Water Resources Senior Technical Leader

Woodard & Curran•California, CA

3d•$190,000 - $250,000

About The Position

Woodard & Curran is seeking an experienced professional to grow its Integrated Water Resources Planning Practice. The Senior Technical Leader develops, implements, and manages water resources and watershed resiliency projects, helping clients address complex challenges involving watershed and natural resource management, groundwater sustainability, and programmatic funding. The role provides technical leadership for integrated water resources planning projects in California and nationwide and is highly visible inside and outside the firm. The successful candidate will lead technical project work and delivery, build client and regulatory-agency relationships, supervise multidisciplinary teams, and ensure the technical quality of project deliverables. The role also contributes to strategic practice growth, business development, marketing, and the firm’s industry presence through client engagement, proposals, conferences, and professional organizations. The position can be based where the candidate works best, including California offices in Sacramento, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, Los Angeles, Irvine, and San Diego, as well as locations in other states. Flexible work arrangements include remote or hybrid options; hybrid work is described as one to two days per week in the office or on site with clients. Travel is up to 20% with clients in California, with occasional U.S. travel for national practice initiatives and market events.

Requirements

At least 15 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience in execution and marketplace management.
Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field from an accredited program.
Broad experience in environmental and engineering consulting, including project management and technical project execution.
Demonstrated track record of extensive project or program management.
Experience identifying, leading, and participating in business development and bid and proposal efforts.
Ability and motivation to grow an organization through internal mentorship and external engagement.
Network of potential clients, professional teaming partners, specialty sub-consultants, and industry experts, with an excellent industry reputation.
Understanding of the consulting-business development cycle, including campaign management, proposal writing, and development of oral interview strategy and materials.
Ability to understand and articulate issues that affect the success of the technical practice.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree.
Experience in integrated water resources planning, watershed resiliency, water supply planning and strategy, SGMA implementation and recharge planning, strategic funding initiatives, or outreach and facilitation.

Responsibilities

Act as technical lead on key projects, including substantial involvement in scoping and delivering technical tasks.
Develop and maintain relationships with clients and regulatory agencies.
Provide technical expertise on water resources and integrated planning projects, including resource-agency permit engagement and applications.
Support project teams and supervise planners, engineers, scientists, and other professionals.
Prepare or review technical reports and client proposals.
Represent the company in industry and professional organizations.
Monitor emerging regulatory developments affecting water resources and infrastructure planning.
Collaborate with Market Leaders on practice growth opportunities, marketing approaches, technical direction, quality controls, and innovation.
Support Project Managers and Technical Managers in completing technical tasks to scope, schedule, and budget.
Provide strategic advice and technical leadership to the Technical Manager on projects.
Oversee the technical content and quality of project deliverables.
Direct complex engineering or scientific work for clients.
Build and maintain relationships with key external clients and internal technical teams.
Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external clients.
Identify business needs that support strategic growth opportunities.
Work with the marketing team to develop and maintain marketing materials for the water resources and integrated planning market.
Position the firm as a water resources marketplace leader through collaborative client engagement.
Partner with the Business Development team to grow business with target clients and in emerging geographic markets.
Coordinate the Practice’s participation in conferences, prepare abstracts, and present at selected conferences.
Increase the firm’s visibility through active participation and leadership in professional organizations.