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 Operations

Date Posted: 2026-08-31

Experience Level: 8+ years

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

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

• Drive project success by managing scope, schedules, budgets, and resources, while cultivating strong client relationships and supporting business development initiatives.

• Provide senior-level technical oversight and mentorship, ensuring engineering excellence and adherence to regulatory standards across diverse project teams.

• Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment, contributing to the strategic expansion of Consor's water-focused practices and the professional development of emerging engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role sits at the intersection of technical design leadership and project management within the civil engineering sector, specifically focusing on water infrastructure. The "Operations" aspect here pertains to the systematic management and delivery of engineering projects, rather than traditional revenue or sales operations. The title "Water Lead Designer - Project Manager" implies a dual focus on both technical design quality and project execution efficiency, requiring a candidate who can bridge these two critical functions.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary Project Manager for municipal infrastructure projects, specializing in either stormwater and drainage systems or water and wastewater conveyance and treatment systems.

• Meticulously manage project scope, timelines, budgets, and resource allocation to consistently meet and exceed contractual obligations and client expectations.

• Act as the main liaison and point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, and all project stakeholders, ensuring clear and consistent communication.

• Actively participate in business development activities, including the preparation of compelling proposals, client interviews, and ongoing relationship management to secure future work.

• Proactively identify potential project risks and challenges, developing and implementing effective mitigation strategies to ensure project success.

• Provide senior-level technical guidance and quality control for engineering design deliverables, including plans, specifications, reports, and technical memoranda.

• Ensure strict adherence to all applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and standards throughout the project lifecycle.

• Prepare and review accurate probable construction cost estimates to support project budgeting and financial planning.

• Coordinate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including roadway, structural, geotechnical, and utility engineers, to ensure integrated project solutions.

• Support construction administration phases by managing Requests for Information (RFIs), reviewing submittals, and facilitating field coordination to resolve issues promptly.

• Mentor and guide project engineers and designers, fostering their technical and professional development while upholding Consor's quality control standards.

• Uphold and promote professional development and knowledge sharing within the design team, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a blend of strategic client management, rigorous project execution, and technical leadership. The emphasis on "managing project scope, schedules, budgets, and staffing" points to a strong operational focus on project delivery. The requirement to "support business development efforts" indicates that this role also has a commercial aspect, requiring proactive engagement with clients and market opportunities.

🎓 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 and wastewater, or water resources engineering.

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

• Proven experience in leading and mentoring engineering teams. Required Skills:

• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the relevant state (Utah preferred, or ability to obtain).

• Strong technical expertise in either:

  • Stormwater Engineering: Including hydrology, hydraulics, drainage system design, and municipal stormwater infrastructure.
  • Water/Wastewater Engineering: Including conveyance systems (pipelines, pump stations, lift stations), system planning, condition assessments, and capacity evaluations.

• Proficiency with essential design software, including OpenRoads (preferred, training available) and/or Civil 3D and AutoCAD.

• Proven ability to manage project scope, schedules, and budgets effectively.

• Excellent client relationship management and communication skills.

• Demonstrated leadership capabilities and experience in team mentorship.

• Strong understanding of federal, state, and local regulations pertinent to water infrastructure projects. Preferred Skills:

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

• Experience with FEMA floodplain mapping and related agency coordination.

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

• Experience in construction administration, including RFI and submittal management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for a PE license is critical and signifies a senior technical role. The explicit mention of software like OpenRoads, Civil 3D, and AutoCAD, along with modeling tools, points to the technical operational needs of the role. The "8+ years" experience coupled with the PE license suggests this is a senior-level position focused on delivering complex projects with a high degree of autonomy and responsibility.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase 2-3 significant municipal infrastructure projects managed, detailing scope, budget, timeline, challenges, and successful outcomes. Highlight your specific role in project planning, execution, and client management.

• Technical Design Leadership Examples: Illustrate instances where you provided senior technical oversight, reviewed designs, ensured quality control, and resolved complex engineering challenges within stormwater or water/wastewater projects.

