Water Resources Project Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Annual performance bonus

Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

401(k) profit sharing

Medical, vision, and dental coverage

Job summary

Water Resources Project Manager role at MBC Talent Connections seeks an experienced professional to lead groundwater and water resources projects in California. You will guide projects from planning to implementation, reporting to a team leader and directing technical and project management tasks.

The position requires strong SGMA knowledge, modeling, data management, and client communication, with travel up to 25% and a competitive salary range.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in hydrology, geology, or related field; master's preferred.
• 5+ years of relevant water resources experience; 8+ years for SGMA focus.
• At least 2 years of proven project management experience.
• Strong writing and client communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate SGMA implementation across multiple agencies.
• Oversee hydrogeologic models and water balances.
• Prepare reports, GSPs, and SGMA evaluations.
• Lead client meetings and manage schedules, budgets, and invoices.
• Support proposals and conference presentations.

Skills

Project management

Technical leadership

Communication

Groundwater modeling

Regulatory knowledge

Education

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

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