Water Resources – Team Lead

HDR; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 107,170 - 153,100; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Employee assistance program

Paid holidays

Retirement savings plan with employer match

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR is seeking a Water Resources Team Lead in Columbus, Ohio to manage and develop projects in the Water Resources sector. Responsible for leadership activities, this role requires strong project management and technical skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with both clients and team members.

The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of relevant experience, including project management, and a BS in civil or related engineering. Excellent leadership, organization, and communication skills are essential, alongside a commitment to the company’s employee-owned culture.

Qualifications

• 8+ years directly related experience with 2+ years in Project Management.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.
• Experience designing and directing complex multi-discipline projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage projects in the Water Resources sector.
• Develop existing programs by identifying new clients and projects.
• Mentor and recruit junior staff for the team.

Skills

Project Management

Technical Leadership

Communication Skills

Civil Engineering Knowledge

Education

BS degree in civil, structural or geotechnical engineering

Professional registration in Ohio or ability to obtain

Job description

HDR is seeking a Water Resources Team Lead to support our expanding market sector within the PA/OH/WV/DE Area. This is a leadership role that involves project management, design management, business development, as well as planning, organizing, and coordinating the work of entry and mid-level professionals.

Primary Duties

• Lead and assist with the management of projects with existing clients for Water Resources projects and build on current program.
• Further develop the Water Resources Program in PA/OH/WV/DE by identifying additional projects and clients that will drive growth.
• Lead, recruit, and mentor junior staff within the program.
• Plan, execute, and complete tasks on assigned projects independently and collaboratively. This position may be required to review design and construction submittals for compliance with applicable codes, design standards, project requirements, and contract documents.
• Define investigations and design activities for dams, levees, and hydraulic structures.
• Involvement in communication with both internal and external clients.
• Lead technical analyses, assist with the preparation of proposals and reports, and coordinate with designers and contractors to implement recommendations on drawings and in the field.
• Engage in supporting development of technical scope of works and fee proposals, as well as responses to RFPs related to dams, levees, and civil works services.
• Must be able to independently make decisions and recommendations that will impact a project’s activities and direction.
• Be a leader in projects and tasks involving dams, levees, and civil works engineering.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with team members and clients, and demonstrate expertise in managing several complex tasks simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

• BS degree in civil, structural or geotechnical engineering.
• Ohio PE, or ability to obtain through reciprocity.
• 8+ years directly related experience including 2+ years of Project Management experience.
• Must be able to independently make decisions and recommendations that will impact a project’s activities and direction.
• Be a technical leader, and authority in projects and tasks involving dams, levees, and civil works engineering.
• Be knowledgeable of today’s technical standards.
• Exhibit excellent communication skills, ability to work collaboratively with team members and clients and demonstrate expertise in managing several complex tasks simultaneously.
• Strong oral and written communication skills and ability to work in a team environment.
• Demonstrated leadership skills.
• Highly motivated self-starter and team oriented.
• Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills and the ability to assimilate data and put into a big picture context are essential.
• Must have experience designing and directing complex multi‑discipline projects.
• Strong technical writing abilities, solid engineering background, and effective presentation skills are necessary for this position.
• Maintains a professional or engineering registration and has related technical experience experienced in development and management of diverse teams.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• A minimum of 7 years experience
• Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role
• Strong communication and listening skills
• Ability to handle multiple assignments
• Good leadership and organizational skills
• An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture is a must

Primary Location: United States-Ohio-Columbus
Industry: Water
Schedule: Full-time
Employee Status: Regular
BusinessClass: Dams Levees Civil Works
Job Posting: May 27, 2026
Pay Transparency Columbus: $107,170 - $153,100

We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success. It includes medical, dental, vision, short and long term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus, and tuition reimbursement.

HDR is an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.