Principal Engineer – Agricultural & Water Resources

Provostandpritchard; Bakersfield (CA); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Provost & Pritchard is seeking experienced Principal Civil Engineers to lead complex projects across California's Central Valley, serving irrigation districts, groundwater sustainability agencies, and agricultural entities. The role emphasizes leadership, strategy, and delivering innovative water management solutions.

The successful candidate will guide project strategy, manage client relationships, and mentor staff while addressing today's water management challenges to support sustainable

Qualifications

• Licensed Civil Engineer in California
• 10+ years leading public sector or consulting projects
• 5+ years as project manager and primary client contact
• Experience with irrigation districts and California water rights

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and engineering design oversight
• Mentor technical staff and manage project teams
• Maintain strong client partnerships and direct project management
• Oversee scope, schedule, budget, and quality control

Skills

Civil Engineering Leadership

Public Sector Experience

Client Relationship Mgmt

Communication Skills

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

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