Water Resources Director

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Professional development

Meaningful work

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. seeks a Water Resources Director to lead our Southeast Environmental Services team in Tampa or Orlando, FL. The role requires guiding complex studies, reports, and permit applications while expanding the practice in the Southeast.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years of water resources experience, a Florida P.E., and a track record in managing projects and developing client relationships. This senior position offers hybrid work and leadership opportunities.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of water resources engineering experience with leadership responsibility.
• Florida P.E. registration and strong knowledge of local permitting processes.
• Proven ability to manage projects, mentor staff, and grow the water resources practice.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects focusing on hydrology, hydraulics, and water quality.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities across the Southeast region.
• Mentor staff, manage client relationships, and ensure quality control of documents.

Education

B.S. in Engineering

Tools

STORM WISE

PONDS

ASAD

GEOPAK Drainage

ArcGIS

HY-8

HEC-RAS

EPA SWMM

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Job description

Water Resources Director

Locations: Orlando, FL; Tampa, FL

About the Position

VHB's growing Southeast Environmental Services team has an immediate need for a Water Resource Director. This role can be filled in either our Tampa or Orlando, FL office. The successful candidate will have at least 15 years of professional experience, including water resource consulting experience in the energy, transportation, real estate, and/or local government markets. Applicants should be experienced in designing studies, analyzing data, modeling, and preparing reports and local, state, and federal environmental permit applications within their water resource discipline. In addition to participating in high‑profile transportation, private development, and environmental/natural resource projects, the Water Resources Director will also be responsible for leading business development efforts and the management and mentoring of water resources staff.

Services Provided

• Watershed / Water quality
• Stormwater management
• Floodplain management

Key Competencies

The candidate must be competent in performing water resources engineering work and demonstrate a broad knowledge of hydrologic/hydraulic analysis and design methods. The candidate should be able to independently make sound engineering decisions, develop design plans, write specifications, and prepare technical reports. They must understand how to clearly convey design intent to engineering drawings and specifications, and possess a firm grasp of engineering processes and construction methods. Upholding engineering ethics and standards of conduct is required.

General Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary projects with hydrologic, hydraulic, or water quality focus, interacting with staff and clients.
• Identify and pursue new business opportunities throughout the Southeast region, performing lead discipline roles in proposals and presentations.
• Analyze technical problems, assess feasibility of proposed techniques and procedures, and devise new approaches and alternative solutions.

Management and Business Development

• Manage clients and oversee technical staff to complete projects; manage personnel involved in engineering investigations and planning work.
• Assist with business development opportunities and growth of the water resources practice throughout the Southeast region, leading project pursuits (LOI, ELOI, technical proposals, presentations, man‑hours, etc.).
• Quality control of construction plans and design documents generated by other team members.
• Prepare cost and man‑hour estimates, job budgets, and schedules.
• Assist management and marketing personnel with client visits and related activities.
• Negotiate staff hours and prepare requests for supplemental agreements.
• Create and expand technical resources of staff.
• Act as a mentor and aid in staff development.

Technical Responsibilities

• Lead the design of projects in accordance with client specifications and guidelines, using design software and drawing tools for transportation, local government, and land development projects.
• Develop technical reports (watershed study reports, drainage reports, pond siting reports, bridge hydraulics reports, permitting documents), design plans, construction documents, and specifications for water resources related projects, for approval by municipalities and regulatory agencies.
• Perform engineering computations related to site hydrology and hydraulics (conveyance systems, analysis and design of cross drains, bridges, stormwater management facilities, floodplain compensation analysis, earthwork, stormwater BMPs, natural channel design structural components).
• Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic studies.
• Oversee the preparation of construction plans consistent with FDOT standards.

Skills and Attributes

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong technical background in hydrology and hydraulics.
• Experience acquiring new clients and client management.
• Familiarity with STORM WISE, PONDS, ASAD, GEOPAK Drainage, ArcGIS, HY‑8, HEC‑RAS, EPA SWMM, MicroStation, AutoCAD.
• Design experience with the FDOT Drainage Manual and FDOT Plans Preparation Manual.
• Knowledge of preparation and review of Engineering Plans and Specifications to ensure all aspects of project implementation are clearly conveyed.
• Team‑oriented with a strong capability to motivate others.
• Highly motivated self‑starter.
• Superior ability in collaborative problem solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates.
• Well versed in FDOT design standards and criteria related to drainage design and plans production; able to interpret and apply technical information in procedures and manuals to accomplish the design process.

Qualifications

• B.S. in engineering with at least 15 years of post‑graduate experience.
• Registered Florida P.E.
• Advanced understanding of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling programs.
• Project management experience on relevant projects.
• Knowledge of the regulatory processes in Florida and understanding of local, state, and federal permitting.
• Experience designing stormwater management systems, storm drain systems, open channel conveyance, culvert analysis, bridge hydraulics, and floodplain compensation; production of contract roadway plans for FDOT, Florida’s Turnpike, and other municipalities.

Benefits

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact.
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success.
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change.
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI.
• Best‑in‑class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment.

We’re growing across the East Coast and are consistently recognized as a great place to work. Ready to shape what’s next? Learn more about what sets our employee experience apart and connect with us.

Equal Opportunity Employer

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deeply rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.