Water Resource Director - Northern Virginia

Fairfax, Virginia | Leadership Opportunity | Build & Scale a Practice

My client, a fast‑growing, locally rooted civil engineering firm based in Fairfax, Virginia, is hiring a Director of Water Resources to help build and lead their water resource, drainage and stormwater practice.

This is a true leadership hire-one level below the owner-with direct influence over project delivery, team growth, and future strategy.

Approximately 18 months ago, the firm brought in a Water Resources leader who quickly drove a strong influx of VDOT and locally administered transportation work. With a healthy backlog and significant additional work projected over the next six months, the firm is now staffing aggressively on the project delivery side of Water Resources.

Despite this growth, the firm has intentionally remained lean-~20 employees, highly collaborative, and free of corporate red tape. Growth here is organic, culture‑driven, and led by a hands‑on leadership team-all under 40-who value trust, ownership, and impact.

This is a rare opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up while still having the support, backlog, and credibility of an established firm.

The Director of Water Resources is responsible for delivering all project objectives for assigned linear transportation‑related drainage and stormwater projects, while helping shape and scale the Water Resources group.

This role blends technical leadership, project delivery, client interaction, team development, and business development, with real autonomy and visibility inside the firm.

• Manage project(s) in accordance with scope, schedule, and budget
• Collaborate with disciplines and subconsultants to develop risk‑averse scopes, schedules, and fees
• Develop project‑specific plans, draft reports, cost estimates, and prepare complex stormwater models
• Assemble and review design milestone submittals, ensuring quality and completeness
• Provide construction phase services where applicable
• Ensure compliance with all quality control policies and procedures
  
  

• Manage internal and external project team members
• Coordinate and guide multidisciplinary technical resources
• Communicate project status, updates, and risks to all stakeholders
• Provide coaching andmentorship through:
  • One‑on‑one check‑ins
  • Project debriefs
  • Continuous feedback and performance management
• Support the growth and development of current and future Water Resources staff
  
  

• Build strong relationships with clients to understand preferences and expectations
• Prepare progress reports and review invoices
• Assist Section Heads, Office Leaders, and Service Line Leaders with:
  • Pre‑positioning meetings
  • Proposal development
  • Shortlist interviews
    
    

This firm is not focused on titles or years alone. While candidates with 8 years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply, what truly matters is:

• The level at which you are currently operating
• Your ability to lead projects, influence teams, and build trusted client relationships
• What you bring to the table in terms of leadership, technical judgment, and growth mindset

Whether your background aligns with a Senior Project Manager, Associate, or emerging Director/Principal level, this role will be right‑sized based on your experience, capability, and long‑term potential.

The firm is open to multiple experience bands, with flexibility around title, scope, and compensation to attract the right leader-not simply the most years on paper.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field (ABET‑accredited)
• 8 years of relevant transportation / water resources experience
• Virginia PE or ability to obtain licensure within 6 months
• Experience with:
  • VDOT and locally administered VDOT projects
  • Transportation drainage and stormwater systems
• Proficiency in:
  • Microsoft Office and SharePoint
  • Bentley products (MicroStation, ProjectWise)
• Strong communication and mentorship skills
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent projects on time and on budget
• Collaborative mindset in a multidisciplinary team environment