Senior Water Resources Project Manager

HDR, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

HDR, Inc. is seeking a Senior Water Resources Project Manager in Des Moines, IA. You will lead cross-disciplinary teams to deliver water resources projects that improve public health and infrastructure resilience.

This role emphasizes client relations, business development, and strong technical execution in a collaborative employee-owned culture. The position requires a PE license, a engineering degree, and a track record of managing complex water resources programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering required.
• 10 years related experience.
• Minimum 5 years project management experience.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (PE or P.Eng).
• MS Office and MS Project experience; Access a plus.
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills.
• Active participant in our employee-owned culture.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate work of single or multidiscipline teams throughout the project lifecycle (development to close-out).
• Responsible for all aspects of complex small to medium projects or routine large projects.
• Focus on water resources projects including flood risk, levees, dam and spillway rehabilitation, flood control, and river restoration.
• Assist in water resources permitting efforts and documentation.
• Produce and coordinate several small to medium projects concurrently.
• Establish and maintain client relations, and participate in marketing, contractual, design and production meetings.
• Coordinate staffing and workload to ensure deliverables meet schedule and budget.
• Track financial aspects of projects and adjust work effort to stay within budget and schedule.
• Coordinate with Accounting, Operations and Business leadership for periodic reviews.
• Implement QA/QC procedures.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

Senior Water Resources Project Manager - ( 194497 )

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

We believe water is more than a resource, it's a shared responsibility. As part of our WaterBusiness Group, you’ll help shape how communities manage water for generations to come. From delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly to developing sustainable water supplies and protecting lives and property through flood control, your work will directly support public health, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure resilience. We bring together experts across disciplines to solve complex challenges with bold thinking and technical excellence. Whether you're modernizing aging systems or pioneering innovative approaches, your contributions will make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. This isn’t just a job, it's a chance to lead change, drive progress, and leave a lasting legacy.

In the role of Senior Water Resources Project Manager, we'll count on you to:

Direct and coordinate work of single or multidiscipline teams throughout the project’s lifecycle (from development and initiation to close-out)

Responsible for all aspects of complex small to medium projects or routine large projects

Focus on water resources projects including flood risk reduction, levees, dam and spillway rehabilitation, flood control, channel restoration/rehabilitation, wetland and lake restoration, stormwater detention and conveyance, and riverine structure

Assist in water resources permitting efforts and documentation

Produce and coordinate several small to medium projects concurrently

Establish and maintain client relations, and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings

Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders

Coordinate staffing and workload through entire project life cycle, and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule

Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within parameters of agreed-to budget and schedule

Work with the Accounting, Operational and Business leadership for periodic project reviews

Implement QA/QC procedures

Perform other duties as needed

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP certification

*LI-BC1

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 10 years related experience
• A minimum 5 years project management experience

Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.

• MS Office and MS Project experience (Access experience would be plus)
• Demonstrated leadership, business development and strategic planning skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe

HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment

As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Industry

Water

Schedule

Full-time

Employee Status

Regular

BusinessClass : Dams Levees Civil Works

Job Posting

Jul 17, 2026

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.