Lead Project Manager, Dam Removal

McMillen, Inc.; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits program

401(k) and match

Generous PTO

Job summary

A reputable engineering firm in California seeks an experienced Lead Project Manager specializing in dam removal. The ideal candidate will have robust expertise in civil engineering, project management, and environmental regulations. Responsibilities include managing large-scale restoration projects, developing client relationships, and ensuring compliance with environmental standards. This full-time role offers a competitive salary of $160,000 - $200,000 plus comprehensive benefits and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental engineering or civil engineering.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale projects.
• Strong understanding of water resources, river ecology, and sediment management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage client relationships.
• Lead planning and design of restoration projects.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
• Conduct environmental impact studies.

Skills

Project management

Water resources management

Technical analysis

Team leadership

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Master's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering

California Professional Engineer (PE) license

Tools

AutoCAD

HEC-RAS

GIS

Job description

Design a career and build your future... Because it matters!

Lead Project Manager, Dam Removal

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Lead Project Manager, Dam Removal with a strong technical background to help deliver exceptional service to our clients. The ideal candidate is a proven Seller‑Doer and a licensed California Professional Engineer (PE) with 15+ years of experience in water resources.

A strong foundation in civil engineering, hydrology, environmental science, and project management is essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of the ecological, regulatory, and safety aspects of dam removal. We are focusing on integrated water resources management—implementing watershed‑based approaches to reconnecting rivers and ecological processes. As part of this watershed-based approach, the ideal candidate will be adept at managing multi‑disciplinary teams on complex, multi‑stakeholder projects both large and small. Experience in managing fish passage, dam and barrier removal, river and floodplain reconnection, and habitat restoration projects is preferred. Experience working on water resources infrastructure projects in and around dams, hydropower facilities, pump stations, flood control structures, canals and canal intakes, fish screens, fish ladders, and other fish passage facilities is also a plus.

Who we are:

McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee‑owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting‑edge technology, and a balanced work‑life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results‑driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real‑world functionality.

Responsibilities

• Develop, manage, and maintain client relationships.
• Identify project opportunities, actively pursue opportunities, and prepare proposals.
• Manage projects by establishing project deliverables, developing the project team, managing changes to project scope, establishing communications plans, and monitoring and controlling project work.
• Collect and analyze field data, as‑built plans and engineering reports to establish existing conditions and identify critical areas for design criteria.
• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of fish passage, dam removal, and river and floodplain restoration projects from inception through completion.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, in addition to geomorphologists, environmental scientists, hydrologists, and other subject matter experts to develop and evaluate alternatives and associated impacts of ecosystem restoration, river and floodplain restoration, and dam removal.
• Develop instream flow and site assessments, hydraulic modeling, and geotechnical evaluations to inform removal strategies.
• Conduct environmental impact studies and risk assessments to determine potential ecological consequences of dam removal.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• Provide engineering analysis for dam removal, including working with other team members to develop geotechnical investigations, topobathymetric surveys, structural stability analyses, and hydraulic and sediment transport models.
• Design and optimize engineering solutions to ensure safe and effective removal while minimizing disruption to surrounding environments.
• Working with McMillen’s Design Technology Team, develop engineering plan sets across a range of design milestones, including Issued for Construction.
• Working with multidisciplinary engineering project teams, develop construction specifications across a range of design milestones, including Issued for Construction.
• Manage the scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of all project phases.
• Supervise the preparation of project reports, grant proposals, and other documentation for stakeholders.
• Ensure that all ecosystem restoration and dam removal activities comply with safety standards and best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols to protect personnel, wildlife, and the public.
• Engage with local communities, government agencies, tribal stakeholders, and non‑profit organizations to promote dam removal projects and gain public support.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders, explaining the benefits of ecosystem restoration and dam removal as well as adaptive management, connecting people and nature.
• Oversee post‑removal monitoring of water quality, fish populations, and other ecological indicators to assess the success of restoration efforts.
• Adjust removal strategies as necessary based on monitoring data and post‑removal findings.
• Promotes and represents the firm in high profile meetings and conferences to strengthen and develop industry relationships, research and development, and publications.
• Leads discussions, meetings, and workshops on projects.
• Actively manages firm’s risks in developing deliverables and work products.
• Participates in implementing strategic initiatives.
• Takes on the role of project manager for medium to large‑sized programs/projects.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively blend resources and talent to build a project team serving North America and global river connectivity movement.

Qualifications

• Regular, predictable attendance is required.
• Ability to get along and work effectively with others.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering is preferred.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license in Environmental or Civil Engineering.
• Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer (D.WRE) is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field, with specific experience in dam removal or water resources management.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large‑scale environmental restoration projects.
• Experienced leader responsible for technical and/or project management aspects of projects.
• Strong understanding of water resources, infrastructure design, hydrological and hydraulic systems, river ecology, aquatic resources restoration, terrestrial and stream restoration, and sediment management.
• Understanding of environmental modeling software and engineering design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, HEC‑RAS, GIS).
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, ESA, and Clean Water Act compliance.
• Excellent problem‑solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Strong communication, technical and analytical skills.
• Travel to project sites may be required.
• Occasional fieldwork in challenging environments and adverse weather conditions.
• Flexible work schedule with both office and remote work options.

Physical Demands

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The inability to cope with a stressful work environment does not constitute a protected disability.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.
• Must be able to travel with luggage and be able to transport materials and personal overnight supplies.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Compensation Package

• Pay Range: $160,000 - $200,000 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, HSA, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

EEO

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.