, and watershed projects. Join a top, local firm delivering resilient, science-based solutions.
THE ROLEThe Senior Water Resources Project Manager leads the planning, design, and delivery of complex water resources engineering projects while also providing team leadership and oversight to support staff performance, development, and project execution. In this role, you will develop science-based engineering solutions that integrate infrastructure with the natural environment-advancing flood mitigation, stormwater management, watershed protection, irrigation, and the rehabilitation of critical water systems. You'll guide multidisciplinary teams, manage client and regulatory coordination, and oversee work from hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling through design and construction support. Beyond project delivery, you will play a key role in leading and developing engineering staff, helping to align team resources, maintain quality standards, and build a high-performing, engaged team environment. This position is ideal for an experienced water resources professional who brings strong H&H expertise, proven project leadership, and an interest in leading teams while delivering impactful, resilient solutions for the communities we serve. These responsibilities include:
Supervisory Responsibilities- Provide day-to-day leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineers and EITs supporting project delivery.
- Align team resources to project needs, helping balance workload and support efficient utilization of staff.
- Support staff development through coaching, performance feedback, and technical oversight.
- Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Partner with leadership to identify staffing needs and support team growth.
Project and Client Leadership- 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.
- Manage full project lifecycle: scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resourcing, risk identification, and change management.
- Maintain accurate project documentation, progress tracking, and financial performance reporting.
Technical and Deliver Leadership- 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.
- 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.
- Make key technical and delivery decisions, balancing risk, cost, constructability, and regulatory requirements while guiding the team to successful outcomes.
Business Development and Growth- 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.
- Support strategic pursuits and long-term client relationships.
TOTAL REWARDSWe know work is just one part of life. That's why we offer a total rewards package designed to support you-at work, at home, and everywhere in between. As an employee-owner, you'll receive competitive pay, bonuses that recognize your contributions, and benefits that promote your health, growth, and well-being. Whether it's your family, hobbies, or future goals, we've got you covered.
- $95,000 to $140,000 base pay (DOE) with generous wage growth
- Annual bonuses because your contributions matter
- Ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); 100% company-paid ownership contributions
- 90% company-paid shared health plan premiums
- Paid time off in year one for the things you love to do
- Paid parental leave and volunteer time off
- Six paid company holidays
- Two floating personal holidays for events that are important in your life
- 401(k) matching program
- AD&D Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance paid by the company
- Flexible work-life arrangements
Our longstanding and trusted engineering legacy has helped ensure safety, security, and growth for our employee-owners. Our people-first culture and collaborative team are what drive our success as a top 500 engineering firm and have earned us a spot on Zweig's list of
"Best Places to Work." Join our Natural Resources Group as a Senior Water Resources Project Manager and be part of a legacy that builds better futures.
YOUR STRENGTHS- 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
Apply now, and deepen your career as a Water Resources Project Manager leading H&H modeling, stormwater, irrigation, flood, and watershed projects across the communities we serve. Join a collaborative, employee-owned firm delivering resilient, science-based engineering solutions.
