Executive Engineer (Chief Executive Officer)

Valliant Consulting Group; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

AMAFCA seeks an accomplished Executive Engineer, a licensed professional engineer, to lead the Authority—protecting communities and guiding the region's flood control system. The role combines executive leadership with engineering expertise to safeguard lives, property, and critical infrastructure.

Reporting to the Board, the Executive Engineer provides strategic direction, oversees Engineering, Planning, Operations & Maintenance, Administration, and Finance, and directs long-range capital

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field.
• PE license in NM or ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.
• Minimum 12 years in engineering, infrastructure management, or related public-sector leadership.
• At least 5 years in senior executive leadership overseeing multiple functions.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Authority and Board direction.
• Direct engineering, planning, operations, and finance functions.
• Oversee long-range capital improvements and major infrastructure projects.
• Build partnerships with officials, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Guide infrastructure resilience and regulatory compliance.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Act as the public face of the Authority with integrity.

Skills

Executive leadership

Civil engineering

Public sector leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder relations

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in NM

Master's degree (Engineering / Public Administration)

Job description

Lead the Organization. Protect the Community. Shape the Future.

The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) is seeking an accomplished executive and licensed professional engineer to serve as its next Executive Engineer, the organization's top executive role.

This is an exceptional opportunity for a visionary leader to guide one of New Mexico's most respected public agencies responsible for protecting lives, property, and critical infrastructure throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, the Executive Engineer provides strategic leadership for all agency operations while overseeing the planning, development, maintenance, and long-term stewardship of one of the region's most critical flood control systems. The position combines executive leadership with engineering expertise to ensure sound public policy, fiscal responsibility, infrastructure resilience, and exceptional public service.

About AMAFCA

AMAFCA plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains an extensive regional flood control system that protects residents, businesses, transportation corridors, and public infrastructure throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

The organization partners with federal, state, and local governments to deliver major capital improvement projects, maintain critical infrastructure, and provide leadership during storm events and emergency response.

The Opportunity

The Board of Directors is seeking an executive leader who can successfully balance strategic vision with practical execution.

The successful candidate will:

• Provide visionary leadership for the Authority and implement the Board's strategic direction.
• Lead executive staff responsible for Engineering, Planning, Operations & Maintenance, Administration, and Finance.
• Direct long-range capital improvement planning and oversee delivery of significant infrastructure investments.
• Build strong partnerships with elected officials, government agencies, community stakeholders, and regional partners.
• Guide the organization through evolving infrastructure, environmental, funding, and regulatory challenges.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Serve as the public face of the Authority while maintaining the highest standards of integrity and public stewardship.

The Ideal Candidate

The Board seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking executive who combines strong engineering credentials with demonstrated organizational leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Outstanding executive leadership and management skills.
• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary organizations and professional staff.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience working effectively with governing boards, elected officials, and public stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success managing large public infrastructure programs and complex organizational budgets.
• The ability to communicate technical issues in a manner that informs sound public policy and strategic decision-making.
• Solid knowledge of civil engineering, with a preferred understanding of flood control, hydrology, and water resources.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New Mexico, or the ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hire.
• Twelve (12) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering, infrastructure management, public works, flood control, or related public-sector leadership.
• Five (5) years of senior executive or organizational leadership experience directing multiple functional areas and supervising professional staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Experience reporting directly to a governing board or elected officials.
• Significant experience with flood control systems, stormwater management, water resources, or municipal infrastructure in arid or semi-arid environments.

Why Join AMAFCA?

This position offers a unique opportunity to:

• Lead an organization with a direct impact on public safety and regional resilience.
• Shape long-term infrastructure investments that protect communities for generations.
• Work closely with elected officials and regional partners on projects of lasting significance.
• Lead a highly respected public agency with a strong commitment to engineering excellence, fiscal stewardship, and public service.
• Build and develop much of your own team.