Water/Wastewater Department Manager

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR A leader who: Enjoys developing people and building high-performing teams . Communicates clearly with clients, agencies, and internal teams while establishing lasting relationships. Will develop and implement an approach to achieve company growth strategies. Offers strategic thinking and a strong technical foundation. Identifies opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement. Enjoys growing long-lasting client relationships. Thrives on industry involvement and is ready to be a visible, active member of the Water community. JOB DESCRIPTION Michael Baker’s Santa Ana office is seeking the next leader of our Water/Wastewater Department. With decades of local success to build upon, this is a great opportunity for a Water/Wastewater professional to take the next step in their career and lead our team of talented engineers and designers working on a variety of water, wastewater, and recycled water infrastructure projects. Our department leader 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, clients, 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. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Projects, People, & Operational Leadership Leading People: Engage with the department members to provide a career path by understanding their strengths, working with them to develop capabilities, and involving them meaningfully in projects and pursuits to support their development. Leading Communication: Communicate effectively and coordinate with project team members, including other disciplines and teaming partners. Leading Projects: Maintain responsibility for development and oversight of project budgets, schedules, and management of staff workload to optimize department financial performance. Leading in the Office: Participate as an engaged member of the Santa Ana Office Leadership Team at office events and meetings. Leading Teams: Lead a project team while maintaining responsibility for planning, design development, calculations, presentations and overall project development for water resources projects. Client Service & Business Development Growth Strategy: 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. Business Development: Cultivate and maintain client and partner relationships as well as lead proposal development and interview preparation for key projects. Capture Planning: Support Project Managers and other departments with capture planning and proposal development. Industry Leadership: Professionally represent Michael Baker International at professional organizations through active participation and during technical meetings with agency staff, clients, and contractors. Technical Expertise Mentoring: Support the technical development of the department’s team members by working with them to understand challenges and refine skill sets necessary to develop solutions. Quality Assurance: Implement a Quality Program that ensures delivery of accurate deliverables. Engineering Analysis: Conduct technical evaluations to support planning and design related to water and wastewater systems. Technical Documentation: Prepare and review technical memoranda, reports, drawings, specifications, and miscellaneous contract documents. QUALIFICATIONS B.S. Degree in Engineering, or related discipline Professional Engineer registration in California (P.E.) 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 Motivated self-starter, versatile and interested in working on a variety of projects while leading the Water/Wastewater Team Excellent technical writing and communication skills A proven track record of responsibility and experience interfacing with clients is preferred Participation and/or leadership role in industry organizations is desired. WATER/WASTEWATER 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 members 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. CULTURE AND COMMUNITY Michael Baker International fosters a culture of open, transparent communication and collaboration among our “Wolf Pack” team members. We are committed to creating an environment where honest dialogue is encouraged and continuous learning is supported through robust in-house training and development programs, including Early Career Professionals (ECP), Women’s Engagement Network (WEN), and our Mentorship Program. Our Leadership Launch and Excellence in Leadership programs further develop people managers into next-level leaders. Team connection is strengthened through monthly office lunches, outdoor meetups, and meaningful recognition programs. We are also deeply committed to giving back to our communities through our MBImpact program, which includes local volunteer efforts such as food banks, beach cleanups, and children’s initiatives, as well as global partnerships with organizations like Bridges to Prosperity and Water for People. WORKPLACE FLEXIBILITY 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. 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. BENEFITS We offer a comprehensive benefits package including: Medical, dental, vision insurance 401k Retirement Plan Health Savings Account (HSA) Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Life, AD&D, short-term, and long-term disability Professional and personal development Generous paid time off Commuter and wellness benefits