Water Resources Project Manager

MBC Talent Connections; Davis (CA); Hybrid; USD 113,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

401(k) profit sharing

Health, vision and dental insurance

Employee-owned firm culture

Job summary

MBC Talent Connections seeks a Water Resources Project Manager to lead groundwater and water resources projects across California, from planning through implementation. You will report to a team leader and drive both project management and technical direction.

The role covers SGMA compliance, basin characterization, water budgets, and support for litigation and water supply planning. Remote work within CA is possible with occasional office visits, and travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Hydrology, Geology, Earth Sciences, Engineering, or related field.
• Master's or PhD preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant experience; 8+ years for SGMA projects.
• At least 2 years of proven project management experience.
• Preferred: Master's/PhD plus professional registration, or 12+ years of experience where registration is not available.

Responsibilities

• 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 Groundwater Sustainability Plans (GSPs) and SGMA annual reports.
• Perform quality assurance and quality control on all project deliverables.
• 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.
• Support client development, proposal writing, and conference presentations.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Quantitative analysis

Team collaboration

Education

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

Master's or PhD preferred

Tools

ArcGIS

Numerical modeling

Job description

Water Resources Project Manager

Locations: Daly City, Davis, or Irvine, CA | Will consider remote in CA, with occasional visit to office nearby above.Type: Full-time, hybrid
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