Water Resources Project Manager - Hydrology/Hydraulics

VHB; Bedford (NH); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible hybrid work

Best-in-class benefits

Sign-on bonus

Job summary

VHB in Boston/Watertown, MA is seeking a Senior Water Resources Engineer to lead hydraulic and hydrologic projects across New England. You’ll apply advanced modeling and manage multi‑disciplinary teams to deliver flood resilience and coastal restoration solutions.

The role requires 11–15 years in water resources, a PE license, and a BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering; a master’s degree may substitute. A sign‑on bonus is offered.

Qualifications

• 11–15 years of water resources engineering experience.
• PE license required for the role.
• BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering (MS may substitute for 2 years).

Responsibilities

• Lead multi-disciplinary projects with hydrologic, hydraulic, and resiliency focus.
• Conduct hydrology, hydraulics, and scour studies using current software.
• Design flood, scour, and resiliency improvements including nature-based solutions.
• Perform FEMA no-rise analyses and assist with FEMA map revisions.
• Develop technical reports, design plans, and construction documents.
• Oversee construction administration and permit planning.
• Present to clients, agencies, and stakeholders; support project proposals and fees.
• Mentor staff and expand the technical resources of the team.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Problem solving

Hydraulic modeling

Staff development

Permitting knowledge

Education

BS in Civil/Environmental Eng

MS substitution for 2 yrs experience

Tools

HEC-HMS

HEC-RAS

HydroCAD

HY-8

EPA SWMM

SRH-2D/SMS

CHAMP

Job description

ABOUT THE POSITION

Senior Water Resources Engineer – Lead Cutting-Edge Hydraulics & Resiliency Projects Across New England

VHB has been named a U.S. Best Managed Company for 2026, marking its second consecutive year receiving this prestigious recognition. VHB, a leading AEC (architecture, engineering, and consulting) firm, was honored for excellence in strategy, execution, corporate culture, and governance/financial performance. Sponsored by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal.

VHB’s Water Resources group is rapidly expanding across New England, and we’re seeking a senior‑level Water Resources Engineer with deep hydraulics and hydrology expertise to help lead our high‑performing team. As climate change occurs, it drives more frequent and intense weather/storm events, our clients are turning to VHB to deliver technically rigorous, resilient, and future‑ready water resources solutions—and you can be at the center of that work.

Ideally based in the Greater Boston area, we would consider someone based in any of our New England offices. In this highly visible role, you’ll be a trusted technical leader and strategic advisor to public and private clients, developing innovative and cost‑effective solutions to complex riverine and coastal flooding, ecological restoration, and water resources challenges. You’ll apply advanced H&H analysis and modeling on projects that span site to watershed scale, working alongside an integrated network of experienced water resources professionals across the region.

Responsibilities

• Leading multi‑disciplinary projects with hydrologic, hydraulic, and resiliency focus including interaction with staff and clients
• Conducting hydrologic, hydraulic and scour studies for riverine and coastal environments using current modeling software including HEC‑HMS, HEC‑RAS, HydroCAD, HY‑8, EPA SWMM, SRH‑2D/SMS, CHAMP, and others
• Using analysis to identify and design flood, scour and resiliency improvements including both hardened features and nature based solutions and living shorelines
• Performing FEMA “no‑rise” analyses and assisting clients with FEMA map revisions
• Developing technical reports, design plans, construction documents, and specifications for water resources related projects
• Leading the construction administration for water resource projects
• Work with VHB’s integrated team to evaluate permit requirements and support the development of permit applications
• Attend and present at meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders
• Lead the development of project proposals, scopes of work and fee estimates
• Mentoring and expanding the technical resources of our staff

Skills And Abilities

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Team‑oriented with strong capability to motivate others
• Must demonstrate superior ability in collaborative problem solving with stakeholders, clients, and teammates
• Advanced understanding of hydrologic and hydraulic modeling programs, and the ability to select an apply to appropriate approach to solve our client’s problem
• Experience and interest in staff development
• Understanding of local, state, and federal permitting

Qualifications

• A minimum of 11-15 years experience in related water resource engineering and analysis required
• BS in Civil/Environmental Engineering (a master’s degree may be substituted for 2 years of experience)
• PE license
• This high priority role offers an exclusive sign‑on bonus*

Our best estimate of the salary range for this position located in Boston/Watertown, MA is $145,000-$200,000. The final compensation will be based on a variety of factors such as individual qualifications, education, and experience.

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.