• Client Relationship & Business Development: Provide examples of how you cultivated client relationships, supported proposal efforts, and contributed to securing new business. Quantify contributions where possible (e.g., value of proposals won).

• Team Mentorship & Development: Present evidence of your leadership in mentoring junior engineers, conducting technical reviews, and fostering a collaborative team environment.

Process Documentation:

• Workflow Optimization: Demonstrate understanding of and experience with optimizing design and project delivery workflows for water infrastructure projects, focusing on efficiency and quality.

• Risk Management Protocols: Provide examples of how you have identified, assessed, and mitigated project risks in past roles.

• Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Processes: Detail your experience implementing and overseeing QA/QC processes for engineering designs and project deliverables.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role combining design leadership and project management, a portfolio demonstrating the ability to manage complex processes, deliver projects on time and within budget, and lead technical teams is essential. The emphasis on "process optimization" and "risk management protocols" aligns with operational excellence in engineering project delivery.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 – $160,000 per year. (This range is provided based on the explicit information in the job description. Compensation for candidates with experience exceeding the minimum requirements may be considered above this range.)

Benefits:

• Career Growth & Development:

  • Tuition reimbursement program
  • Paid professional training
  • Major license achievement bonus
  • 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
  • Paid parental leave
  • Eligibility for hybrid work options (based on role responsibilities)

• Wellness:

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Fitness and wellness reimbursement
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options

• Life:

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

• Community:

  • Quarterly social events

  • Paid group volunteering events

  • Employee networks and groups Working Hours: Typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility offered through flexible work schedules.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is explicitly stated. The benefits package is comprehensive, indicating a strong investment in employee well-being and professional development, which is attractive to experienced engineering professionals. The mention of hybrid work eligibility for some roles suggests a degree of operational flexibility.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting (specifically focused on infrastructure). Consor Engineers operates within the civil engineering and infrastructure development sector, serving municipal and governmental clients. This industry demands precision, reliability, and a strong understanding of regulatory environments.

Company Size: Consor Engineers is a mid-to-large-sized firm, indicated by the comprehensive benefits package and the established organizational structure implied by multiple specialized teams and cross-functional collaboration. This size often balances the stability of a larger organization with the agility and direct impact opportunities of a smaller one.

Founded: While the founding date is not specified, the company's established presence and diverse service offerings suggest a history of growth and adaptation within the engineering sector.

Team Structure:

• Specialized Design Teams: The role explicitly mentions alignment with either a "Stormwater Design Team" or a "Water / Wastewater Design Team," indicating a structure based on technical specialization.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Project teams are multidisciplinary, requiring close coordination with roadway, structural, geotechnical, and utility engineering disciplines.

• Project-Centric Hierarchy: The Project Manager role implies a hierarchical structure within project teams, with clear reporting lines for technical and administrative oversight.

Methodology:

• Technical Excellence & Quality Control: A strong emphasis is placed on "engineering excellence" and "quality control standards," suggesting a rigorous approach to design and project delivery.

• Client-Centric Approach: The role involves being the "primary point of contact for clients," highlighting a focus on client satisfaction and relationship management.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: While not explicitly stated, the use of hydraulic and hydrologic modeling tools implies a reliance on data and analysis for engineering decisions.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The need to coordinate with multiple disciplines and support construction administration points to a collaborative problem-solving methodology.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture appears to be one that values technical expertise, client service, and employee growth. The structure supports specialized technical development while requiring strong collaboration across disciplines. The emphasis on "leadership, initiative, and professional growth" is a key cultural indicator.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role represents a senior-level position within the civil engineering operations framework. It bridges technical design leadership with project management responsibilities, requiring a blend of deep technical knowledge and strong managerial acumen. The title "Lead Designer - Project Manager" signifies an individual who not only guides technical solutions but also oversees the successful execution and delivery of projects, impacting project profitability and client satisfaction.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to senior leadership within the water-focused practices, likely a Practice Lead, Director, or Principal Engineer. Within project teams, this role will manage and mentor junior engineers and designers, providing technical direction and performance oversight.

