Design Practice Area Director

WSC (Water Systems Consulting); California Bar (OR); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 225,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) plan

Employee stock ownership plan

Short- and long-term disability

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Health benefits program

Job summary

A leading water engineering consultancy is seeking a Design Practice Area Director to oversee multi-disciplinary teams in delivering water and wastewater projects across California and Oregon. The role includes managing client relationships, mentoring professionals, and contributing to business development. Ideally based in Southern California or Folsom, the position allows for a flexible hybrid work model. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s in Engineering, 15+ years' experience, and the ability to strengthen client relations. Attractive salary range is offered.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in planning, design, and/or construction of water, wastewater, and/or recycled water facilities.
• P.E. registration in California or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Demonstrated understanding of project goals and requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to successful delivery of water infrastructure design.
• Oversee client service management and strengthen existing client relationships.
• Mentor entry-level professionals in best practices.

Skills

People-first values

Collaboration

Strong verbal and written communication skills

Business development fundamentals

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related field

Master’s degree (preferred)

Job description

Water Systems Consulting, Inc. (WSC) is rising to today’s complex water challenges by putting people first in every solution we create. We are an integrated engineering, hydrogeology, and communication consulting firm responding to our clients’ most challenging One Water solutions. It is through the diverse cultures and identities of our clients, their communities, and our team that we find the most innovative solutions and leave everything we touch better than when we found it.

WSC is seeking a Design Practice Area Director to oversee multi‑disciplinary teams in the successful delivery of a diverse range of water, wastewater, and recycled water projects. The Design Practice at WSC consists of talented engineering and design drafting staff working on projects throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of WSC’s design practice as part of the leadership team by managing client relationships, leading project teams, mentoring entry‑level professionals, and collaborating on companywide strategy. We recognize that strong leaders bring different strengths and career aspirations, and this role offers flexibility—we are open to partnering with the right candidate to help shape a custom role that aligns with their experience, supports their personal and professional growth, and delivers meaningful value to our teams and clients. The ability to bring existing client relationships, drive business development at the regional level, and lead marketing pursuits is a strong plus.

The ideal candidate will be based in, or willing to relocate to, one of our office locations: San Luis Obispo, CA; Folsom, CA; Laguna Hills, CA; Ontario, CA; San Diego, CA; or Portland, OR. Southern California or Folsom offices are preferred. We offer a flexible hybrid work model. Occasional travel throughout California and the Pacific Northwest may be required.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is competitive at $170,000 to $225,000 and will be based on experience and qualifications.

What You Will Do

• Lead multi-disciplinary teams to successful delivery water infrastructure design, and/or program management of medium- to large-scale water, recycled water and/or wastewater systems.
• Lead teams in the development of tools, standards, processes, and best practices that improve the quality and efficiency of design work.
• Oversee client service management and strengthen existing client relationships through exceptional project delivery, development of new client relationships, and identification of future business opportunities.
• Lead project pursuits including proposal development and interview preparation.
• Lead project workshops, facilitate concept development, evaluation alternatives, and drive decision making.
• Mentor entry-level and mid-career design professionals in best practices, including assisting with goal setting.
• Monitor performance metrics for the design practice and develop strategies for achieving long-term goals that allow the practice to grow and thrive.
• Prepare high-quality written work products potentially including technical memoranda, technical reports, drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• This position may require some travel. Mainly within California, but potentially throughout CA, WA and/or OR.

What You Bring

• Strong values that align with our people‑first values
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Environmental Engineering or related engineering field; Master’s degree preferred.
• P.E. registration in California or the ability to obtain through reciprocity within 6 months of hire.
• Experience delivering successful and collaborative project performance that achieve clients’ goals, including cost‑effective, sustainable, energy‑efficient, operator-friendly, and innovative valuable outcomes.
• 15+ years of experience in planning, design and/or construction of water, wastewater and / or recycled water facilities.
• Demonstration of understanding and defining project goals and requirements.
• Demonstration of understanding business development fundamentals within the municipal public water sector. The ability to bring strong relationships with municipal clients in Southern California or Northern California is a plus.
• Team first mindset. You enjoy collaborating, learning from, and teaching others, and are active in creating a positive team dynamic.
• Active participation in related professional associations and knowledge of current industry trends.
• Desire to operate with freedom and accountability. A willingness to embrace innovative thinking and ideas to solve project challenges.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience preparing documents such as proposals and presentations, technical memoranda, reports, drawings, specifications, and miscellaneous contract documents.
• Development of sustainable solutions and alternative project delivery methods a plus.
• Ability to serve as a dedicated and effective client service partner and demonstrate responsiveness, clear communication, quality delivery, mindful listening, and problem‑solving skills.
• Passionate about mentoring and advocating within our team.

Who We Are

At WSC, we foster a people‑centric culture where we care deeply about client relationships and see our coworkers as part of a big family. We have received recognition as one of the Best Places to Work and as a Fast‑Growing Firm by Inc. Magazine’s national workplace survey and our staff. We believe there are always opportunities to learn, grow, and advance, and we prioritize supporting each other in that process.

Benefits

We make it easy for you to enjoy the work you love by providing great benefits. With an attractive compensation package including competitive salary, 401(k) plan, ESOP (employee stock ownership plan), employer paid short‑and‑long‑term disability, holiday pay, generous paid time off, tuition reimbursement, fitness, and health benefits program, we have you covered! Learn more about the benefits we offer - https://betterwaterfuture.com/benefits/

WSC is committed to growing our network of people, programs, and resources to nurture an inclusive culture. As such, we do not make hiring or other employment‑related decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), gender, gender identity or expression, age, religion, disability status, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, generic information or characteristics, veteran, military or family status, or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state or local anti‑discrimination laws.