Water/Wastewater Practice Leader

URC Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects; Las Cruces (NM); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

URC Wilson & Company, Inc., Engineers & Architects is seeking a Water/Wastewater Practice Leader in Las Cruces, New Mexico. This role involves providing strategic leadership for our Water/Wastewater practice, focusing on technical excellence, client relationships, and market growth.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, an active PE license, and over 10 years of specialized experience in water and wastewater engineering. Strong mentorship and leadership skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in water and wastewater engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the Water/Wastewater practice.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to municipal and public-sector clients.
• Ensure quality and consistency for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Active Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Job Overview

Wilson & Company is seeking a Water/Wastewater Practice Leader to provide strategic, technical, and operational leadership for our El Paso and Las Cruces Water/Wastewater practice. This leadership role is responsible for advancing growth, performance, and consistency of water and wastewater services while fostering strong client relationships, developing high‑performing teams, and supporting the firm’s long‑term strategic objectives. Based in either our El Paso, Texas or Las Cruces, New Mexico office, the Practice Leader will serve as a senior technical and business leader, guiding project delivery excellence while shaping practice strategy, market positioning, talent development, and client engagement across municipal and public‑sector markets. This role works closely with regional leadership, other practice leaders, and business development teams to ensure alignment with Wilson & Company’s business plan, growth goals, and key operational KPIs.

Key Responsibilities

• Practice Leadership & Strategy: Provide leadership, vision, and direction for the El Paso/Las Cruces Water/Wastewater practice, ensuring technical excellence, consistency, and alignment with firm standards. Develop and implement practice‑level strategies that support sustainable growth, market expansion, and long‑term client relationships. Collaborate with regional and firm leadership to align practice goals with Wilson & Company’s strategic plan and annual business objectives.
• Client & Market Leadership: Serve as a trusted advisor to municipal and public‑sector clients, strengthening long‑term partnerships and identifying new opportunities. Lead and support business development efforts, including pursuit strategies, proposal development, and client interviews. Expand the local presence in water and wastewater markets through strategic positioning, client engagement, and industry involvement.
• Technical Oversight & Project Excellence: Provide senior technical oversight for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, ensuring quality, consistency, and adherence to applicable standards. Support delivery of complex projects including water supply and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, and effluent reuse systems. Provide guidance on planning, design, permitting, funding, and construction support for water and wastewater projects.
• People Leadership & Talent Development: Lead, mentor, and develop engineers, project managers, and technical staff across varying experience levels. Partner with Human Resources and Recruiting to support hiring, onboarding, performance development, and succession planning within the practice. Foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that reflects Wilson & Company’s values and commitment to Higher Relationships.
• Operational & Financial Leadership: Support operational performance by monitoring workload, staffing needs, and project performance. Contribute to financial performance through effective resource planning, backlog management, and support of project budgets and schedules. Collaborate with operations leadership to achieve annual business plan goals and key operational KPIs.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an ABET‑accredited institution.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in water and wastewater engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership or supervisory experience.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline.
• Experience with federal and state funding programs such as USDA‑RUS or State Revolving Funds.
• Multi‑state licensure or ability to obtain additional licenses.
• Experience supporting construction phase services or alternative delivery methods.

Please note that Wilson & Company is not currently sponsoring applicants for work visas.

We are proud to be an EEO employer and maintain a drug‑free workplace, conducting pre‑employment background checks.