Operations Impact: The impact of this role is significant. Successful project delivery directly contributes to Consor Engineers' revenue, client retention, and reputation. Effective project management ensures profitability, while strong technical leadership guarantees the quality and compliance of deliverables. The role also influences the development of future engineering talent within the organization.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Deepen expertise in stormwater or water/wastewater systems, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the firm or industry.

• Project Management Expansion: Take on larger, more complex, or multiple concurrent projects, potentially leading to roles like Program Manager or overseeing a portfolio of projects.

• Leadership Track: Progress into higher leadership positions such as Practice Lead, Director of Operations, or Principal Engineer, with increased responsibility for business development, strategic planning, and firm-wide operations.

• Mentorship and Training: Develop into a key mentor and trainer for the engineering staff, shaping the next generation of Consor's technical leaders.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is a critical step for engineers looking to transition from purely technical design to a hybrid role that includes significant project management and client-facing responsibilities. The growth path clearly leads towards senior leadership and specialized technical authority within the firm.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role operates in a hybrid environment, combining office-based work with occasional project site visits. This offers a balance between collaborative office interaction and hands-on site assessment.

Office Location(s): The primary office location mentioned is Draper, Utah (38 E. Scenic Pointe Drive, Draper, UT 84020).

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The office setting is designed for collaboration, allowing for interaction with multidisciplinary engineering teams, fostering knowledge sharing and problem-solving.

• Tools and Technology: Access to standard office equipment, including computers and communication devices, is provided. Proficiency with specialized engineering software (Civil 3D, AutoCAD, OpenRoads, modeling tools) is expected.

• Team Interaction: Opportunities exist for direct interaction with project teams, senior leadership, and potentially clients, facilitating effective communication and project alignment.

Work Schedule: The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week. The company offers "flexible work schedules," which can benefit operations professionals by allowing for better integration of project demands with personal needs, especially important for managing complex project timelines and client expectations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role, coupled with flexible work schedules, indicates a modern work environment that values work-life balance while ensuring operational needs for collaboration and site presence are met.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess qualifications against the job requirements, focusing on experience in project management, technical design, and client interaction within water infrastructure.

• Technical Interview: Likely conducted by senior engineers or practice leads, this stage will delve into your technical expertise in stormwater or water/wastewater systems, your approach to complex engineering challenges, and your familiarity with relevant software and methodologies. Be prepared to discuss specific technical problems and solutions from your experience.

• Project Management & Leadership Interview: This interview will focus on your project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget management, client communication, risk mitigation, and team leadership. Expect behavioral questions assessing your ability to manage teams and stakeholders.

• Final Interview/Panel: Potentially with senior leadership or hiring managers, this round will assess cultural fit, strategic thinking, business development potential, and overall alignment with Consor Engineers' values and goals.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio logically, perhaps by project type or by skill set (Project Management, Technical Leadership, Client Relations). Clearly label each section and project.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, use metrics to demonstrate your impact. This includes budget managed, schedule adherence, cost savings achieved, client satisfaction ratings, or team size led.

• Highlight Problem-Solving: For case studies, clearly articulate the challenge, your proposed solution, the process you followed, and the ultimate outcome. Emphasize your unique contributions.

• Showcase Technical Depth and Operational Rigor: For technical examples, demonstrate your understanding of the underlying principles and your ability to apply them. For project management, show your systematic approach to planning, execution, and control.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects and experiences most relevant to municipal stormwater or water/wastewater design and project management, aligning with the specific team focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Hypothetical Project Scenario: Be prepared for a scenario where you might be asked to outline the steps you would take to manage a new municipal water infrastructure project, from initial client engagement to final delivery. Focus on your operational process.

