Senior Water Quality Environmental Consultant (Project Manager) - TX

CK Associates; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CK Associates in The Woodlands, Texas, is seeking a Senior Water Quality Consultant to lead industrial water quality permitting, modeling, and compliance programs. You will guide projects from proposal through completion and act as a trusted technical advisor to clients on regulatory matters.

You will mentor junior staff, manage client relationships, and coordinate with EPA, TCEQ, and other agencies while delivering high-quality solutions across Texas and the Gulf Coast.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of environmental consulting experience with water quality permitting.
• Experience with TPDES/NPDES permitting.
• Strong regulatory strategy and agency coordination.
• Understanding of CWA, SDWA, 316(b) and Texas regs.
• Experience developing SWPPP, SPCC, FRP, and related plans.
• Industrial client experience (chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, energy).
• Excellent technical writing and communication.
• Proven project management, budgeting, and scheduling.

Responsibilities

• Lead water quality permitting and compliance projects from proposal through completion.
• Prepare and manage permit applications, compliance reports, and regulatory correspondence.
• Develop and interpret wastewater and water quality models.
• Serve as technical advisor to clients on permitting and compliance.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, invoicing, QA/QC, and client communications.
• Coordinate with agencies like TCEQ, EPA, and other state bodies.
• Mentor junior consultants through technical guidance and oversight.
• Support business development and client relationship building.
• Participate in field investigations and client meetings across Texas and nearby states.

Skills

Project management

Technical writing

Client relations

Regulatory coordination

Water quality modeling

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science

Job description

Job Description

At CK, we help industrial clients solve complex environmental challenges with practical, technically sound solutions. As our Water Quality practice continues to grow, we're seeking an experienced Senior Water Quality Consultant to join our team in The Woodlands, Texas. This position is ideal for a consultant who enjoys combining technical expertise, project leadership, and client relationships while mentoring the next generation of environmental professionals. You'll work alongside a collaborative team on challenging projects serving clients across Texas and the Gulf Coast. As an employee-owned firm, we invest in our people by providing opportunities for professional growth, technical development, and long-term career advancement.

What You'll Do

• Lead industrial water quality permitting and compliance projects from proposal through successful completion.
• Prepare, review, and manage permit applications, compliance reports, technical memoranda, and regulatory correspondence.
• Develop, evaluate, and interpret wastewater and water quality models to support permitting strategies, compliance evaluations, and client decision-making.
• Serve as a trusted technical advisor to clients on environmental permitting and regulatory compliance.
• Manage project scope, schedules, budgets, invoicing, QA/QC, and client communications.
• Coordinate directly with regulatory agencies, including the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and other state agencies.
• Mentor and develop junior consultants through technical guidance and project oversight.
• Support business development by identifying opportunities with existing clients, preparing proposals, participating in client meetings, and building long-term relationships.
• Participate in occasional field investigations, facility visits, and client meetings throughout Texas and neighboring states.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science, or a closely related discipline.
• 8+ years of environmental consulting experience, including significant industrial water quality permitting and compliance experience.
• Strong experience with:
  • TPDES/NPDES wastewater permitting
  • Industrial wastewater compliance
  • Water quality and wastewater modeling
  • Regulatory strategy and agency coordination
• Thorough understanding of:
  • Clean Water Act (CWA)
  • Safe Drinking Water Act
  • Section 316(b)
  • Texas and federal environmental regulations
• Experience developing compliance programs such as:
  • SWPPP
  • SPCC
  • FRP
  • Dock Operations Plans
  • TRE/TIE evaluations
• Experience serving industrial clients such as chemical, petrochemical, manufacturing, energy, refining, or other industrial facilities is highly preferred.
• Excellent technical writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Proven project management experience, including budgeting, scheduling, quality control, and successful project delivery.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining exceptional quality and responsiveness.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain Texas PE licensure through reciprocity.
• Experience with water supply permitting, water reuse, stormwater management, or watershed studies.
• Existing relationships with industrial clients or regulatory agencies in Texas are a plus.
• Active participation in professional organizations such as WEF, AWWA, TCEQ, or similar industry associations.

Additional Requirements

• Must meet all Drug & Alcohol, Health & Safety, and Security requirements, including eligibility to obtain a TWIC card.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to safely operate a full-size pickup truck.
• Willingness to travel to client sites and occasionally work outside normal business hours to meet project needs.

Why Join Us?

We’re not just offering a job, we’re offering a career path with purpose. You’ll be part of a respected, employee-owned firm where your voice matters, your growth is prioritized, and your work makes a real difference. Best of all, you will be part of a supportive team and work in a value-driven culture, on projects that keep you engaged and challenged.