Project Manager- Water Resources

Career Levels: Assistant Project Manager, Associate Project Manager, or Principal Project Manager – Water Resources

Cultivate Your Career with RICK!

Ready to make an impact? As a Project Manager on our Water Resources team at RICK, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to and lead exciting, high-profile projects that help shape communities throughout San Diego and beyond. As part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team, you'll work alongside experienced professionals to deliver meaningful solutions that make a lasting difference.

At RICK, we don't just work on projects; we help turn our clients' and communities' visions into reality. You'll have the opportunity to expand your expertise, develop meaningful professional relationships, and grow your career through hands-on experience, mentorship, and continuous learning. Backed by a people-first culture that values collaboration, innovation, and fun, RICK is a place where your contributions matter and your potential can thrive. Grow your career and make a difference with RICK by visiting www.rickengineering.com

This posting covers three career levels: Assistant Water Resources Project Manager, Associate Water Resources Project Manager, and Principal Water Resources Project Manager, and may be filled at the level that best matches the selected candidate's licensure, relevant experience, technical expertise, project management capabilities, and leadership experience.

In this role, you will help deliver high-quality water resources engineering services; coordinate with clients, agencies, consultants, and internal teams; and contribute to successful project delivery, client satisfaction, and the continued growth of RICK's Water Resources practice. Responsibilities and expectations will vary based on the selected candidate's experience and position level.

What You'll Do

Depending on your experience and position level, responsibilities may include:

• Manage and coordinate water resources engineering projects, including project scope, budgets, schedules, staffing, and deliverables, while ensuring compliance with contract requirements and client expectations.
• Provide technical direction and oversight for hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, drainage studies, watershed master plans, water quality studies, engineering designs for best management practices and/or stream restoration projects, and related technical reports.
• Apply sound engineering judgment, identify and address technical challenges, and consider project objectives, regulatory requirements, cost-effectiveness, and constructability when developing and evaluating engineering solutions.
• Coordinate with clients, regulatory agencies, subconsultants, and internal multidisciplinary teams to facilitate successful project delivery, proactively address issues, and maintain effective communication throughout the project.
• Oversee and participate in technical reviews and quality control to ensure engineering work meets applicable standards, regulatory requirements, project objectives, and RICK's quality control procedures.
• Lead and support project teams, including assigning and coordinating work, establishing clear expectations, reviewing technical deliverables, providing feedback, mentoring staff, and assisting with professional development.
• Monitor and manage project financial performance, including budgets, schedules, cost projections, scope changes, invoicing, and accounts receivable, while maintaining accountability for project performance.
• Prepare and review proposals, scopes of work, fee estimates, and project schedules, and support contract negotiations and management.
• Develop and maintain positive client relationships by understanding client objectives, providing responsive service, communicating project progress, and proactively addressing concerns.
• Coordinate project permitting and approvals with local, state, and federal agencies, as applicable.
• Contribute to the continued development and growth of RICK's Water Resources practice through technical leadership, client service, identifying new project opportunities, supporting business development efforts, and staff development.

Career Levels

Candidates may be considered for one of the following levels:

Level

Typical Scope

Credentials & Experience

Team Leadership/ Supervisory Scope

Assistant WR PM

Supports project delivery and manages smaller projects or defined project components under the guidance of senior project managers. Coordinates day-to-day work, budgets, schedules, and deliverables; assists with proposals and client coordination; and develops project management and team leadership capabilities.

BSCE or equivalent degree.

5-8+ years of relevant water resources experience.

CA PE preferred.

Typically, 0–2 staff, as assigned.

Associate WR PM

Independently manages projects, including scope, budgets, schedules, technical oversight, and client coordination. Provides engineering direction and quality control, prepares proposals, manages project financial performance, and mentors and develops project staff.

BSCE or equivalent degree.

7-10+ years of relevant water resources experience.

CA PE preferred.

Typically, 1–4 staff, as assigned.

Principal WR PM

Leads complex projects and key client relationships, provides senior technical oversight, and manages project financial performance. Leads proposals, supports business development, mentors project managers and staff, and contributes to the successful operation and growth of the Water Resources practice and RICK.

BSCE or equivalent degree.

9+ years of relevant water resources experience.

CA PE preferred.

Typically, 1–6 staff, as assigned.

What You Bring

We are seeking candidates with a strong foundation in water resources engineering and an interest in managing projects, developing staff, and delivering quality engineering services.

Candidates should demonstrate technical experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Hydrologic and hydraulic analysis, including rainfall-runoff modeling, drainage studies, and storm drain system design.
• Flood control and floodplain management, including riverine hydraulic modeling, FEMA floodplain studies, and Letters of Map Change (LOMCs).
• Detention and retention basin analysis and design.
• Stormwater management, including Low Impact Development (LID), hydromodification management, water quality modeling, and Best Management Practice (BMP) design.
• Watershed planning, drainage master plans, and municipal stormwater programs.
• Stream restoration, open-channel hydraulics, and sediment transport analysis.
• Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) compliance, Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) programs, and applicable Regional and State Water Quality Control Board requirements.
• Preparation of engineering reports, construction documents, technical specifications, and supporting calculations.
• Coordination with municipal agencies and regulatory authorities.

The breadth and depth of technical expertise expected will vary depending on the position level. Candidates are not expected to have experience in every discipline listed above.

Project Management and Leadership Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate capabilities appropriate to their experience level, including:

• 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.
• Commitment to client service, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Technical Software

Experience with one or more of the following engineering and modeling applications is desirable:

• HEC-RAS, including 1D and 2D hydraulic modeling
• 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
• Other applicable drainage, floodplain, and water quality modeling software

Specific software proficiency requirements will depend on the candidate's technical background and position level. Candidates at senior levels should demonstrate the ability to direct, evaluate, and review technical analyses, even when modeling is performed by other team members.

Equal Employment Opportunity

RICK Engineering Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law. RICK is committed to providing equal employment opportunities in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, and other employment practices.