Principal Engineer – Agricultural & Water Resources

Provost & Pritchard; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Provost & Pritchard seeks an experienced Principal Civil Engineer to lead complex water resources projects across California’s Central Valley. The role emphasizes client leadership, strategic guidance, and delivering innovative engineering solutions for irrigation districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, and agricultural clients.

You will oversee project planning, provide high-level design oversight, mentor staff, manage scope, schedule and budget, and maintain strong client partnerships

Qualifications

• CA Professional Engineer license required.
• 10+ years in public sector or consulting engineering leading teams.
• Minimum 5 years managing projects and serving as primary client contact.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning efforts and provide high-level engineering consulting and design oversight.
• Mentor and manage technical staff while maintaining strong client partnerships.
• Direct overall project management, including scope, schedule, budget and quality control.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Communication

Water resources

Education

PE Lic. California

Job description

Summary

Provost & Pritchard is seeking experienced Principal Civil Engineers. This position will play a key leadership role in delivering complex projects alongside a team of dedicated engineering professionals serving irrigation districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, and agricultural entities throughout California’s Central Valley. The role provides the opportunity to lead client relationships, guide project strategy, and oversee innovative solutions that address today’s water management challenges, helping advance agriculture and surrounding communities toward a more sustainable future.

Responsibilities include leading project planning efforts, providing high-level engineering consulting and design oversight, managing and mentoring technical staff, maintaining strong client partnerships, and directing overall project management, including scope, schedule, budget, and quality control.

Duties

• Water Sustainability Studies and Solutions
• Surface water conveyance and distribution
• Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR)
• Water Conservation
• Irrigation District Operations
• Groundwater Management, Recharge and Banking
• Environmental Compliance Issues
• Project Funding and Grants
• Water Transfers and Exchanges
• Water Rights
• Feasibility Studies
• Project Planning and Design
• Public Works Construction Contracts

Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (Civil) licensed in the State of California
• 10+ years of experience in public sector or consulting engineering leading and directing work teams in studies, investigations and designs delivering positive results.

• Minimum 5 years of experience managing projects.
• Minimum 5 years of experience as a primary client contact.
• Experience with irrigation districts and knowledge of California water rights and water systems
• Excellent written and oral communication skills