Associate Vice President - Water/Wastewater

Pape-Dawson Engineers; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers seeks an Associate Vice President (AVP) to lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex engineering projects in its service area. The AVP guides execution, mentors staff, and partners with executives to sustain growth and client relationships.

The role requires senior leadership, strategic focus, and proven ability to manage cross-disciplinary teams across water and municipal projects in a client-focused environment.

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in required state(s).
• Minimum 12 years of progressive engineering experience with senior leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning, design, permitting, construction or implementation support.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise managers, project leaders, and senior technical staff.
• Manage multiple teams and projects to meet scope, schedule, and budget.
• Review proposals, scopes, budgets, and client agreements for alignment with objectives.
• Support business development activities and client relationship management.
• Represent the company with clients, agencies, and industry partners.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Stakeholder communication

Strategic thinking

Education

ABET-accredited BS in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Job Description: Overview

The Associate Vice President (AVP) provides senior-level leadership for the planning, design, and delivery of complex engineering projects within an assigned service area. This role is responsible for overseeing multiple teams and projects simultaneously while ensuring technical excellence, operational consistency, and alignment with company standards and values. The AVP operates at a strategic level, guiding project execution, mentoring managers and senior staff, supporting business development efforts, and serving as a key liaison between technical teams and executive, administrative, and financial leadership. This position represents the company in client, industry, and community settings and plays a critical role in sustaining long-term growth and client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all phases of project delivery, from planning and conceptual design through final design, permitting, and construction or implementation support.
• Lead, mentor, and supervise managers, project leaders, and senior technical staff; support professional development and succession planning.
• Manage multiple teams and complex projects concurrently, ensuring adherence to scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client expectations.
• Review and approve proposals, scopes of work, budgets, and client agreements to ensure alignment with company standards and business objectives.
• Support business development activities, including pursuit strategy, proposal development, RFQs/RFPs, and client interviews.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, public agencies, industry partners, and community leaders.
• Ensure consistent application and advancement of company design, production, and quality control standards across projects and teams.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, operations, and finance to assess staffing needs, resource allocation, and market conditions.
• Represent the company through active participation in professional associations, industry organizations, and civic groups.
• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of water distribution, wastewater collection, and treatment projects.
• Oversee technical design, permitting, regulatory coordination, and construction support activities.
• Ability to work Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with additional hours as required to meet project and business needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering (or related engineering discipline where applicable) from an ABET-accredited program.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the state(s) required to support project work.
• Minimum of 12 years of progressive engineering experience, including senior-level project leadership and people management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor managers, project leaders, and senior technical professionals.
• Proven experience managing complex projects, multiple teams, and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively interact with clients, public agencies, and internal leadership.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants for Pape-Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.