Water/Wastewater Team Leader

Ruekert & Mielke, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee stock ownership plan

Performance bonuses

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. is seeking a senior Team Leader for Water/Wastewater in Des Moines, IA. This newly created role focuses on recruiting, mentoring, and leading a high-performing team of engineers to deliver municipal and private development projects.

The position emphasizes client relationships, strategy, and cross-team collaboration, with long-term service growth as a priority in a 100%-employee-owned firm that values mentorship and innovation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required; Wisconsin registration noted in ad.
• 10+ years civil engineering experience with water/wastewater focus; leadership experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of engineering professionals.
• Provide leadership on municipal and private development projects.
• Drive market growth through client relationships and proposals (RFPs).
• Serve as a technical resource for staff training, quality control, and project management.
• Develop and oversee strategic client relationship plans; act as primary client contact.
• Collaborate with firm leadership to advance water/wastewater capabilities.

Skills

Leadership

Client relationships

Mentorship

Team building

Project management

Communication

Deadline management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering

Professional Engineer License (PE)

Job description

Are you ready to join a collaborative team at Ruekert & Mielke and make an impact as a Team Leader for Water/Wastewater? This newly created position, driven by the firm’s growth and internal advancement opportunities, reflects our continued commitment to innovation and client success. We’re seeking an experienced, client-focused Team Leader with a background in water/wastewater engineering. This is a senior levelleadership role for someone passionate about team building and mentorship. In this pivotal position, you will recruit, lead, and grow a dynamic team of technical professionals while serving as a trusted partner to clients and collaborating closely with firm leadership to support long-term service growth.

What You’ll Gain

• Leadership opportunity to grow and mentor your own water/wastewater engineering team
• Unmatched support from an 80-year-strong firm with robust technical and corporate resources
• Career-defining growth through client interaction and team building

Goals & Responsibilities

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following duties and responsibilities:

• Recruit, mentor, and lead a team of engineering professionals
• Provide leadership and oversight on municipal and private development projects
• Drive market growth by building client relationships, responding to RFPs, and networking
• Serve as a technical resource for staff training, quality control, and project management
• Develop, execute, and oversee strategic client relationship plans
• Act as the primary point of contact for clients and subconsultants
• Collaborate with leadership across the firm to execute corporate strategies and advance water/wastewater service capabilities

Qualifications & Skills

The ideal candidate for this position will possess the following education, experience, and abilities:

• Bachelor’s Degree (or higher) in Civil Engineering or a related field
• Professional Engineer License (PE) registration in Wisconsin
• Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible civil engineering experience, focusing on water/wastewater engineering design and review
• Strong technical background in water and wastewater system, with working knowledge or related disciplines such as permitting and construction
• Proven experience with client interaction, business development, proposal preparation, and contract negotiation
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive both independently and within a team environment, while managing deadlines effectively

Benefits

Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. is proud to be 100% employee owned. Our flexible working environment, engaged culture, and in‑depth training and mentoring program are just a few of the reasons why we are consistently named a “Top Workplace” by the Journal Sentinel.

We offer a highly competitive compensation program and unique benefits, including:

• Employee stock ownership plan
• Performance bonuses
• Generous personal time off and holiday programs
• Health, dental, vision, life, dependent life, and disability insurance
• Parental leave
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k) with employer match
• Flexible spending accounts
• Prepaid legal servicesEmployee Assistance Program
• Tuition reimbursement

About Us

Ruekert & Mielke, Inc. is a 100% employee-owned civil engineering firm dedicated to helping local communities thrive. We provide innovative solutions in municipal infrastructure, water resources, GIS, and more, partnering with clients to deliver sustainable, cost-effective projects. Our employee ownership culture fosters collaboration, accountability, and professional growth, making R/M a great place to build your career.

Visit www.ruekertmielke.com to learn more.

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