Hydrogeology Practice Director

WSC (Water Systems Consulting); Portland (OR); On-site; USD 190,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

401(k) plan

Employee stock ownership plan

Generous paid time off

Tuition reimbursement

Health benefits program

Job summary

A leading water consulting firm is seeking a Hydrogeology Practice Director to lead diverse water resources projects across the Pacific Northwest. The ideal candidate should possess a Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Hydrogeology and have 15+ years of experience in the industry. This role offers a flexible hybrid work model and includes overseeing project management while building key relationships. The salary range is $190,000 to $230,000 annually, depending on experience.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of industry-related experience.
• Experience delivering successful project performance.
• P.G. registration in California or ability to obtain within one year.

Responsibilities

• Oversee groundwater resource planning and projects.
• Leverage relationships with key water resource leaders.
• Serve as Project Manager or Hydrogeologist based on experience.

Skills

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Team collaboration

Project management

Client service

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or Hydrogeology

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Water Systems Consulting (WSC) is a growing and thriving employee‑owned company that solves today’s complex water challenges by putting people first in every solution we create. We are an integrated engineering, hydrogeology, and strategic communication consulting firm focused entirely within the water sector, delivering our clients’ most challenging One Water solutions. Through the diversity of our clients, their communities, and our team, we find the most innovative solutions and leave everything we touch better than when we found it.

WSC is seeking a Hydrogeology Practice Director to oversee multi‑disciplinary teams in the successful delivery of a diverse range of water resources projects across the region. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of WSC’s water focused business by leading client relationships, building teams, growing careers, and developing and driving business strategies.

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 offices preferred. We offer a flexible hybrid work model. Occasional travel throughout California and the Pacific Northwest may be required.

What You Will Do

• Leverage and build relationships with key water resource leaders and decision makers throughout California and Oregon.
• You will be a part of multi-disciplinary teams that plan, design, and optimize groundwater infrastructure.
• Oversee groundwater resource planning and projects, including development and oversight of scope, budget, and schedule.
• Serve in a Project Manager, Assistant Project Manager, and/or Project Hydrogeologist role based on your level of experience.
• Help develop a pipeline of project and program opportunities related to groundwater management, underground injection control, alternative water supplies, and water resources efforts.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in Geology or Hydrogeology; Master’s degree preferred.
• P.G. registration in California or the ability to obtain it within one year.
• 15+ years of industry related experience
• Experience delivering successful and collaborative project performance that achieves clients’ goals, including cost‑effective, sustainable, energy‑efficient, operator‑friendly, and innovative valuable outcomes.
• Demonstration of understanding and defining project goals and requirements.
• Team first mindset. You enjoy collaborating, learning from, and teaching others, and are active in creating a positive team dynamic.
• Active participant in related professional associations, preferred, and knowledge of the latest industry trends.
• Desire to operate with freedom and accountability. A willingness to take risks and ownership of those risks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including experience writing proposals and presentations, technical memoranda, reports, drawings, specifications, and miscellaneous contract documents.
• Project workshop leadership, facilitation of alternatives analysis evaluation and decision making.
• 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.
• Experience with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software such as ArcMap, ArcGIS Pro, or QGIS. Possess a clear understanding of GIS file structure and cartographic principles.
• Passionate about mentoring and advocating within our team.

Salary Range

The salary range for this position is $190,000 to $230,000 annually and may be more or less depending on experience.

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.

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 Employee Benefits - WSC.

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.