Water Resources Project Manager

Morrison-Maierle; Missoula (MT); On-site; USD 80,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonuses

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Flexible work-life arrangements

Job summary

A leading employee-owned engineering firm in Missoula, MT seeks a Water Resources Engineer – Project Manager to lead H&H modeling, flood mitigation, and watershed projects. Ideal candidates will have over 8 years of experience in water resources engineering, strong client management skills, and expertise with hydrologic modeling tools. The position offers competitive pay from $80,000 to $140,000 and provides relocation assistance, bonuses, and employee ownership through the ESOP, fostering a strong community-focused work environment.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or able to obtain post-hire.
• Familiarity with FEMA, USACE permits and local stormwater regulations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, design, and delivery of complex water resources projects.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and build strong relationships.
• Oversee advanced hydrologic and hydraulic analyses.

Skills

Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling

Project leadership

Client relationship management

Problem-solving skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related

Tools

HEC-RAS

AutoCAD

GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS)

Job description

ENGINEERS | SURVEYORS | PLANNERS | SCIENTISTS

Morrison-Maierle is a 100% employee‑owned firm specializing in integrated consulting and design services in engineering, planning, surveying, and science. As a trusted partner to our clients, we deliver reliable, high‑quality results, grounded in a deep understanding of local context and regional needs.

Position: Water Resources Engineer – Project Manager

Job status: Exempt‑salaried

Job type: Full‑time

Location: Missoula, MT

(Relocation assistance provided)

Seeking a Water Resources Project Manager to lead H&H modeling, stormwater, flood mitigation, and watershed projects in Billings, MT. Join a top firm delivering resilient, science‑based solutions.

THE ROLE

The Water Resources Project Manager leads the planning, design, and delivery of water resource projects that protect communities and strengthen local infrastructure. In this role, you will develop science‑based engineering solutions that integrate infrastructure with the natural environment—advancing flood mitigation, stormwater management, watershed protection, and the rehabilitation of critical water systems. You’ll guide multidisciplinary teams, manage client and regulatory coordination, and oversee work from hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) modeling through design and construction support. This position is ideal for an experienced water resources professional who brings strong H&H expertise, proven project leadership, and a passion for creating practical, resilient solutions for the communities we serve.

Responsibilities include

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, building strong relationships and ensuring alignment between project objectives and deliverables.
• Prepare and lead client meetings, technical presentations, and design workshops.
• Lead the planning, modeling, design, and delivery of complex water resources projects, including flood mitigation, stormwater systems, river restoration, dam/reservoir rehabilitation, and watershed studies.
• Oversee advanced hydrologic and hydraulic (H&H) analyses using tools such as HEC‑RAS (1D/2D), HEC‑HMS, SWMM/PCSWMM, and other modeling platforms.
• Direct preparation and QA/QC of plans, specifications, cost estimates, technical reports, and FEMA or permitting submittals.
• Develop engineering approaches, alternatives analyses, and recommendations that balance technical performance, cost, constructability, and environmental stewardship.
• Manage full project lifecycle: scope development, budgeting, scheduling, resourcing, risk identification, and change management.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure integrated and timely project delivery.
• Lead construction‑phase services including RFIs, submittal reviews, field observations, and resolution of design‑related issues.
• Maintain accurate project documentation, progress tracking, and financial performance reporting.
• Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and performance feedback to junior engineers and EITs.
• Delegate tasks effectively and support staff development through coaching, training, and design reviews.
• Champion company QA/QC standards, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and quality across project deliverables.
• Identify new opportunities, support client account growth, and help develop strategic pursuits.
• Lead or contribute to proposal development, including scopes, schedules, level of effort, and interview participation.

“As employee‑owners, we don’t just work here, we grow here. Together, we take on challenging projects, support one another, and create opportunities to thrive. Our culture empowers every team member to find success—professionally and financially—while building something greater than themselves.” – Arian Bloomfield, President/CEO

TOTAL REWARDS

• $80,000‑$140,000 base pay (DOE) with generous wage growth
• Annual bonuses because your contributions matter
• Ownership through our Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP); 100% company‑paid ownership contributions
• 90% company‑paid shared health plan premiums
• Paid time off in year one for the things you love to do
• Paid parental leave and volunteer time off
• Six paid company holidays
• Two floating personal holidays for events that are important in your life
• 401(k) matching program
• AD&D Insurance, Short/Long Term Disability, and Life Insurance paid by the company
• Flexible work‑life arrangements

Our longstanding and trusted engineering legacy has helped ensure safety, security, and growth for our employee‑owners. Our people‑first culture and collaborative team are what drive our success as a top 500 engineering firm and have earned us a spot on Zweig's list of “Best Places to Work.” Join our Natural Resources Group as a Water Resources Engineer Project Manager and be part of a legacy that builds better futures.

YOUR STRENGTHS

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or similar ABET‑accredited engineering program
• 8+ years of progressive experience in water resources engineering, including design and project delivery
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or able to obtain after‑hire
• Strong proficiency with hydrologic and hydraulic modeling tools: HEC‑RAS (1D/2D), HEC‑HMS, SWMM/PCSWMM, sediment/scour analysis, or similar.
• Experience preparing and reviewing PS&E packages, technical reports, design documentation, and modeling summaries.
• Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and GIS tools (ArcGIS/QGIS).
• Familiarity with permitting processes (FEMA LOMR/CLOMR, USACE 404/401, state DEQ, dam safety, local stormwater regulations).
• Proven ability to manage scope, schedule, budget, and risk across multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and working with clients, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Demonstrated success in delivering projects on time, within budget, and with strong quality outcomes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for client presentations, technical reporting, and team coordination.
• Strong problem‑solving skills, sound engineering judgment, and ability to make informed decisions under pressure.
• Client‑service mindset and ability to build, maintain, and grow long‑term client relationships.
• Interest in practice development, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Valid driver’s license and insurable record for periodic travel

Apply now, and grow your career as a Water Resources Project Manager leading H&H modeling, stormwater, flood, and watershed projects across the communities we serve. Join a collaborative, employee‑owned firm delivering resilient, science‑based engineering solutions.

Who We Are

At Morrison‑Maierle, we’re more than engineers, surveyors, planners, and scientists—we’re community builders. Founded in 1945, we're a 100% employee‑owned, Engineering News‑Record Top 500 firm driven by a passion for innovative, sustainable solutions that improve lives across the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest regions. We are rooted in integrity, respect, excellence, and collaboration. Joining our team means becoming part of a purpose‑driven legacy committed to building a better future.

Morrison‑Maierle is not accepting third‑party or recruitment agency solicitation requests.

Morrison‑Maierle is committed to diversity and inclusion, supported by compliance as an EEOC employer that ensures equal opportunities for all applicants regardless of protected class status.