Project Manager - Water Resources

Big challenges need bold thinkers. If you’re someone who sees problems as opportunities, you’ll thrive here.

RESPEC is 100% employee-owned
, which means we take ownership of every challenge. Your ideas drive real solutions. Since 1969, we’ve tackled complex challenges in energy transition, infrastructure resilience, digital transformation, and sustainability. Here, you’ll work alongside clients to take on critical problems, designing infrastructure in remote locations, developing renewable energy solutions for global projects, or applying data‑driven technology to improve mining and water systems.

RESPEC seeks a Water Resource Engineering Project Manager for our Water market sector, located in San Diego, CA. As a Project Manager, you will contribute to water resources engineering projects including rainfall analysis, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, stormwater management, and development of technical guidance documents. The position may also support other civil and water‑related projects. This role is based in Southern California, offers flexibility for hybrid work, and includes regional travel within Southern California for client meetings.

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from third‑party recruiters.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil, water resources, environmental engineering or a related engineering field
• 8 or more years of experience in hydrology and hydraulics for public sector or private consulting clients
• Strong background in rainfall runoff modeling and statistical hydrology
• Minimum of 3 years of project manager experience
• Registered Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state of California
• Experience leading multidiscipline teams and mentoring technical professionals
• Proven ability to support business development and strengthen client relationships
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; position requires operating a vehicle for business travel

Preferred:

• Established relationships and experience working with California agencies and public sector clients
• Direct experience with county or regional hydrology manuals, drainage criteria, or technical guidance documents
• Advanced statistical analysis of rainfall and streamflow, including nonstationary hydrologic conditions and post‑fire hydrology
• Comfort reviewing and defending technical assumptions with agency reviewers
• Practical application of HEC‑RAS (1D and 2D), HEC‑HMS, and SWMM

Compensation: Salary depends on experience and expertise; typical range in California is $110k–170k, DOEQ. Compensation includes a comprehensive fringe‑benefits package. RESPEC is a 100% employee‑owned company and employees are eligible for participation in the Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) after a qualifying period.

Featured benefits include:

• Flexible Work Schedules
• Retirement & EPP (company match up to 4%)
• Professional Development and Training
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program
• Health/Dental/Vision Insurance Plans

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Associate

Full‑time

Project Management and Information Technology

Professional Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at RESPEC by 2x.

Apply BELOW