Water Resources Project Manager

MBC Talent Connections; Daly City (CA); On-site; USD 113,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

ESOP

401(k) profit sharing

Job summary

MBC Talent Connections seeks a Water Resources Project Manager to lead groundwater and water resources projects across California. You will guide technical direction, coordinate SGMA implementation, and liaise with clients and stakeholders, shaping project outcomes from planning to execution.

Ideal candidates have 5+ years of relevant experience, strong modeling and data skills, and the ability to manage budgets and schedules while delivering high-quality reports and presentations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or a related field.
• Master's or PhD preferred for advanced roles.

Responsibilities

• Lead technical direction and SGMA implementation across agencies.
• Oversee hydrogeologic models, water balances, and client-directed actions.
• Prepare memoranda, reports, and GSP-related documents; ensure QA/QC of deliverables.
• Act as primary client contact and manage project scope, budgets, and schedules.
• Support business development, proposals, and conference presentations.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Team collaboration

Time management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, or Engineering

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

Water Resources Project Manager

Locations: Daly City, Davis, or Irvine, CA | Type: Full-time, professional
Salary: $113,000 – $160,000 per year, plus an annual performance bonus. Final pay depends on skills, experience, qualifications, and location.

The Opportunity

Take the lead on high-impact groundwater and water resources projects for California clients, from early planning through implementation. You will report to a team leader and own both project management and technical direction. Your work will span Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) compliance, groundwater basin characterization, water budgets and accounting frameworks, litigation support, and water supply planning.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

• Coordinate SGMA implementation across multiple Groundwater Sustainability Agencies
• Oversee hydrogeologic conceptual models, water balances, numerical models, and client-directed management actions
• Author technical memoranda, reports, and studies, including Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs), SGMA annual reports, and periodic GSP evaluations
• Perform quality assurance and quality control on all project deliverables

Project and Client Management

• Act as the primary client contact and lead meetings with clients and external parties
• Plan, organize, and guide staff to deliver quality work on time and within budget
• Manage schedules, budgets, invoicing, and monthly progress reports
• Deliver presentations that make complex technical concepts clear to broad audiences

Business Development

• Support client development, proposal writing, and conference presentations

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or a related field
• Master's or PhD preferred

Experience

• 5+ years of relevant experience; 8+ years preferred for SGMA and related water resources projects
• At least 2 years of proven project management experience
• Preferred: a Master's or PhD plus professional registration, or 12+ years of professional experience where registration is not available for your degree

Technical Expertise

• SGMA and Groundwater Sustainability Plans
• California groundwater and water planning regulations
• Quantitative analysis, including numerical modeling
• Land subsidence
• Data management and visualization, including ArcGIS
• Technical writing

What Sets You Apart

• Excellent written and verbal communication with clients, subconsultants, regulators, and the public
• Strong organization, time management, and attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and collaborate across teams
• A strong work ethic, positive attitude, and drive to keep learning and growing
• A valid driver's license

Work Environment

• Fast-paced, dynamic setting
• Travel up to 25% of the time, occasionally overnight, for client meetings and site visits
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs and to sit or stand for extended periods

Compensation and Benefits

• Employee-owned firm with a strong commitment to work/life balance
• Annual performance bonus and incentive compensation
• Retirement benefits through an Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP) and 401(k) profit sharing
• Group medical, vision, and dental coverage
• Career advancement and training opportunities