Director of Water Resources
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading global engineering and consulting firm, renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to sustainable development, in their search for a highly accomplished and visionary Director of Water Resources. This pivotal leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of water management, lead a talented team, and deliver impactful projects that address some of the most pressing environmental and infrastructure challenges of our time. As a Director, you will be instrumental in expanding our client’s market presence, fostering client relationships, and driving technical excellence across a diverse portfolio of water resource initiatives.
Our client is dedicated to creating a resilient and sustainable future, and this role is at the forefront of that mission. You will be joining an organization that values innovation, collaboration, and professional growth, providing a platform where your expertise will directly contribute to significant environmental and community benefits. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional with a deep passion for water resources, a proven track record of leadership, and a commitment to delivering world-class engineering solutions.
As the Director of Water Resources, you will leverage your extensive experience to guide strategic initiatives, mentor emerging talent, and ensure the successful execution of complex projects ranging from flood control and stormwater management to water supply planning and ecosystem restoration. Your leadership will inspire confidence in clients and team members alike, solidifying our client’s reputation as a leader in the water resources sector. This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to make a lasting difference in how communities interact with and manage their most vital natural resource.
Role Overview for Director of Water Resources
The Director of Water Resources will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for a wide array of water resource projects and initiatives across the United States. This includes leading project teams, managing client relationships, driving business development efforts, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative, and sustainable solutions. The successful candidate will be a recognized expert in the field, capable of guiding complex projects from conceptualization through implementation, while adhering to regulatory requirements and client objectives. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategic plans to grow the water resources practice, identifying new market opportunities, and fostering a culture of technical excellence and client satisfaction.
This role demands a blend of technical prowess, strong business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. You will be expected to not only manage projects and teams but also to serve as a thought leader, representing the firm at industry conferences, publishing technical papers, and contributing to the advancement of water resource engineering. The Director will play a critical role in mentoring and developing staff, ensuring the continuous growth of technical capabilities within the team. Furthermore, you will be instrumental in fostering inter-disciplinary collaboration, working closely with other practice areas such as civil engineering, environmental consulting, and urban planning to deliver integrated solutions.
The scope of projects will encompass areas such as hydrological and hydraulic modeling, flood plain management, coastal resilience, water quality assessments, stormwater master planning, green infrastructure design, water supply planning, and dam safety. You will be expected to navigate complex regulatory landscapes, engage with diverse stakeholders, and apply advanced analytical tools to solve challenging water-related problems. This role is a unique opportunity to lead a dynamic team and contribute significantly to critical infrastructure and environmental projects that enhance community well-being and ecological health.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Water Resources
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop and implement strategic plans for the water resources practice, identifying growth opportunities, market trends, and technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge. Provide visionary leadership to the team, inspiring innovation and excellence.
Project Management & Delivery
Oversee the planning, execution, and successful completion of complex water resource projects, ensuring adherence to scope, budget, schedule, and quality standards. Manage project managers and technical leads, resolving issues and mitigating risks effectively.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of water resource professionals. Foster a collaborative and engaging work environment, promote professional growth, and conduct performance reviews.
Client Relationship Management
Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key clients, understanding their needs, and positioning the firm as a trusted advisor. Actively seek client feedback and ensure satisfaction with services delivered.
Business Development & Growth
Lead and support business development activities, including proposal preparation, client presentations, and networking. Identify and pursue new project opportunities and expand the firm’s market share in the water resources sector.
Technical Expertise & Innovation
Provide senior-level technical guidance and quality assurance on all water resource projects. Stay abreast of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and regulatory changes. Promote the integration of innovative solutions and sustainable design principles.
Regulatory Compliance & Permitting
Ensure all projects comply with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, permitting requirements, and industry standards. Liaise with regulatory agencies and manage the permitting process.
Financial Management
Manage project profitability, revenue forecasting, and resource allocation for the water resources practice. Develop and manage annual budgets, ensuring financial targets are met.
Stakeholder Engagement
Facilitate effective communication and collaboration with internal teams, external partners, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and community stakeholders.
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
Implement and enforce robust quality control procedures. Identify potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure successful project outcomes and client satisfaction.
Knowledge Sharing & Thought Leadership
Contribute to the firm’s intellectual capital through presentations, publications, and participation in industry forums. Serve as a subject matter expert and advocate for best practices in sustainable water management practices.
Requirements for the Director of Water Resources
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, or a closely related field is required. A Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is highly preferred.
Experience
Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, with at least 8-10 years in a leadership or management role, overseeing significant projects and teams.
Licensure
Professional Engineer (PE) license in at least one U.S. state is mandatory. Ability to obtain licensure in other states through reciprocity is expected.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated expertise in several key areas of water resources, including but not limited to: hydrology and hydraulics, flood plain management, stormwater management (MS4 experience preferred), water quality modeling, water supply planning, coastal engineering, green infrastructure, dam safety, and ecosystem restoration.
Software Proficiency
Advanced proficiency with relevant engineering software such such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, MIKE URBAN, ArcGIS, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and other modeling and design platforms.
Leadership Skills
Proven ability to lead, mentor, and motivate diverse teams of engineers and technical staff. Strong track record of successful project delivery and client satisfaction.
Business Acumen
Demonstrated experience in business development, client relationship management, proposal writing, and strategic planning within the consulting engineering sector.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including clients, regulatory agencies, and the public.
Regulatory Knowledge
In-depth understanding of federal, state, and local water resource regulations, permitting processes, and environmental policies (e.g., Clean Water Act, NEPA, FEMA regulations).
Problem-Solving
Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities, with the ability to develop innovative and cost-effective solutions to complex water resource challenges.
Project Financial Management
Experience with project budgeting, financial forecasting, and contract negotiation.
Travel
Ability and willingness to travel as needed for client meetings, project sites, and professional development opportunities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client understands that their success is built upon the well-being and professional growth of their employees. As such, they offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support you and your family, both professionally and personally. Joining our client means becoming part of an organization that invests in its people.
Competitive Salary & Performance Bonuses
A highly attractive base salary commensurate with experience and a robust bonus structure tied to individual and company performance.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Generous medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for employees and their families, often with low or no premiums. Includes prescription drug coverage and access to wellness programs.
Retirement Savings
A strong 401(k) retirement plan with a significant company match, ensuring your financial future is secure.
Paid Time Off
Ample paid vacation days, sick leave, and company-paid holidays, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Development
Generous budget for continuous learning, including tuition reimbursement, professional training courses, conference attendance, and support for obtaining and maintaining professional certifications and licenses.
Flexible Work Arrangements
Opportunities for flexible hours and remote work options (as applicable to the role) to accommodate personal needs and enhance productivity.
Life & Disability Insurance
Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Confidential support services for mental health, financial guidance, and personal challenges.
Commuter Benefits
Pre-tax programs for public transportation and parking expenses.
Innovative Work Environment
Work on challenging and impactful projects with cutting-edge technologies and a collaborative team culture.
Career Advancement
Clear pathways for career progression and leadership opportunities within a growing global firm.
How to Apply
If you are a driven and experienced Director of Water Resources looking to make a significant impact with a leading firm, we encourage you to apply. This is an unparalleled opportunity to lead transformative projects, mentor a dedicated team, and contribute to a sustainable future.
JRG Partners is committed to connecting top-tier talent with exceptional opportunities. To express your interest in this role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and qualifications through our secure portal. In your cover letter, please highlight your leadership philosophy and your vision for advancing water resources engineering.
We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued success.
For more insights into how JRG Partners helps professionals like you find their next career challenge in the environmental sector, please visit our Environmental Engineering Recruitment page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.
