Resident Engineer / Construction Manager - Water Resources

BKF Engineers; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 169,780 - 228,342; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

End of year bonuses

Education reimbursement

Generous paid time off packages

Flexible schedules

401k and profit sharing

Job summary

BKF Engineers is seeking an experienced Resident Engineer / Construction Manager to oversee water and wastewater infrastructure projects in Santa Barbara, California. This role requires strong field leadership and construction management experience, ensuring projects are completed safely, on schedule, and within budget.

The ideal candidate should have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related fields, and 6+ years of relevant experience. The position offers a competitive salary, generous paid time off packages, and professional growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of construction management or resident engineering experience on water or wastewater projects.
• California Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) preferred.
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local water regulations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee construction activities to ensure projects are delivered safely and on schedule.
• Administer construction contracts and manage construction quality assurance.
• Prepare progress reports and act as primary contact with clients and contractors.

Skills

Field leadership

Construction management experience

Collaboration

Strong communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

We're seeking an experienced Resident Engineer / Construction Manager to support water and wastewater infrastructure construction projects in the San Bernardino County region. This role serves as the Owner's on-site representative, overseeing construction activities to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract documents and regulatory requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong field leadership, deep construction management experience in water and wastewater facilities, and the ability to collaborate with contractors, inspectors, agencies, and internal project teams.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Owner's professional representative during construction of water, wastewater, and related infrastructure projects
• Oversee daily construction activities, field inspections, and coordination with inspectors and project team members
• Administer construction contracts, including review of RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, change orders, and pay applications
• Manage construction quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in accordance with project requirements
• Coordinate materials testing, surveying, grade verification, and construction documentation
• Lead construction meetings, utility coordination, and agency interactions
• Monitor project scope, schedule, budget, and contractor performance
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations, labor compliance, and safety requirements
• Prepare progress reports, regulatory documentation, and project closeout materials
• Act as the primary point of contact with clients, contractors, and permitting agencies
• Support proposal development, staff mentoring, and collaboration with regional water resources leadership

Desired Construction Management Experience

We are seeking candidates with experience in some of the following areas. While not every item is required, experience in a combination of these areas will be highly valued:

• Large diameter sewer and water pipeline, including trenchless installations
• Water and wastewater treatment plants, including membrane filtration technology
• Sewer lift stations
• Booster pump stations
• Groundwater wells
• Stormwater diversion, capture, and treatment
• Flood control infrastructure
• SCADA installation, integration, and startup commissioning

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field
• California Professional Engineer (P.E.) or Certified Construction Manager (CCM) preferred
• 6+ years of construction management or resident engineering experience on water or wastewater projects
• Working knowledge of federal, state, and local water regulations, including NPDES and publicly funded projects
• Proven ability to manage contractors, resolve field issues, and administer construction contracts
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to lead teams and coordinate with multiple stakeholders
• Effective negotiation of change orders and contract issues
• Organized, proactive, and solutions‑oriented in the field
• Valid California driver's license

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high‑stress, fast‑paced, deadline‑oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $169,780.00 - $228,342.00, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
• Competitive salaries, end of year bonuses, profit sharing, and 401k
• Generous paid time off packages
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
• BKF offers competitive and award‑winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.