Principal Water Resources Lead

LVI Associates; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates in Houston, TX seeks a Principal Water Resources Lead to guide a growing division. You will lead major projects across hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, drainage, floodplain, and watershed services, driving business growth and strengthening client relationships.

As a senior leader, you will define the practice's strategic direction, mentor teams, oversee delivery, and partner with executives to expand markets in Texas and beyond, shaping the future of the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
• PE license required.
• 15+ years of progressive water resources experience.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong background in hydrology, hydraulics, drainage, stormwater, and floodplain management.
• Established network within municipal, transportation, development, or flood control markets.
• Proven history of winning work and growing client relationships.
• Strong financial, operational, and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of project managers, senior engineers, and technical specialists.
• Set the strategic direction for the water resources practice.
• Develop annual growth plans, revenue targets, and hiring strategies.
• Drive operational excellence while maintaining high-quality project delivery.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and technical innovation.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Water resources

Project management

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Floodplain management

Client relationships

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

PE license

Tools

H&H modeling

Job description

We are seeking a Principal Water Resources Lead in Houston, Texas to serve as a key leader within our growing water resources division. This individual will be responsible for driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, overseeing major project delivery, and providing strategic leadership across hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, drainage, floodplain, and watershed services.

This role is ideal for an established industry leader with a strong reputation in the Texas market who enjoys combining technical expertise, team leadership, and business development. You will have significant influence over the direction of the practice, work closely with executive leadership, and help shape the future growth of the organization.

What You'll Do

We are seeking a Principal Water Resources Lead in Houston, Texas to serve as a key leader within our growing water resources division. This individual will be responsible for driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, overseeing major project delivery, and providing strategic leadership across hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, drainage, floodplain, and watershed services.

This role is ideal for an established industry leader with a strong reputation in the Texas market who enjoys combining technical expertise, team leadership, and business development. You will have significant influence over the direction of the practice, work closely with executive leadership, and help shape the future growth of the organization.

Practice Leadership

• Lead and grow a team of project managers, senior engineers, and technical specialists.
• Set the strategic direction for the water resources practice.
• Develop annual growth plans, revenue targets, and hiring strategies.
• Drive operational excellence while maintaining high-quality project delivery.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, mentorship, and technical innovation.

Client Development & Business Growth

• Build and maintain relationships with municipalities, flood control districts, counties, developers, and transportation agencies.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across Texas and surrounding markets.
• Lead major proposals, presentations, interviews, and contract negotiations.
• Expand existing client relationships and develop new strategic accounts.
• Partner with leadership to establish long-term market expansion strategies.

Project Oversight

• Serve as Principal-in-Charge on major water resources programs and complex infrastructure projects.
• Provide executive oversight on flood mitigation, watershed planning, drainage master planning, and stormwater management initiatives.
• Guide project teams through technical challenges and critical client decisions.
• Ensure projects meet quality, schedule, and financial goals.
• Support risk management and quality assurance processes across the practice.

Team Development

• Mentor senior staff and future leaders.
• Support recruiting efforts and succession planning initiatives.
• Assist project managers in developing client management and leadership skills.
• Help establish technical standards and best practices across multiple offices.

Typical Projects

• Watershed master plans
• Regional drainage studies
• Flood mitigation and resilience programs
• FEMA floodplain mapping and analysis
• H&H modeling studies
• Stormwater infrastructure improvements
• Public works and municipal drainage projects
• Transportation drainage programs
• Capital improvement planning
• Flood control and channel improvement projects

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering.
• PE license required.
• 15+ years of progressive water resources experience.
• Experience leading large multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong background in hydrology, hydraulics, drainage, stormwater, and floodplain management.
• Established network within municipal, transportation, development, or flood control markets.
• Proven history of winning work and growing client relationships.
• Strong financial, operational, and project management skills.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead and grow a regional water resources practice.
• Significant influence over strategic direction and decision-making.
• Clear pathway to Regional Director, Vice President, or Executive Leadership roles.
• Access to major municipal, flood control, and infrastructure projects.
• Competitive compensation, performance bonuses, and long-term incentive opportunities.
• Strong support for business development, recruiting, and practice growth.