Water Resources Consultant – Senior Level (Hybrid)

Barr • Des Moines, IA

1d • $130,000 - $160,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Barr is seeking a senior consultant to lead Barr’s growth in the Des Moines and central Iowa market. In this hybrid role, you will support technical and project leadership work. You will work closely with clients and multidisciplinary teams to identify opportunities, scope and execute projects, and provide strategic and technical guidance on a wide variety of water resources projects. You will also help build lasting client relationships, develop new work, and help grow Barr’s Des Moines office and broader presence in Iowa. You will establish and grow Barr’s local and statewide presence through business development opportunities, client relationship development, brand building, industry engagement, strategic partnership development, and coordination of local market initiatives across Barr's market sectors and focus service areas. The ideal candidate will demonstrate success in growth strategy; client development and retention; opportunity positioning and pursuits; proposal development; reputation building; and successful project delivery. The position also requires strong technical and project leadership, effective interpersonal and communication skills, senior-level collaboration and people leadership experience, and the initiative to work effectively in Barr’s collaborative and self-directed environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in water resources engineering, civil/environmental engineering, landscape architecture, environmental science, or other relevant disciplines.
• 15+ years of consulting experience with an emphasis on water resources.
• Experience with proposal development, client management, and business development.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary design teams across regions and offices.
• Experience expanding a local market, regional practice, or new office presence.
• Professional licensure such as PE, PLA, or another relevant license.
• Possession of a current, valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship by Barr, now or in the future.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or PhD in water resources engineering, civil/environmental engineering, landscape architecture, environmental science, or other relevant disciplines.
• Experience serving as a visible industry leader through presentations, industry engagement, committee participation, professional organization leadership, or client advisory roles.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategic growth plans; manage and grow client relationships; lead business development efforts; support project positioning, proposal development, brand positioning, communications strategy, teaming partner development, recruitment planning, and industry engagement to expand market presence and build high-performing regional teams.
• Represent Barr through client engagement, conference participation, professional organization involvement, thought leadership, and other activities that strengthen Barr’s reputation in Iowa. Help shape Barr’s long-term growth strategy across Iowa by identifying priority markets, service opportunities, strategic partnerships, and future staffing needs that support sustainable office expansion.
• Partner closely with Des Moines-based staff to align market-development activities with internal office needs, staff integration, recruiting coordination, and local office culture.
• Provide input regarding future team composition, strategic hires, technical capabilities, and business development needs required to support market growth.
• Bring multi-disciplinary design team experience with an emphasis on water resources challenges such as hydrologic and hydraulic modeling and analyses, flood risk management, water quality modeling, stormwater BMPs, green infrastructure, urban stormwater projects, stream and lake restoration, and other tasks.
• Assist with planning, coordinating, and executing projects; help ensure project milestones are met; and provide regular updates to project team members and clients.

Benefits

• Competitive, affordable insurance plans: Medical, dental, vision, life, disability, accidental death insurance, and flexible spending accounts for medical and dependent care
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with company contribution and an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) with company contribution in Barr stock
• Profit distribution: Barr has a "no retained earnings" model and distributes all profit to our employees through our annual bonus distribution plan, ESOP, and dividends to shareholders
• Professional development benefits: Annual time and expense allowances, mentorship program, and many internal training opportunities
• Work/life balance: Paid time off, holidays, overtime for non-exempt/hourly staff, and compensatory time for exempt/salaried staff (time off or pay for extra time worked), paid family leave
• Wellness focus: Ergonomic analysis and equipment, Personal Protective Equipment allowance, wellbeing-focused educational opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior