Water Lead Designer - Project Manager

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Water Lead Designer - Project Manager

Company: Consor Engineers

Location: Draper, Utah, United States

Job Type: Full-Time

Category: Civil Engineering / Water Resources Management

Date Posted: August 05, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years

🚀 Role Summary

• Spearhead the end-to-end planning, design, and delivery of complex municipal water infrastructure projects, focusing on either stormwater or water/wastewater systems.

• Drive project success by managing scope, schedules, budgets, and resource allocation, ensuring client expectations and contractual obligations are consistently met.

• Serve as the primary technical authority and client-facing representative, cultivating strong relationships with municipalities, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

• Contribute to business development initiatives, including proposal creation, interview participation, and ongoing client engagement to foster practice growth.

• Provide senior-level technical oversight and mentorship, guiding engineering teams to uphold high standards of quality, compliance, and innovation in project delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends technical leadership with project management responsibilities, requiring a candidate with a strong engineering foundation in water resources and proven experience in managing complex infrastructure projects from conception through construction. The dual specialization (Stormwater or Water/Wastewater) indicates a need for adaptability and a deep understanding of either domain.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Project Management & Client Leadership:

  • Lead the full lifecycle of municipal infrastructure projects, specializing in either stormwater and drainage systems or water and wastewater conveyance and treatment systems.
  • Proactively manage project scope, timelines, budgets, and team resources to ensure successful and profitable project execution.
  • Act as the main point of contact for clients, government agencies, and project stakeholders, fostering clear communication and strong working relationships.
  • Actively participate in business development efforts, including writing proposals, presenting qualifications, and nurturing long-term client partnerships.
  • Identify potential project risks early and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure project continuity and success.

• Technical Oversight & Engineering Excellence:

  • Provide senior-level technical guidance and review for projects within the chosen design team focus (Stormwater or Water/Wastewater).
  • For Stormwater: Lead hydraulic and hydrologic (H&H) modeling, drainage studies, stormwater management system design, and floodplain analysis with FEMA coordination.
  • For Water/Wastewater: Lead design for water and wastewater conveyance systems, including pipelines, pump stations, lift stations, system planning, condition assessments, and capacity evaluations.
  • Review and approve critical project deliverables such as engineering plans, detailed specifications, comprehensive engineering reports, and technical memoranda.
  • Ensure all project designs and documentation strictly adhere to federal, state, and local regulations and standards.
  • Prepare and meticulously review probable construction cost estimates to support project budgeting and bidding.

• Coordination & Construction Support:

  • Facilitate seamless coordination with other engineering disciplines, including roadway, structural, geotechnical, and utility design teams.
  • Provide essential support during the construction administration phase, effectively managing Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, and on-site field coordination.
  • Proactively assist in resolving complex construction-related issues to maintain project progress and quality.

• Mentorship & Team Development:

  • Mentor, guide, and supervise project engineers and designers, fostering their technical and professional growth.

  • Conduct thorough technical reviews and implement robust quality control measures to ensure engineering excellence across all projects.

  • Cultivate a culture of continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and professional development within the design team.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus, allowing candidates to leverage expertise in either stormwater or water/wastewater. The emphasis on "technical leadership, quality control, and coordination, rather than performing detailed design across every discipline" suggests a strategic oversight role rather than a hands-on design engineer.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Construction Management, or a closely related engineering discipline. Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in stormwater, water & wastewater, or water resources engineering.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully managing municipal infrastructure projects from conceptualization through construction completion.

• Proven experience in client relationship management and business development activities within the engineering consulting sector. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the relevant state (or ability to obtain within a specified timeframe).

• Strong technical expertise and practical application in either:

  • Hydrology, hydraulics, and municipal drainage design, or
  • Municipal water and wastewater conveyance, treatment, and distribution systems.

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software, specifically OpenRoads (preferred) or Civil 3D, and AutoCAD.

• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.

• Excellent project management skills, including scope definition, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation.

• Strong client communication and stakeholder management capabilities. Preferred Skills:

• Experience with hydraulic and hydrologic modeling software such as HEC‑HMS, HEC‑RAS, SWMM, or StormCAD.

• Familiarity with FEMA floodplain mapping and associated regulatory coordination processes.

• Experience with UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation) or other Mountain West municipal project environments.

• Experience with construction administration support, including RFI and submittal management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The PE license is a hard requirement. The preference for OpenRoads with training available indicates a willingness to invest in candidate development, but strong AutoCAD/Civil 3D skills are essential. Experience with specific modeling software and FEMA coordination are significant advantages.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 2-3 complex municipal infrastructure projects (stormwater or water/wastewater) where you held a significant project management and/or technical leadership role.

• For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and the measurable outcomes achieved.

• Include examples of project plans, scope documents, budget summaries, and schedule management approaches used.

• Demonstrate your ability to manage project risks, including identification, mitigation strategies, and successful resolution. Process Documentation:

• Provide documentation or detailed descriptions of your project management methodologies, including approaches to scope control, schedule adherence, and budget oversight.

• Illustrate your process for technical quality control and assurance throughout the design and project delivery phases.

• Detail your methods for coordinating with multidisciplinary teams and managing external stakeholders and regulatory agencies.

• Include examples of how you have mentored and developed junior engineering staff within project teams.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role combining design leadership and project management, a portfolio should highlight both technical acumen in water systems and a strong grasp of project execution processes, client management, and team leadership. Demonstrating a structured approach to project delivery and quality assurance is crucial.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 – $160,000 annually, dependent on experience and qualifications.

• Compensation may exceed this range for candidates with extensive experience and a proven track record that significantly surpasses the minimum requirements. Benefits:

• Career Growth & Development:

  • Tuition reimbursement program for continued education.
  • Paid professional training and development opportunities.
  • Bonus for achieving major professional licenses.
  • Access to an extensive on-demand learning center.
  • Paid professional memberships.

• Work-Life Alignment:

  • Industry-competitive Paid Time Off (PTO).
  • Seven paid holidays and two floating holidays.
  • Flexible work schedules to support work-life balance.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Eligibility for hybrid and remote work options for some roles based on responsibilities.

• Wellness:

  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance plans.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support.
  • Fitness and wellness reimbursement program.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Life & Retirement:

  • Employer-paid Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.
  • Employer-paid term life insurance coverage.
  • Retirement savings plan (401(k)) with a company match.

• Community Engagement:

  • Regular quarterly social events.

  • Paid time off for group volunteering events.

  • Employee networks and affinity groups. Working Hours:

• Standard full-time position, typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexible work schedules are available, promoting work-life alignment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. The benefits package is extensive, with a strong emphasis on professional development, work-life balance, and wellness, which are attractive perks for experienced engineering professionals.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting Services, specializing in infrastructure development, transportation, water resources, and environmental solutions. Consor Engineers serves municipal and governmental clients primarily.

Company Size: The provided data does not specify company size, but the extensive benefits package and multiple growth opportunities suggest a medium to large-sized firm, likely with over 200 employees, operating across multiple locations.

Founded: The company was founded in 1970, indicating a long-standing history and stability in the engineering sector.

Team Structure:

• The Water Design Lead – Project Manager will likely be part of a larger Water Resources or Civil Engineering department.

• This role involves leading project teams composed of other engineers (civil, environmental, structural, geotechnical), designers, and technicians.

• Collaboration is expected across various disciplines within the company to deliver comprehensive infrastructure solutions.

• Reporting structure likely involves a Senior Principal, Director of Operations, or VP of Engineering, depending on the specific office and organizational hierarchy. Methodology:

• Consor emphasizes a collaborative and flexible environment, valuing leadership and initiative.

• The company focuses on providing thoughtful solutions and creating inspiring communities through its projects.

• A strong commitment to professional growth, mentorship, and knowledge sharing is evident.

• The approach to project delivery integrates technical expertise with client relationship management and business development.

Company Website: https://www.consoreng.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's founding year (1970) signifies a well-established presence. The emphasis on "thoughtful solutions" and "inspiring communities" suggests a mission-driven culture. The dual specialization within water resources indicates a structured approach to technical expertise.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position, bridging experienced technical expertise with project management responsibilities. It is a critical leadership role within the water engineering practice.

Reporting Structure: The Water Lead Designer - Project Manager will report to a senior leader within the engineering department, likely a Director or Principal Engineer, and will be responsible for leading project-specific teams.

Operations Impact: This role directly impacts the company's ability to secure and successfully deliver key municipal infrastructure projects. Effective project management and technical leadership contribute significantly to client satisfaction, revenue generation, and the company's reputation in the water resources sector.

Growth Opportunities:

• Management Track: Progression to higher levels of project management, potentially managing larger programs or multiple projects simultaneously, or advancing to a departmental leadership role (e.g., Director of Water Resources).

• Technical Specialization: Deepening expertise within a specific area of water resources engineering, becoming a recognized subject matter expert (SME) within the firm and the industry.

• Business Development Focus: Transitioning towards a more client-facing role with a primary focus on business development, client acquisition, and strategic partnerships.

• Mentorship & Training: Taking on a greater role in shaping the company's training programs and mentoring future engineering leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role offers a clear path for growth either into broader management or deeper technical specialization, aligning with typical career progression in engineering consulting. The emphasis on mentorship suggests opportunities to develop leadership skills.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: This is a hybrid role, indicating a blend of office-based work and potential for remote work depending on role responsibilities. The primary work environment is a professional office setting.

Office Location(s): The specific office is located at 38 E. Scenic Pointe Drive, Draper, Utah, 84020. Consor Engineers has multiple locations across the United States.

Workspace Context:

• The office environment is described as collaborative, supporting teamwork and knowledge sharing.

• Access to standard office equipment and technology is expected.

• Project site visits are routine, requiring occasional exposure to various site conditions (inclement weather, construction zones, etc.).

• The role involves frequent interaction with colleagues, clients, and other stakeholders, both in person and virtually. Work Schedule:

• Standard 40-hour work week is typical, with flexibility offered in scheduling to promote work-life balance.

• Occasional need for work outside standard hours may arise to meet project deadlines or client needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Hybrid work options" mention in benefits and the description of "office environment and some project site visits" confirm a hybrid arrangement. The physical demands section details the requirements for site visits.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: HR or Recruiter will review applications and conduct initial phone screenings to assess basic qualifications, experience, and cultural fit.

• Hiring Manager Interview: A conversation with the Hiring Manager (likely a Principal or Director) to delve deeper into technical expertise, project management experience, and leadership style. Expect scenario-based questions related to project challenges and client management.

• Technical/Team Interview: This stage may involve a panel interview with other senior engineers or team members to evaluate technical depth, problem-solving skills, and collaboration potential. A portfolio review might be integrated here.

• Case Study/Portfolio Presentation (Potential): Candidates may be asked to present a portfolio of relevant projects, detailing their role, technical approaches, project outcomes, and lessons learned. This could be a formal presentation or an in-depth discussion.

• Final Interview: A final discussion with a senior leader to confirm fit, discuss compensation, and outline the path forward.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Select Projects: Choose 2-3 of your most impactful and relevant projects that best showcase your capabilities in either stormwater or water/wastewater design and project management.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the challenges you overcame, the technical solutions you implemented, and the quantifiable results (e.g., budget savings, schedule improvements, successful regulatory approval, improved system performance).

• Highlight Project Management: Detail your approach to scope definition, scheduling, budget control, risk management, and client communication. Use project documents (sanitized if necessary) as examples.

• Demonstrate Technical Leadership: Explain your role in technical reviews, quality control, and mentoring junior staff. Be prepared to discuss complex design decisions and problem-solving approaches.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your experience that align directly with Consor's needs for this specific role and their focus on municipal infrastructure.

Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared to discuss your approach to managing difficult clients, project delays, or scope creep.

• Review common engineering challenges in stormwater management (e.g., complex hydrology, regulatory hurdles, community impact) or water/wastewater systems (e.g., aging infrastructure, capacity limitations, treatment process optimization).

• Practice articulating your technical expertise concisely and explaining complex engineering concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "case study" isn't explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on portfolio presentation suggests a deep dive into past projects. Candidates should be ready to articulate their process, technical decisions, and leadership impact through concrete examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Modeling Software:

• Required:

  • OpenRoads: Preferred for civil design; training is available, indicating its importance.
  • Civil 3D: A strong alternative if OpenRoads experience is limited; proficiency is expected.
  • AutoCAD: Essential for general drafting and design documentation.

• Preferred (for specific technical focus):

  • HEC‑HMS: For hydrological modeling.
  • HEC‑RAS: For hydraulic modeling of rivers and channels.
  • SWMM (Storm Water Management Model): For urban stormwater runoff modeling.
  • StormCAD: For hydraulic design of storm sewer systems.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

• While not explicitly listed, expect to utilize standard project management software (e.g., MS Project, Primavera) for scheduling and budgeting, and collaboration platforms (e.g., Microsoft Teams, SharePoint) for document sharing and team communication.

• Familiarity with construction administration processes, including RFIs and submittals, is crucial. Data Analysis & Reporting:

• Proficiency in analyzing project data, cost estimates, and performance metrics is expected.

• Experience with creating technical reports and engineering documentation is essential.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit mention of OpenRoads, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD, along with preferred modeling software, highlights the critical technical tools for this role. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their proficiency and experience with these systems.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Collaboration: A strong emphasis on working together across disciplines and teams to deliver integrated solutions.

• Leadership & Initiative: Valuing individuals who take ownership, drive projects forward, and contribute proactively.

• Professional Growth: Commitment to continuous learning, development, and career advancement for all team members.

• Quality & Excellence: Upholding high standards in engineering design, project delivery, and client service.

• Community Impact: A mission-driven approach focused on creating inspiring and sustainable communities through infrastructure projects.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Close collaboration with other engineering disciplines (roadway, structural, geotechnical, utility) is a core aspect of project delivery.

• Client-Centric Approach: Maintaining open and proactive communication with clients and stakeholders to ensure alignment and satisfaction.

• Mentorship & Knowledge Sharing: A culture that encourages senior engineers to mentor junior staff and share expertise to elevate the entire team.

• Problem-Solving Focus: A collective effort to tackle complex engineering challenges and find innovative, effective solutions.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's stated values and approach to culture emphasize teamwork, individual contribution, and a commitment to positive community impact, which are key indicators for potential candidates.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth and Project Management: Effectively managing project demands while maintaining a high level of technical oversight and staying current with evolving engineering standards and technologies.

• Managing Diverse Project Needs: Adapting technical approaches and project management strategies to suit the specific requirements of either stormwater or water/wastewater projects, and coordinating with various client types.

• Client Relationship Management: Navigating complex client expectations, regulatory environments, and stakeholder interests to ensure project success and client satisfaction.

• Team Development: Effectively mentoring and developing a team of engineers and designers with varying experience levels and technical backgrounds.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specialized areas of water resources engineering through internal and external training programs.

• Project Management Skill Enhancement: Development of advanced project management techniques, financial oversight, and client acquisition strategies.

• Leadership Development: Pathways to grow into senior leadership roles, influencing company strategy and guiding departmental growth.

• Professional Certifications & Licenses: Support for obtaining and maintaining professional licenses and certifications relevant to the field.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in engineering consulting, offering significant opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a complex municipal infrastructure project you managed from conception to completion. What were the key challenges, your role in overcoming them, and the ultimate outcome?" (Focus on scope, budget, schedule, and technical solutions.)

• "How do you approach technical quality control and assurance for your design projects? Can you provide an example of how you've ensured engineering excellence?" (Highlight your review processes and methodologies.)

• "Tell me about a time you had to manage a difficult client or stakeholder. How did you handle the situation, and what was the resolution?" (Demonstrate communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.)

• "How do you mentor and develop junior engineers on your project teams? What is your approach to fostering their growth?" (Showcase leadership and team-building capabilities.) Company & Culture Questions:

• "What interests you about Consor Engineers and this specific role? How does your experience align with our focus on municipal infrastructure?" (Research Consor's projects and values.)

• "Describe your ideal work environment. How do you contribute to a collaborative and innovative team culture?" (Align your response with Consor's stated values.)

• "How do you stay current with advancements in water resources engineering and project management best practices?" (Showcase commitment to continuous learning.) Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio by project, clearly outlining the project's objective, your role and responsibilities, key technical challenges and solutions, project management approach, and measurable results.

• Visual Aids: Use diagrams, charts, and concise summaries to illustrate complex designs or project timelines. Avoid overwhelming your audience with excessive detail.

• Focus on Impact: Emphasize the positive impact of your work – improved infrastructure, cost savings, regulatory compliance, community benefits.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific design decisions, software used, budget management, and team coordination.

• Know Your Numbers: Be ready to discuss project budgets, timelines, and any metrics related to performance or efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Preparing specific examples from past projects that align with the job description's requirements will be critical. Focusing on both technical solutions and project management execution will be essential for success.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Water Lead Designer - Project Manager position:

• Submit your application through the Consor Engineers careers portal via the provided URL.

• Portfolio Customization: Prepare a portfolio that prominently features 2-3 of your most relevant municipal infrastructure projects (stormwater or water/wastewater). Clearly articulate your project management approach, technical contributions, and project outcomes using quantifiable data where possible.

• Resume Optimization: Tailor your resume to highlight your 8+ years of experience in water resources engineering, your PE license, project management successes, technical expertise in hydraulics/hydrology or water/wastewater systems, and proficiency with design software (OpenRoads, Civil 3D, AutoCAD).

• Interview Preparation: Practice articulating your experience using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) for behavioral questions. Prepare to discuss your technical skills, project management methodologies, and leadership style. Be ready to present your portfolio and discuss project challenges and solutions in detail.

• Company Research: Thoroughly research Consor Engineers, their project portfolio, company values, and recent news. Understand their commitment to community impact and professional development to better align your responses during interviews.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.