Senior Water Engineer/Practice Leader - Virginia

GEI Consultants, Inc.; Charlottesville (VA); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Travel 10-20%

Job summary

GEI Consultants, Inc. is seeking a Senior Engineer/Practice Leader to lead civil/geotechnical/water resource work in Virginia. The role blends technical leadership with business development, focusing on growth in the Western Virginia water resources market and surrounding areas.

Hybrid work with periodic visits to Charlottesville and other regional offices, plus 10–20% overnight travel. Senior professional with 12+ years' experience and a PE license is expected to mentor staff and drive

Qualifications

• BS degree in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical Engineering (MS preferred).
• 12+ years in civil/geotechnical engineering with PM experience.
• PE license required; entrepreneurial track record a plus.
• Experience supporting federal, state, and local agencies in the Eastern US.

Responsibilities

• Lead growth in Virginia’s Water Resource market and coordinate across offices.
• Manage projects and staff including technical leadership, construction oversight, and risk management.
• Provide project management support for dams, levees, and water control structures.
• Recruit, train, and mentor junior staff; support business development and client relations.

Skills

Business development

Project management

Technical leadership

Mentoring

Education

BS in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Engineering

MS preferred

Professional Engineering license (PE)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Your role at GEI. GEI is expanding, and we are seeking a Senior Engineer/Practice Leader experienced in civil, geotechnical, geostructural and/or water resource engineering to add technical and business development expertise to our growing market in Virginia. The selected candidate will work closely with the senior leadership in our MidAtlantic Area offices to lead our growth within the Water Resource market of Western Virginia and surrounding areas. This role could be a hybrid role with the ability to periodically visit our office in Charlottesville, VA, and other regional offices.

• Focus on business development and market expansion including service cross selling.
• Maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participation in client based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
• Manage projects and staff, including technical leadership and oversight, construction management, risk management, and mentoring.
• Provide technical assistance and project management for work related to dams, levees, and other water control and conveyance structures, as related to geotechnical, construction management, or water resource related engineering, or general civil engineering.
• Assist in recruiting and training additional staff.
• Serve as a leadership role model for company culture and values across the organization.
• Overnight travel is required; approximately 10 to 20%.

Description

Your role at GEI. GEI is expanding, and we are seeking a Senior Engineer/Practice Leader experienced in civil, geotechnical, geostructural and/or water resource engineering to add technical and business development expertise to our growing market in Virginia. The selected candidate will work closely with the senior leadership in our MidAtlantic Area offices to lead our growth within the Water Resource market of Western Virginia and surrounding areas. This role could be a hybrid role with the ability to periodically visit our office in Charlottesville, VA, and other regional offices.

Essential Responsibilities & Duties

• Focus on business development and market expansion including service cross selling.
• Maintain high visibility in the marketplace through regular client contact, participation in client based professional organizations, and attendance and presentations at industry events.
• Manage projects and staff, including technical leadership and oversight, construction management, risk management, and mentoring.
• Provide technical assistance and project management for work related to dams, levees, and other water control and conveyance structures, as related to geotechnical, construction management, or water resource related engineering, or general civil engineering.
• Assist in recruiting and training additional staff.
• Serve as a leadership role model for company culture and values across the organization.
• Overnight travel is required; approximately 10 to 20%.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of B.S. degree in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical Engineering or related field. M.S. preferred.
• 12 + years progressive experience in Civil, Structural or Geotechnical engineering with extensive technical background in field of expertise and at least 10+ years in a project management role.
• Recognized for technical excellence and development of client-focused, creative, and practical solutions.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial attitude and ability to generate new work and grow a business segment, with a proven track record of success.
• Demonstrated ability to support federal, state and local agencies in the Eastern US.
• Professional Engineering license required.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Civil, Structural, or Geotechnical Engineering or related field
• Strong reputation in dams, levees, and hydropower services
• Strong theoretical background with experience in applying analyses to practical solutions, including computer modeling and seismic analysis and designs
• Ability to supervise and direct junior staff
• Office or Practice Area operational experience
• Candidates should be thoroughly familiar with computerized applications including Microsoft software and engineering applications
• Knowledgeable of dam institutions and water and hydropower systems within the United States is desirable

We are GEI

Some of the world’s most pressing problems – from climate change to sustainable development, to critical infrastructure and the future of our energy supply – need our brightest and diverse minds working together to create safer, more resilient communities for tomorrow.

We are technical experts, collaborators, and entrepreneurs who draw from diverse backgrounds to solve our clients’ most complex challenges.

With several offices across North America, we offer a range of engineering, science, and technical consulting services. Our range of expertise, project types, and culture make us the choice for top talent in the AEC industry. See all our office locations here.

Employee-owned. Employee-focused

As an employee-owned company, our employees support our flat leadership structure, have a say in how our business operates and benefit from our financial success. We are committed to employee growth with career development opportunities, competitive total rewards, a well-being program, flexible work arrangements and more. Our company culture is driven by our 4 Cs – we are Client-Centered, Curious, Collaborative, and Community Minded – which support our focus on sustainability, safety, diversity, equity and inclusion. Get to know us better by visiting GEI’s career site here.

GEI’s Total Rewards Package Includes

• Market-Competitive Compensation, including Eligibility for an Annual Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive Benefits Program, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and More
• Well-Being Program and Paid Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• Hybrid Work Schedules and Cell Phone Stipends
• GEI University (GEIU) with Continuing Education Assistance and Tuition Reimbursement
• Connecting Conversation Program with a Focus on Professional Development and Opportunities for Advancement
• Support and Financial Rewards for Publication Awards, Professional Dues, and Professional Licenses
• Paid Holidays and Generous Paid Time Off Program
• Rewards and Recognition
• GEI-Funded Profit Sharing and 401(k)
• Opportunity to be an Owner and Shareholder (Learn more here)
• A Vibrant Culture that is Focused on Partnership, Sustainability, Giving Back to Our Communities and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
• And More…

Physical Requirements

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Functional Demands

X

Activity Level Throughout Workday (check one per row) Physical Activity Requirements Occasional (0-35% of day) Frequent (33-66% of day) Continuous (67-100% of day) Not Applicable Sitting 6-8 hours Standing 0-1 hour Walking 0-1 hour Climbing X Lifting (floor to waist level) (in pounds) 0-10 pounds Lifting (waist level and above) (in pounds) 0-10 pounds Carrying objects 0-1 hour Push/pull X Twisting 0-1 hour Bending 0-1 hour Reaching forward 0-1 hour Reaching overhead 0-1 hour Squat/kneel/crawl X Wrist position deviation 3-5 hours Pinching/fine motor skills 1-2 hours Keyboard use/repetitive motion 6-8 hours Taste or smell (taste=never) 0-1 hour Talk or hear 3-5 hours Accurate 20/40 Very Accurate 20/20 Not Applicable Near Vision X Far Vision X Yes No Not Applicable Color Discrimination X Sensory Requirements Minimal Moderate Accurate Not Applicable Depth perception X Hearing X Environment Requirements Occupational Exposure Risk Potential Reasonably Anticipated Not Anticipated Blood borne pathogens X Chemical X Airborne communicable diseases X Extreme temperatures X Radiation X Uneven surfaces or elevations X Extreme noise levels X Dust/particulate matter X Other (exposure Risks) Usual workday hours : X 8 10 12 Other work hours GEI is an AA/equal opportunity employer, including disabled and veterans We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.