• Technical Problem-Solving Exercise: You may be presented with a technical design challenge (e.g., a drainage issue, a pipeline capacity problem) and asked to outline your approach to solving it, including data requirements, modeling, and design considerations.

• Client Communication Simulation: Practice articulating project status, risks, and solutions to a hypothetical client, demonstrating your communication and stakeholder management skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process will heavily scrutinize both technical engineering capabilities and project management operational proficiency. A well-curated portfolio showcasing successful project delivery, technical leadership, and client engagement is paramount.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Design & Modeling Tools:

• OpenRoads: Preferred software for civil design, including site design, drainage, and roadway elements. Proficiency or willingness to train is key.

• Civil 3D: Widely used for civil engineering design, drafting, and documentation.

• AutoCAD: Standard software for 2D drafting and design.

• Hydraulic & Hydrologic (H&H) Modeling Software:

  • HEC-HMS, HEC-RAS, SWMM, StormCAD: Experience with these or similar tools is preferred for detailed analysis of water flow, drainage, and floodplains.

Project Management & Collaboration Tools:

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for documentation, reporting, and communication (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Microsoft Teams: Likely used for internal communication, collaboration, and virtual meetings.

• Project Management Software: While not specified, experience with common PM tools (e.g., MS Project, Primavera, Asana, Procore) would be beneficial for managing schedules and tasks.

Data Management & Reporting:

• FEMA Floodplain Mapping Tools: For roles focused on stormwater, familiarity with FEMA's mapping resources and GIS tools may be necessary.

• GIS Software (e.g., ArcGIS): Often used in conjunction with modeling and design tools for spatial analysis and data visualization.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency with industry-standard civil design software and specialized hydraulic/hydrologic modeling tools is a core operational requirement. The ability to leverage these tools for efficient and accurate design and analysis is critical.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Engineering Excellence: A commitment to high-quality, technically sound, and reliable engineering solutions that meet client needs and regulatory requirements.

• Client Focus: Prioritizing client satisfaction through responsive communication, proactive problem-solving, and delivering value.

• Integrity and Ethics: Upholding the highest standards of professional conduct, honesty, and ethical decision-making in all project dealings.

• Collaboration and Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where individuals work together across disciplines to achieve common project goals.

• Innovation and Continuous Improvement: Encouraging new ideas, embracing technological advancements, and consistently seeking ways to enhance processes and project outcomes.

• Leadership and Initiative: Empowering team members to take ownership, demonstrate leadership at all levels, and proactively contribute to project and company success.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: A strong emphasis on working seamlessly with other engineering disciplines (roadway, structural, geotechnical, utilities) to deliver holistic infrastructure solutions.

• Open Communication: Encouraging direct and transparent communication among team members, project stakeholders, and clients to ensure alignment and address issues promptly.

• Knowledge Sharing: Promoting an environment where engineers share expertise, best practices, and lessons learned to elevate the collective capabilities of the team.

• Mentorship and Development: A culture that values investing in the growth of its employees, with senior staff actively guiding and developing junior team members.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture emphasizes a blend of technical rigor, client dedication, and collaborative spirit, all crucial for successful operations in the engineering consulting sector. The values directly support the operational demands of managing complex, multidisciplinary projects.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth and Project Management: Effectively managing time and resources to provide both deep technical oversight and rigorous project management for complex municipal projects.

• Client Expectation Management: Navigating diverse client needs, regulatory hurdles, and potential scope creep while maintaining project profitability and client satisfaction.

• Interdisciplinary Coordination: Ensuring seamless integration and effective communication across multiple engineering disciplines, each with its own priorities and technical considerations.

• Adapting to Evolving Regulations and Technologies: Staying abreast of changes in environmental regulations, engineering standards, and new design/modeling technologies to maintain technical leadership.

• Business Development Demands: Contributing to securing new projects while managing existing ones requires a proactive and strategic approach to client engagement and proposal writing.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Training: Access to specialized training in advanced hydraulic modeling, stormwater management techniques, or water/wastewater system design.

