Water Resources Practice Area Lead

Spheros Environmental; Denver (CO); Hybrid; USD 155,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Professional growth opportunities

Inclusive culture

Cross-practice collaboration

Job summary

Spheros Environmental is seeking a Water Resources Practice Area Lead to strengthen technical excellence across the firm and drive business development within the Water Resources PA. The leader will mentor staff, coordinate across regions, and extend the company’s market share in water resources while managing a portion of current project responsibilities.

The role requires a deep understanding of hydrogeology, surface water, watershed management, and regulatory permitting, with travel as needed

Qualifications

• BA or BS in hydrology, hydrogeology, civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in Water Resources PA or equivalent.
• Deep knowledge of Water Resources practice area and client needs.
• Understanding of PA capabilities across regional offices and business units.
• Willingness to travel for project and BD activities.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a culture of technical excellence across Spheros and its leadership.
• Develop a community of practice for water resources professionals across the PA.
• Mentor SMEs and staff; oversee training programs within budgets.
• Lead business development, pursue opportunities, and support major proposals.
• Ensure high client satisfaction and quality in project delivery across service lines.

Skills

Mentoring skills

Client relationship management

Proposal writing

Organizational communication

Business development mindset

Education

BA/BS in hydrology or related field

Job description

Water Resources Practice Area Lead

Compensation: $155,000 – $215,000 annually (negotiable based on experience)

Location: Flexible (Hybrid or fully remote)

About Spheros Environmental

Today’s world is changing rapidly. Environmental challenges continue to grow in scope, number, and complexity while environmental events increase in severity around the globe. To keep up with the ever‑changing conditions, rules, and regulations in the environmental space, clients increasingly require scientific expertise to navigate the regulatory landscape and maintain their right to operate. Spheros aims to be a leader in comprehensive environmental consulting services, setting the standard for excellence, innovation and sustainability practices worldwide.

Position Summary

Spheros Environmental has an exciting opportunity for a Water Resources Practice Area Lead to join our team. The Practice Area Program’s primary focus is to ensure Spheros maintains technical excellence across the entire organization and to support business development within divisions and regions. The leader will develop innovative solutions across the Water Resources PA—spanning hydrogeology, surface water, watershed management, and compliance & permitting—while providing technical mentorship to a diverse team of subject matter experts. The successful candidate will bring an entrepreneurial attitude, enthusiasm for business development, and strong technical acumen to extend Spheros Environmental’s market share in the water resources sector. The PA Lead will initially retain a portion of their existing project responsibilities.

Essential Functions

Technical Excellence

• Build and maintain a culture of technical excellence and quality across Spheros, collaborating with Business Units, Divisional and Regional Leadership, and other technical leaders.
• Establish and maintain a community of practice connecting water resources professionals across the PA, spanning hydrogeology, surface water, watershed management, and compliance & permitting.
• Develop and maintain a database of subject matter experts (SMEs) and independent reviewers across sub‑areas of the Water Resources PA.
• Create and maintain SOPs for quality assurance, review processes, and risk management, including health & safety protocols for field investigations, aquifer testing, and water sampling.
• Ensure compliance with professional standards and SOPs.
• Stay abreast of technical innovations, emerging methodologies, and evolving regulatory frameworks within the PA.
• Establish and oversee technical mentorship and training programs within set budgets.

Brand and Business Development

• Establish Spheros’ reputation and position within the PA by recommending conferences, events, and activities that promote Spheros’ technical brand.
• Drive thought leadership through publishing, presentations, webinars, and other activities that promote the technical brand in water resources.
• Ensure high levels of client satisfaction across the PA.
• Contribute input into business planning from the PA perspective.
• Identify strategic opportunities and coordinate with leadership and key client leads to pursue them.
• Participate in major pursuits and proposals for the PA.
• Support the Marketing Department in producing materials and contribute to other marketing activities for the PA.

Project Delivery and Resource Management

• Uphold technical excellence in project delivery across all service lines (groundwater investigations, aquifer testing, modeling, water rights, floodplain analysis, stormwater management, restoration planning, and compliance permits).
• Support division and regional leaders on staff assignment for technical work and proposals.
• Ensure Spheros has the right technical staff to perform current and future PA work.
• Recommend technical tools and resources needed—computing platforms, field instruments, specialized software—to meet project needs and support recruitment.
• Champion the company culture and values across the organization.

Required Qualifications

• BA or BS in hydrology, hydrogeology, civil/environmental engineering, environmental science, geology, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in the Water Resources PA, or equivalent education and experience.
• Broad and deep knowledge of the Water Resources Practice Area.
• Thorough understanding of client needs for Water Resources.
• Understanding of Spheros’ competitors providing similar services.
• Extensive knowledge of PA capabilities across Regional Offices and Business Units.
• Excellent mentoring skills and a track record of developing technical staff.
• Knowledge of existing and upcoming water resources rules, regulations, litigation, and regulatory trends.
• Strong existing client relationships throughout the PA.
• Strong client and project management skills.
• General knowledge of business opportunities and trends for the PA.
• Strong organizational and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Extensive proposal writing experience.
• Externally recognized expert in water resources (committee appointments, board memberships, published author, frequent conference presenter).
• Willingness to travel in support of project and business development activities.
• Previous experience in an environmental or engineering consulting firm (or similar).

Why Spheros Environmental?

• Competitive Compensation: Generous salary range with bonuses and 401(k) contributions.
• Professional Growth: Opportunities for continuous learning, training, and advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a company that values collaboration and client service.
• Opportunity to provide clients with services from all of Spheros Environmental practice areas.

Spheros Environmental is an equal‑opportunity employer.