Water Resources Project Manager

MBC Talent Connections • California, CA

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

Lead high-impact groundwater and water resources projects for California clients from early planning through implementation. The role combines project management and technical direction across Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance, groundwater basin characterization, water budgets and accounting frameworks, litigation support, and water supply planning. The position reports to a team leader and is based in Daly City, Davis, or Irvine, California, with remote work considered within California. The role is hybrid and includes travel up to 25% of the time, occasionally overnight, for client meetings and site visits.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience; 8 or more years preferred for SGMA and related water resources projects.
• At least 2 years of proven project management experience.
• Knowledge of SGMA and Groundwater Sustainability Plans.
• Knowledge of California groundwater and water planning regulations.
• Quantitative analysis skills, including numerical modeling.
• Knowledge of land subsidence.
• Data management and visualization experience, including ArcGIS.
• Technical writing skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients, subconsultants, regulators, and the public.
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate across teams.
• Strong work ethic, positive attitude, and desire to continue learning and growing.
• Valid driver's license.
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and sit or stand for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

• Master's or PhD degree.
• Eight or more years of experience in SGMA and related water resources projects.
• Master's or PhD plus professional registration, or 12 or more years of professional experience where registration is not available for the degree.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate SGMA implementation across multiple Groundwater Sustainability Agencies.
• Oversee hydrogeologic conceptual models, water balances, numerical models, and client-directed management actions.
• Author technical memoranda, reports, and studies, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs), SGMA annual reports, and periodic GSP evaluations.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control on project deliverables.
• Serve as the primary client contact and lead meetings with clients and external parties.
• Plan, organize, and guide staff to deliver quality work on time and within budget.
• Manage schedules, budgets, invoicing, and monthly progress reports.
• Deliver presentations that explain complex technical concepts to broad audiences.
• Support client development, proposal writing, and conference presentations.

Benefits

• Annual performance bonus and incentive compensation.
• Retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit sharing.
• Group medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Career advancement and training opportunities.
• Work/life balance commitment.

What This Job Offers

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