Senior Water Resources Project Manager (H&H / Irrigation & Stormwater)

Morrison-Maierle; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

Generous wage growth

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

Job summary

Morrison-Maierle in Missoula, MT seeks a Senior Water Resources Project Manager to lead complex engineering projects. You will manage hydrologic modeling, flood mitigation, and client interactions, developing solutions that integrate infrastructure with the environment.

The ideal candidate will have over 8 years of experience in water resources engineering, strong leadership skills, and proficiency in AutoCAD and GIS tools. Join a 100% employee-owned firm committed to innovative community solutions.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
• Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time and within budget.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and delivery of complex water resources projects.
• Serve as the primary contact for clients, ensuring alignment between project and deliverables.
• Oversee advanced hydrologic and hydraulic analyses.

Skills

Hydrologic and hydraulic judgement

Proficiency with AutoCAD

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or similar

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS)

Job description

Senior Water Resources Project Manager (H&H / Irrigation & Stormwater)

Missoula, MT

ENGINEERS | SURVEYORS | PLANNERS | SCIENTISTS

Morrison-Maierle is a 100% employee-owned firm specializing in integrated consulting and design services in engineering, planning, surveying, and science. As a trusted partner to our clients, we deliver reliable, high-quality results, grounded in a deep understanding of local context and regional needs.

Position: Senior Water Resources Project Manager (H&H / Irrigation & Stormwater)
Job status: Exempt-salaried
Job type: Full-time
Location: Missoula, MT
Relocation assistance provided

Seeking a Senior Water Resources Project Manager to lead H&H modeling, stormwater, irrigation, flood mitigation, and watershed projects. Join a top, local firm delivering resilient, science-based solutions.

THE ROLE

The Senior Water Resources Project Manager leads the planning, design, and delivery of complex water resources engineering projects while also providing team leadership and oversight to support staff performance, development, and project execution. You will develop science‑based engineering solutions that integrate infrastructure with the natural environment—advancing flood mitigation, stormwater management, watershed protection, irrigation, and rehabilitation of critical water systems. You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams, manage client and regulatory coordination, and oversee work from H&H modeling through design and construction support.

Beyond project delivery, you will play a key role in leading and developing engineering staff, helping align team resources, maintain quality standards, and build a high‑performing, engaged team environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • Provide day‑to‑day leadership, mentorship, and guidance to engineers and EITs supporting project delivery.
  • Align team resources to project needs, balancing workload and efficient utilization of staff.
  • Support staff development through coaching, performance feedback, and technical oversight.
  • Foster a collaborative, high‑performing team environment focused on quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
  • Partner with leadership to identify staffing needs and support team growth.
• Project and Client Leadership:
  • Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment between project objectives and deliverables.
  • Prepare and lead client meetings, technical presentations, and design workshops.
  • Lead the planning, modeling, design, and delivery of complex water resources projects, including flood mitigation, stormwater systems, river restoration, dam/reservoir rehabilitation, and watershed studies.
  • Manage full project lifecycle: scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resourcing, risk identification, and change management.
  • Maintain accurate project documentation, progress tracking, and financial performance reporting.
• Technical and Deliver Leadership:
  • Oversee advanced hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses using tools such as HEC‑RAS (1D/2D), HEC‑HMS, SWMM/PCSWMM, and other modeling platforms.
  • Direct preparation and QA/QC of plans, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, and FEMA or permitting submittals.
  • Develop engineering approaches, alternatives analyses, and recommendations that balance technical performance, cost, constructability, and environmental stewardship.
  • Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated and timely project delivery.
  • Lead construction‑phase services including RFIs, submittal reviews, field observations, and resolution of design‑related issues.
  • Make key technical and delivery decisions, balancing risk, cost, constructability, and regulatory requirements while guiding the team to successful outcomes.
• Business Development and Growth:
  • Identify new opportunities, support client account growth, and help develop strategic pursuits.
  • Lead or contribute to proposal development, including scopes, schedules, level of effort, and interview participation.
  • Support strategic pursuits and long‑term client relationships.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or similar ABET‑accredited program
• 8+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, including design and project delivery
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred; must demonstrate independent technical leadership and client management experience
• Advanced knowledge with hydrologic and hydraulic judgement
• Experience preparing and reviewing PS&E packages, technical reports, design documentation, and modeling summaries
• Track record of managing project financial performance
• Experience leading proposals and interviews and expanding existing client accounts
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS)
• Familiarity with permitting processes (FEMA LOMR/CLOMR, USACE 404/401, state DEQ, dam safety, local stormwater regulations)
• Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk across multiple concurrent projects
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time, within budget, and with strong quality outcomes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client presentations, technical reporting, and team coordination
• Strong problem‑solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and ability to make informed decisions under pressure
• Client‑service mindset and ability to build, maintain, and grow long‑term client relationships
• Interest in practice development, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Valid driver’s license and insurable record for periodic travel

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

• $95,000 to $140,000 base pay (DOE) with generous wage growth
• Annual bonuses
• Ownership through Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); 100% company‑paid ownership contributions
• 90% company‑paid shared health plan premiums
• Paid time off in year one
• Paid parental leave and volunteer time off
• Six paid company holidays
• Two floating personal holidays
• 401(k) matching program
• AD&D Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance paid by the company

EEO STATEMENT

Morrison‑Maierle is committed to diversity and inclusion, supported by compliance as an EEOC employer that ensures equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of protected class status.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

At Morrison‑Maierle, we’re more than engineers, surveyors, planners and scientists; we’re community builders. Founded in 1945, we’re a 100% employee‑owned, Engineering News‑Record Top 500 firm driven by a passion for innovative solutions that improve lives across the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions.