Project Manager- Water Resources

RICK ENGINEERING COMPANY•San Diego, CA

About The Position

RICK is hiring for its Water Resources team in San Diego. This posting covers Assistant, Associate, and Principal Water Resources Project Manager levels; the level will be based on the selected candidate’s licensure, relevant experience, technical expertise, project management capabilities, and leadership experience. The role contributes to water resources engineering services and coordinates with clients, agencies, consultants, and internal teams to support project delivery, client satisfaction, and the growth of RICK’s Water Resources practice. Duties and expectations vary by level. Depending on experience and level, the position manages or supports water resources engineering projects, including hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, drainage studies, watershed master plans, water quality studies, BMP and stream restoration designs, and technical reports. The role also provides technical oversight, quality control, client and agency coordination, project financial management, proposal and contract support, permitting coordination, staff leadership and mentoring, and business development support. The three levels have progressively broader project, technical, client, financial, and leadership responsibilities. Assistant Project Managers support smaller projects or defined project components under senior guidance; Associate Project Managers independently manage projects and mentor staff; Principal Project Managers lead complex projects and key client relationships and contribute to practice growth.

Requirements

BSCE or equivalent degree.
Relevant water resources experience: 5–8+ years for Assistant, 7–10+ years for Associate, or 9+ years for Principal.
Strong foundation in water resources engineering, with technical experience in one or more relevant areas such as hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, flood control, stormwater management, watershed planning, stream restoration, MS4 compliance, or preparation of engineering reports and construction documents.
Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage project priorities, schedules, and deadlines.
Effective written and verbal communication with clients, agencies, and project teams.
Sound engineering judgment and commitment to technical quality.
Ability to coordinate and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
Experience preparing or managing project budgets, scopes of work, schedules, and proposals.
Ability to mentor and support the professional development of engineering staff, as appropriate to experience level.
Commitment to client service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Nice To Haves

California Professional Engineer (PE) license.
Experience with one or more engineering and modeling applications, such as HEC-RAS (1D and 2D), HEC-HMS, EPA SWMM/PCSWMM, ArcGIS Pro or other GIS applications, AutoCAD/Civil 3D, AES or comparable hydrologic and hydraulic modeling programs, LSPC or similar water quality modeling programs, and other applicable drainage, floodplain, and water quality modeling software.
At senior levels, ability to direct, evaluate, and review technical analyses, including analyses performed by other team members.

Responsibilities

Manage and coordinate water resources engineering projects, including scope, budgets, schedules, staffing, deliverables, contract requirements, and client expectations.
Provide technical direction and oversight for hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, drainage studies, watershed master plans, water quality studies, BMP and stream restoration designs, and related reports.
Apply engineering judgment to address technical challenges and evaluate project objectives, regulatory requirements, cost-effectiveness, and constructability.
Coordinate project delivery with clients, regulatory agencies, subconsultants, and multidisciplinary internal teams.
Oversee and participate in technical reviews and quality control to ensure work meets applicable standards, regulatory requirements, project objectives, and company procedures.
Lead and support project teams by assigning and coordinating work, setting expectations, reviewing deliverables, providing feedback, mentoring staff, and supporting professional development.
Manage project financial performance, including budgets, schedules, cost projections, scope changes, invoicing, and accounts receivable.
Prepare and review proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, and project schedules, and support contract negotiations and management.
Build and maintain client relationships by understanding objectives, providing responsive service, communicating progress, and addressing concerns.
Coordinate project permitting and approvals with local, state, and federal agencies, as applicable.
Support the growth of the Water Resources practice through technical leadership, client service, identifying opportunities, business development, and staff development.