• Project Management Certification Support: Opportunities and potential reimbursement for pursuing certifications such as PMP (Project Management Professional).

• Leadership Development Programs: Training and mentorship focused on developing skills in team leadership, client relations, business development, and strategic planning.

• Industry Conferences and Seminars: Participation in professional events to stay current with industry trends, network with peers, and gain exposure to new technologies and methodologies.

• Mentorship from Senior Leaders: Direct guidance from experienced principals and directors on career progression, technical mastery, and business acumen.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role presents inherent challenges that are common in senior engineering and project management positions, offering significant opportunities for professional growth and skill enhancement in both technical and leadership domains.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Project Lifecycle Management: "Describe your approach to managing a municipal water infrastructure project from conceptualization through construction support. What are the key operational checkpoints you prioritize?" (Focus on your systematic process, risk identification, and resource allocation.)

• Technical Leadership in Design: "How do you ensure technical quality and compliance when overseeing designs performed by a team? Provide an example of a complex technical challenge you resolved." (Highlight your QA/QC process, problem-solving methodology, and technical decision-making.)

• Client Engagement & Business Development: "How do you build and maintain strong relationships with municipal clients? Describe your experience in supporting business development efforts, such as proposal writing or client presentations." (Emphasize your communication skills, understanding of client needs, and proactive engagement.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Consor's Values and Your Fit: "How do you see your experience and approach aligning with Consor Engineers' values of engineering excellence, client focus, and teamwork?" (Research the company's stated values and connect them to specific examples from your career.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe a situation where you had to coordinate with multiple engineering disciplines on a complex project. What strategies did you use to ensure effective collaboration and project success?" (Showcase your ability to work cross-functionally and manage diverse team dynamics.)

• Operational Impact Measurement: "How do you measure the success of your projects beyond just technical completion? What key performance indicators (KPIs) do you track for project management and team performance?" (Discuss metrics related to budget, schedule, client satisfaction, and team productivity.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Project Storytelling: For each case study, craft a compelling narrative. Start with the client's need, outline your strategic approach, detail the operational steps taken, highlight key decisions and challenges, and conclude with the measurable positive impact.

• Visual Aids: Use clear, professional visuals such as project maps, design sketches, flow diagrams, and charts to illustrate your points. For process examples, use flowcharts or diagrams.

• Focus on Operations: When presenting projects, emphasize your role in planning, scheduling, budgeting, risk management, and team coordination. For technical examples, explain how your design choices optimized for operational efficiency or long-term performance.

• Quantify Everything: For every achievement or metric discussed, provide numbers. This could be budget size, project duration, percentage of cost savings, number of team members managed, or efficiency gains.

• Be Ready for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about specific technical details, design choices, project management decisions, and your role in resolving issues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a robust understanding of both the technical intricacies of water infrastructure and the operational discipline required for successful project management and client leadership.

📌 Application Steps

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

• Submit Your Application: Complete the online application through the Consor Engineers careers portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 8+ years of experience in stormwater or water/wastewater engineering, emphasizing project management achievements, technical leadership, and client engagement. Use keywords from the job description, such as "Project Manager," "Stormwater Design," "Water Conveyance," "PE License," and specific software proficiencies.

• Curate Your Portfolio: Prepare a digital portfolio that showcases 2-3 key municipal infrastructure projects. For each project, include details on scope, budget, timeline, your specific management role, technical challenges overcome, and quantifiable results. Also, include examples of your technical oversight and team mentorship.

• Prepare for Technical & Management Discussions: Review your experience with hydraulic/hydrologic modeling, design software (OpenRoads, Civil 3D, AutoCAD), and project management principles. Be ready to discuss case studies from your portfolio in detail.

• Research Consor Engineers: Familiarize yourself with the company's mission, values, recent projects, and their approach to engineering and client service. Understand their focus areas in water resources.

⚠️ 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.