Wastewater Senior Technical Manager

Woodard & Curran Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Woodard & Curran Inc. seeks a Senior Technical Manager to lead and grow the West Region wastewater practice. You will guide study, planning, and design for municipal wastewater projects, mentor junior staff, and collaborate closely with communities to deliver practical solutions.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, client engagement, and expanding the firm’s presence in Southern California. Hybrid work arrangement with in-office collaboration is expected.

Qualifications

• Senior Technical Manager with strong experience in study, planning, and design of wastewater systems.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across concept, design, and construction phases.
• Proven ability to mentor staff and grow regional wastewater practice.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on wastewater projects of all sizes from concept to construction.
• Lead and grow the West Region Wastewater Team and multi-discipline project teams.
• Build and strengthen client relationships and contribute to business development.

Skills

Wastewater treatment

Technical leadership

Project management

Client relationships

QA/QC

Business development

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Job description

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet.

What’s in it for you:

Woodard & Curran is offering a unique opportunity to join one of our Southern California offices providing high quality wastewater engineering services to municipal clients throughout the West region and across the nation. The successful candidate will be a motivated, growth-oriented professional with an ability to lead and grow the South Region Wastewater Team and multi-discipline project teams from the concept, final design, and construction phases; start-up, and operations of facilities. This is an opportunity for an experienced wastewater professional to make a meaningful regional impact – driving technical excellence, mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists, and partnering closely with communities to solve complex challenges.

Location: Southern California (Office Locations: San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine)

This role is hybrid. Candidates are expected to be in the office at least one day per week, with additional on‑site presence on an as‑needed basis.

Travel: 20%

Who are we looking for:

The selected candidate will primarily lead and support the engineering on municipal wastewater projects, however experience with drinking water, storm water, and industrial water applications is valuable. This position will have an opportunity to direct and collaborate with a team of junior staff. The ideal candidate is a Senior Technical Manager with strong experience in study, planning, and design of wastewater systems, including familiarity with a broad range of issues related to master planning, treatment and collection/distribution in water or wastewater systems. The ideal candidate is energized by solving complex treatment challenges, enjoys working directly with clients, and is excited to play a key role in growing Woodard & Curran’s wastewater treatment practice in the West Region. The candidate has led major treatment projects and is known for developing clear technical direction, strengthening deliverable quality through rigorous QA/QC, and partnering effectively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, operable solutions.

What You Will Be Doing at Woodard & Curran:

• Provide technical leadership on wastewater projects of all sizes, from the concept, final design, and construction phases; start-up, and operations of facilities.
• Lead and grow the West Region Wastewater Team and multi-discipline project teams, identifying emerging opportunities, supporting key pursuits, and contributing to the firm’s long-term technical leadership strategy.
• Build and strengthen client relationships, contributing to business development efforts, proposal preparation, and strategic pursuits in the municipal wastewater market.
• A recognized technical expert in wastewater treatment process, with deep experience in planning, design, and implementation of municipal treatment systems, including biological
• Review and oversee technical deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to industry standards and client expectations.
• Supports Project Manager with and/or directly manages the financial and technical delivery of project tasks including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Serve as a technical resource for complex wastewater treatment processes, providing process expertise from planning and pilot studies through design, construction, and startup.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and/or external clients/professional societies and participates in committees and other external leadership opportunities through professional associations and other applicable organizations.
• Partners with project managers and client managers to support client relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to business development efforts.
• Provides input on development of Woodard & Curran design or technical guidelines and standards.

What You Will Need To Succeed:

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