Water Resources/Public Works Practice Lead

Dunaway Associates, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Dunaway Associates, LLC in Houston seeks a Water Resources/Public Works Practice Lead to drive growth and execution of the drainage and public works practice across the Gulf Coast.

The role blends technical leadership with business development, focusing on municipal relationships, project delivery, mentoring, and organizational excellence to deliver resilient infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive civil engineering leadership experience.
• Experience in drainage, flood mitigation, or municipal infrastructure.
• Proven business development and client relationship growth.
• Texas PE license or eligibility.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Drainage & Public Works practice growth and performance in Gulf Coast region.
• Develop and execute business development strategies to grow revenue and backlog.
• Build strong relationships with municipalities, drainage districts, and public works agencies.
• Identify opportunities in drainage, stormwater, flood mitigation, and municipal infrastructure.
• Provide strategic direction and quality assurance for complex drainage projects.
• Mentor staff and collaborate with senior leadership on growth and operational initiatives.
• Lead high-profile pursuits, interviews, and client presentations.
• Monitor financial performance, budgets, and KPIs.

Skills

Leadership

Project management

Strategic planning

Client relationship management

Communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Texas

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Water Resources/Public Works Practice Lead

Full Time Regular Management Houston, TX, US

4 days ago Requisition ID: 1451

WHAT WE DO:

Founded in 1956, Dunaway is a multidisciplinary professional services firm offering Survey, Civil and Structural Engineering, Planning + Landscape Architecture, and Construction Inspection Services (CIS), in addition to Environmental and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), and ROW (Right-of-Way) services. For over seventy years, Dunaway has been a trusted client advisor, committed to improving lives in the communities we serve. Supported by a team of 370+ professionals with eight offices across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, Farmersville, Houston, and Midland.

WHO WE ARE:

The Dunaway Difference is our three foundational components (represented by the waves in our logo): Core Values, One Heart and Profitable Growth. The combination of these three pillars creates a feeling and experience that is uniquely Dunaway.

One heart, all rowing in the same direction in unison together, while continuously seeking to exemplify our core values of Integrity, Respect, Honesty, Technical Excellence, Attitude of Service, Sense of Urgency and Responsiveness in everything we do.

Just like a crew race, we always look forward with the finish line in mind. Because when we win, our employees do too. Through our profitable growth, we provide opportunities, such as Profit-sharing, career advancement, and stability – just to name a few. These are just some of the reasons we were named a Top Firm to Work for by Zweig!

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

As the Practice Lead, you will lead the growth, performance, and strategic direction of Dunaway's Drainage & Public Works practice within our Gulf Coast Civil Business Unit. This role is ideal for a market-facing leader who combines technical expertise, business development experience, and operational leadership to grow municipal relationships, develop teams, expand market presence, and establish Dunaway as a trusted advisor for drainage, flood mitigation, resiliency, and public infrastructure projects throughout the Houston and Gulf Coast region. The Director is responsible for driving operational excellence, supporting business growth, mentoring future leaders, and ensuring exceptional client service while maintaining alignment with Dunaway's strategic objectives.

Once selected to join our team, you will:

• Lead the operations, growth, and overall performance of the Drainage & Public Works practice within Gulf Coast Civil.
• Develop and execute business development strategies that support revenue growth, backlog growth, and market expansion objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with municipalities, counties, drainage districts, public works departments, MUDs, special districts, and agency partners throughout the Gulf Coast region.
• Identify and pursue opportunities related to drainage, stormwater, flood mitigation, resiliency, roadway, utility, and municipal infrastructure projects.
• Provide strategic direction, technical oversight, and quality assurance for complex drainage and public infrastructure projects.
• Collaborate with Vice Presidents and senior leadership to implement growth strategies, staffing plans, and operational initiatives.
• Support and mentor Project Managers, technical staff, and future leaders while fostering a high-performing, collaborative culture.
• Lead high-profile pursuits, interviews, proposal strategies, and client presentations.
• Monitor financial performance, operational metrics, budgets, and key performance indicators to support business objectives.
• Promote innovation, continuous improvement, and operational excellence throughout the practice.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE:

• Expert knowledge of drainage, hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater management, floodplain management, and municipal infrastructure delivery.
• Strong familiarity with Houston-area municipalities, counties, drainage authorities, public works organizations, MUDs, and related public‑sector stakeholders.
• Knowledge of FEMA regulations, HCFCD criteria, City of Houston criteria, county drainage requirements, TxDOT standards, and local public works regulations.
• Strong understanding of financial management, budgeting, forecasting, performance metrics, and operational leadership.
• Understanding of strategic planning, business development, organizational leadership, and market growth initiatives.

SKILLS:

• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong leadership and team-development capabilities.
• Proven ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that support growth and operational excellence.
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and business acumen.
• Ability to influence stakeholders, build trust, and cultivate long-term client relationships.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional client service and team performance.

EXPERIENCE:

• 12 years of progressive experience in civil engineering, leadership, management, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated success leading teams, managing projects, and driving business results.
• Significant experience managing drainage, flood mitigation, public works, stormwater, municipal infrastructure, or related civil engineering projects.
• Experience mentoring, coaching, and developing high-performing professionals and future leaders.
• Demonstrated success in business development, client relationship management, and repeat-client growth.
• Experience building or growing a municipal infrastructure, drainage, water resources, or public works practice is preferred.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas required.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work for Dunaway in the U.S. without employer sponsorship. We do not typically sponsor H1‑B or any other work visa petitions.