Water Resources Project Manager

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc.; Orlando (FL); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meaningful work

Collaborative culture

Career development

AI-enabled tools and learning

Benefits and flexibility

Job summary

Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. is seeking an experienced Water Resources Project Manager in the Southeast, based in Orlando or Tampa. You will lead drainage, stormwater, and DOT-infrastructure projects, mentoring staff and coordinating with FDOT and municipalities to deliver high-impact solutions.

The role requires 8+ years of water resources engineering, a Florida PE, and strong leadership to develop client relationships and grow the practice across Florida and the Southeast.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil/environmental engineering required.
• 8+ years of progressive water resources engineering experience.
• Florida PE license required or ability to obtain.
• Experience with drainage and stormwater design for DOT and municipal projects.
• Strong modeling and regulatory permitting knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary water resources projects from concept to construction.
• Manage client relationships with FDOT, municipalities, and private clients.
• Prepare engineering studies, reports, stormwater designs, and permits.
• Quality control design plans to FDOT and local standards.
• Mentor junior staff and contribute to business development.

Skills

Hydrology

Hydraulics

Stormwater design

Drainage design

Project management

Team leadership

Client relationships

FDOT standards

Regulatory permitting

Education

Bachelor's in Civil/Environmental Engineering

PE license in Florida

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

STORMWISE

PONDS

HY-8

HEC-RAS

HEC-HMS

HydroCAD

EPA SWMM

SRH-2D/SMS

GEOPAK Drainage

ArcGIS

MicroStation

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

Job description

Water Resources Project Manager | Orlando, FL | Tampa, FL

VHB is actively seeking an experienced Water Resources Project Manager to join our growing Southeast Environmental Services team in either our Tampa or Orlando, FL office. This high-impact leadership role is focused on advancing our expertise in drainage, stormwater management, and Department of Transportation (DOT) infrastructure throughout the region.

With more than 8 years of experience, the ideal candidate will bring deep technical knowledge and a successful track record in managing complex water resource projects. You will lead innovative solutions for stormwater systems, floodplain management, watershed assessments, and water quality, delivering work that supports critical transportation and infrastructure improvements across Florida and the Southeast.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of our water resources practice, support business development, and mentor the next generation of engineering professionals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead multidisciplinary water resources projects from concept through construction, with a focus on drainage, stormwater, and DOT infrastructure.
• Manage and grow client relationships with FDOT, municipalities, and private sector clients throughout the Southeast.
• Oversee the preparation of engineering studies, technical reports, stormwater management designs, and regulatory permit applications.
• Provide quality control of design plans, specifications, and construction documents to ensure compliance with FDOT and local agency standards.
• Conduct and review hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, including modeling for storm drain systems, culverts, bridges, and floodplain compensation.
• Prepare and lead technical proposals, statements of qualifications, cost estimates, and schedules for project pursuits.
• Direct and mentor junior and mid-level engineering staff to support professional growth and project success.
• Support business development efforts and contribute to the strategic expansion of the water resources practice.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, clients, and regulatory agencies to ensure technical excellence and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Guide the preparation of plans consistent with FDOT design criteria and coordinate with roadway design teams as needed.

Skills and Knowledge

• Strong technical foundation in hydrology, hydraulics, drainage design, and stormwater management
• Proficient in modeling tools such as STORMWISE, PONDS, HY-8, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, HydroCAD, EPA SWMM, SRH-2D/SMS
• Experience with FDOT Drainage Manual and Plans Preparation Manual
• Proficient in software such as GEOPAK Drainage, ArcGIS, MicroStation, AutoCAD, Civil 3D
• In-depth understanding of regulatory permitting at the local, state, and federal levels
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and mentor staff
• Excellent communication skills and client-facing presence
• Strong background in project management, including budgets, schedules, and team coordination
• Experience acquiring new clients and managing long-term relationships
• High-level problem-solving and collaborative decision-making abilities
• Skilled in preparing engineering plans and specifications for DOT and municipal projects

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering (Master's preferred)
• 8+ years of progressive water resources engineering experience
• Registered Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Florida
• Demonstrated experience in:
  • Drainage and stormwater design
  • DOT projects and standards
  • Hydrologic and hydraulic modeling
• Knowledge of Florida's regulatory environment, including permitting for transportation and land development projects

When you join VHB, you'll find:

• Meaningful work on complex projects with real community impact
• A collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity and shared success
• Support to grow your skills and lead through change
• Learning and development supported by evolving tools and technologies, including AI
• Best-in-class benefits and a flexible, hybrid work environment

VHB is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. Since our founding, we have intentionally fostered a culture of inclusion and belonging, supported by deep-rooted core values, one of which is diversity. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.