Director of Engineering - Wastewater

GAI Consultants Inc; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical/Dental/Vision

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Wellness resources

Paid time off

Floating holiday

Parental leave

401(k) plan

Professional development

Job summary

GAI Consultants is seeking a Deputy Engineering Director for the Florida Water Division in Orlando. The role leads Project Managers, Engineers, and Technicians on planning, design, permitting, and construction for water utilities, with a focus on client relationships in Florida.

The candidate will drive project pursuits, mentor staff, and coordinate with cross-disciplinary teams to deliver full-service solutions while expanding the division’s portfolio.

Qualifications

• 20+ years in water utility consulting
• PE license (P.E.) required
• B.S. or M.S. in Civil/Environmental Engineering; master’s preferred
• Florida municipal water/wastewater market experience
• Strong client relationships and leadership abilities

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-discipline teams on planning, design, permitting, and construction projects
• Manage projects from inception through start-up including scope, schedule, budget, safety, quality and profitability
• Mentor junior staff and develop project management skills
• Win new work by building client relationships and pursuing opportunities
• Lead proposal development and client presentations for statewide opportunities
• Collaborate with related groups to market and deliver full-service projects
• Travel 10–30% as needed

Skills

Project Management

Leadership

Business Development

Mentoring

Client Relationships

Strategic Planning

Education

Civil/Environmental Engineering degree

Job description

GAI Consultants is actively seeking a Deputy Engineering Director for our Florida Water Division based out of our Orlando, Florida office. An ideal candidate has experience with the full spectrum of water utility consulting services including planning, design, permitting, and construction as well as strong client relationships in the Florida municipal water/wastewater market. We are looking for a motivated person to join our team to build our business with technical, project management, professional leadership, and business development abilities. This position is an excellent opportunity to join our strategic growth team as our Florida Water group expands its portfolio and range of services.

As a Deputy Engineering Director, this candidate will support the development and management of a team of Project Managers, Engineers, Construction Professionals, and Technicians. This candidate will be responsible for leading assigned project pursuits and the marketing of clients, including public and private clients statewide. This candidate will also be responsible for monitoring and managing the performance of projects under their direction and contributing to the overall success of the Florida Water team.

Job Duties:

• Independently manage and guide multi-discipline teams on the delivery of planning, design, permitting, and construction projects related to water distribution and wastewater conveyance systems, infrastructure renewal and replacement (R&R) programs, pump stations (lift, transfer, high-service, and booster stations), water storage tanks and facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants, facility upgrades/ rehabilitation, amongst other infrastructure projects.
• Plan and manage projects from inception through construction and start-up, including client coordination, team chartering, scope, schedule and budget development and management, safety, quality assurance/quality control, project profitability, staff workload coordination, and maintain a high level of client satisfaction.
• Mentor and develop junior and mid-career staff for technical and project management knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Actively win new work from both new and existing clients by building and maintaining customer relationships, monitoring future work opportunities, communicating regularly, and attending client events.
• Identify project pursuits, market clients, and manage pursuits including leading proposal development and presentation delivery. Coordinate and develop proposed scope, schedule, and fee for projects upon selection.
• Collaborate with other GAI groups such as civil infrastructure, transportation, power/industry, Construction Engineering and Inspection (CEI), and urban planning teams to market and deliver full-service project opportunities for our clients.
• Intermittent travel is estimated to be approximately 10 to 30%, and may involve visits to other offices, onsite meetings with clients, attendance of project-specific meetings, and various in-person business development activities.

General Characteristics

• Possesses a deep understanding of the Florida municipal water/wastewater utilities market and the ability to effectively communicate with client leadership on technical, financial and regulatory matters.
• Makes decisions with broad influence on activities of their organizations.
• Demonstrates a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in planning, organizing, and guiding projects and activities of major consequence.
• Provides leadership and develops and engages others to create a common vision for their projects and the organization.
• Assesses the acceptability of engineering economic analyses and the risks associated with solutions to complex engineering problems.
• Evaluates solutions to complex problems that involve multiple specialty areas of engineering.
• Assesses courses of resolution to ethical dilemmas in complicated situations.

Minimum Years of Experience

• 20+

Education

• B.S. or M.S. Civil/ Environmental Engineering, master’s degree preferred.

Certification/Licensure

• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License, reciprocity in multiple states.

Technical Responsibilities

• Performs advisory or consulting work for the organization across broad project areas or within a specialized area with innovative/complex aspects.
• Assesses practices and requirements to achieve sustainable performance of complex engineering projects from a systems perspective.

Project and Task Management

• Oversees multiple large or multidiscipline project teams.
• Develops projects needed for accomplishing the objectives of the practice.
• Evaluates project management plans for complex engineering projects.
• Develops risk mitigation plans to address project risks.
• Evaluates effectiveness of leaders and teams.

Management Responsibility

• Develops organizational strategy for staff development through mentored experience, continuing education, and self-development.

Communication Skills

• Negotiates critical and controversial issues with leadership.
• Represents the organization at important functions and conferences.

Why GAI?

GAI offers an exceptional place to do meaningful work, grow your career, and make a real impact in communities nationwide. You’ll join a collaborative, multidisciplinary firm bringing together engineering, planning, and environmental expertise to deliver projects across transportation, infrastructure, power, and energy markets. Working alongside accomplished colleagues, you’ll help move projects from vision through construction, creating solutions that keep people moving, power essential systems, and support responsible development.

At GAI, you’ll work in a team-driven environment grounded in integrity, respect, and shared success, with the flexibility, resources, and career support that reflect a real and lasting commitment to our people. That commitment includes comprehensive benefits, wellness programs, and employee discounts. With opportunities across the U.S., GAI offers the collaboration and client focus of regional teams, supported by the stability, resources, and career-development opportunities of an established and growing firm.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Performancedriven recognition and development bonuses
• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company-paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources
• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• Anadditionalfloating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• 401(k) with company match
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications

#GAI

#LI-VL1

Qualifications

Education

Required

Bachelors or better in Engineering.

Preferred

Masters or better in Engineering.

Experience

Required

20 years:

Full spectrum of water utility consulting services including planning, design, permitting, and construction as well as strong client relationships in the Florida municipal water/wastewater market.

Licenses & Certifications

Required

Driver's License

Professional Engineer

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
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