Water Resource Director - Northern Virginia

Director of Water Resources Fairfax, Virginia | Leadership Opportunity | Build & Scale a PracticeThe OpportunityMy 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.

Position SummaryThe 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.

Key ResponsibilitiesProject & Technical LeadershipManage project(s) in accordance with scope, schedule, and budgetCollaborate with disciplines and subconsultants to develop risk‑averse scopes, schedules, and feesDevelop project‑specific plans, draft reports, cost estimates, and prepare complex stormwater modelsAssemble and review design milestone submittals, ensuring quality and completenessProvide construction phase services where applicableEnsure compliance with all quality control policies and proceduresTeam Leadership & CoordinationManage internal and external project team membersCoordinate and guide multidisciplinary technical resourcesCommunicate project status, updates, and risks to all stakeholdersProvide coachingandmentorship through:

One‑on‑one check‑insProject debriefsContinuous feedback and performance managementSupport the growth and development of current and future Water Resources staffClient & Business DevelopmentBuild strong relationships with clients to understand preferences and expectationsPrepare progress reports and review invoicesAssist Section Heads, Office Leaders, and Service Line Leaders with:

Pre‑positioning meetingsProposal developmentShortlist interviewsExperience Level - What Matters MostThis 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 operatingYour ability to lead projects, influence teams, and build trusted client relationshipsWhat you bring to the table in terms of leadership, technical judgment, and growth mindsetWhether 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.

Required ExperienceBachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field (ABET‑accredited)8+ years of relevant transportation / water resources experienceVirginia PE or ability to obtain licensure within 6 monthsExperience with:

VDOT and locally administered VDOT projectsTransportation drainage and stormwater systemsProficiency in:

Microsoft Office and SharePointBentley products (MicroStation, ProjectWise)Strong communication and mentorship skillsAbility to manage multiple concurrent projects on time and on budgetCollaborative mindset in a multidisciplinary team environment