Water/Wastewater Department Manager

WATER PRACTICE
We Make a Difference in Michael Baker International’s Water Resources Group by providing innovative consulting, planning and engineering solutions for the entire spectrum of the water cycle. Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 Water Supply firm, Michael Baker offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of municipal utility planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection. We partner with our clients to provide a full range of professional services from scientific and technical analysis, concept through design, and construction support services leading to outcomes that help achieve their missions of providing clean water and sanitation services to our communities. Across the Practice, our team of more than 400 water staff nationally and over 150 in the West Region addresses the movement and disposition of all water types, and our projects include source water, treatment, transmission systems, and distribution. Join our growing team to help build a more resilient and reliable water future.

Work Environment
Michael Baker International supports a flexible work environment. This position offers a hybrid schedule that includes both in-office collaboration and remote work. The Department Manager is expected to maintain a regular presence in the Santa Ana office to support team leadership, client engagement, and project delivery, while also benefiting from the flexibility to work from home as appropriate.

DESCRIPTION
Michael Baker’s Santa Ana office is seeking the next leader of our Water/Wastewater Department. With decades of southern California success to build upon, this is a great opportunity for a Water/Wastewater professional to take the next step in their career and expand our service line in Santa Ana, while leading a team of talented engineers and designers working on a variety of water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure projects. Our Department Manager will set the path for growth in the local market while working collaboratively with the regional and national Water team to collectively take on larger client needs. The role includes a mix of people, client, and project responsibilities. Experience leading a thorough business development process, providing guidance to and supporting the development of a team, and ensuring quality project execution are key characteristics of the person who will excel in this role.

Tasks will include the following with respect to department leadership:

• Work with project managers, office leaders, and the regional team to identify target clients and programs to develop and implement a Strategic Plan to grow the team
• Engage with the department to provide mentorship by understanding their strengths, working with them to develop a career path, and involving them meaningfully in projects and pursuits to support their development.
• Cultivate and maintain client and partner relationships as well as lead proposal development and interview preparation for key projects.
• Support Project Managers and other departments with capture planning and proposal development.
• Implement a quality program that ensures delivery of accurate deliverables.
• Lead a project team while maintaining responsibility for planning, design development, calculations, presentations and overall project development for all water resources projects.
• Communicate effectively and coordinate with project team members, including other disciplines and teaming partners.
• Conduct technical evaluations to support planning and design related to water and wastewater systems
• Prepare and review technical memoranda, reports, drawings, specifications, and miscellaneous contract documents
• Maintain responsibility for development and oversight of project budgets, schedules, and management of staff workload to optimize department financial performance.
• Participate as an engaged member of the Santa Ana Office Leadership Team at office events and meetings.
• Professionally represent Michael Baker International at professional organizations through active participation and during technical meetings with agency staff, clients, and contractors.

PROFESSIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• . Degree in Engineering, or related discipline
• Professional Engineer registration in California (
• 15+ years in engineering and/or project management with 3+ years supervising engineering personnel in Water/Wastewater
• Experience with team leadership, business development, and project execution for a variety of public works projects
• A proven track record of responsibility and experience interfacing with clients is preferred
• Participation and/or leadership role in industry organizations is desired.
• Motivated self-starter, versatile and interested in working on a variety of projects supporting the Water/Wastewater Team
• Excellent technical writing and communication skills

COMPENSATION
The approximate compensation range for this position is $185,000 to $230,000. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

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