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: Engineering / Operations (Water & Wastewater Infrastructure)

Date Posted: May 28, 2026

Experience Level: 8+ Years (with PE License)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Lead the end-to-end planning, design, and delivery of complex municipal water and stormwater infrastructure projects, acting as a key technical authority.

• Manage project lifecycles, including scope, schedule, budget, and resource allocation, ensuring client satisfaction and contractual adherence.

• Serve as the primary client liaison, fostering strong relationships and actively contributing to business development initiatives through proposals and client engagement.

• Provide senior-level technical oversight and mentorship to engineering and design teams, upholding rigorous quality control standards and promoting professional growth.

• Collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams (roadway, structural, geotechnical, utility) to ensure integrated and successful project outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends deep technical expertise in water resources engineering with robust project management capabilities, requiring a candidate who can effectively balance client-facing responsibilities, technical leadership, and team development within the municipal infrastructure sector. The hybrid work arrangement suggests a need for strong self-management and communication skills.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Oversee and manage the complete lifecycle of municipal infrastructure projects, focusing on either Stormwater Design or Water/Wastewater Design, from conceptualization through construction.

• Develop and execute comprehensive project management plans, meticulously tracking scope, timelines, budgets, and resource deployment to meet and exceed client expectations.

• Act as the central point of contact for all project stakeholders, including clients, regulatory agencies, and external partners, ensuring clear and consistent communication.

• Drive business development activities by contributing to proposal development, participating in client interviews, and nurturing ongoing client relationships to secure future work.

• Proactively identify potential project risks and develop effective mitigation strategies to ensure project success and minimize disruptions.

• Provide senior-level technical guidance and expertise in hydraulic and hydrologic (H&H) modeling, stormwater management systems, water/wastewater conveyance, or treatment systems, depending on the assigned team focus.

• Ensure all project designs and deliverables comply with federal, state, and local regulations, standards, and codes.

• Review and approve engineering reports, technical memoranda, plans, and specifications, upholding the highest standards of engineering excellence.

• Prepare and validate probable construction cost estimates, ensuring financial feasibility and accuracy for project bids and budgeting.

• Coordinate seamlessly with internal and external multidisciplinary teams, including roadway, structural, geotechnical, and utility specialists, to achieve integrated project solutions.

• Support construction administration efforts by managing Requests for Information (RFIs), reviewing submittals, and facilitating field coordination to resolve site-specific issues.

• Mentor and develop junior engineers and designers by providing technical guidance, performance feedback, and opportunities for skill enhancement.

• Conduct thorough technical reviews of project deliverables to ensure quality, accuracy, and adherence to best practices.

• Foster a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing within the design team, promoting professional development and best practice adoption.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities clearly delineate a dual focus on project leadership and technical specialization within water infrastructure. The emphasis on client engagement and business development suggests this role is critical for company growth. The explicit mention of coordination with other disciplines highlights the importance of strong interpersonal and communication skills for integrated project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Experience:

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

• Demonstrated experience in managing municipal infrastructure projects from inception to completion.

• Proven track record in client relationship management and business development support.

Required Skills:

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

• Strong technical foundation in either:

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

• Proficiency in Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software, specifically:

  • OpenRoads (preferred)
  • Civil 3D
  • AutoCAD

• Demonstrated project management skills, including scope, schedule, and budget management.

• Excellent client communication and relationship-building abilities.

• Strong leadership and team mentorship capabilities.

• Ability to coordinate effectively with diverse technical teams.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Hydraulic and Hydrologic (H&H) modeling software such as:

  • HEC‑HMS
  • HEC‑RAS
  • SWMM
  • StormCAD

• Experience with FEMA floodplain mapping and coordination with FEMA.

• Familiarity with agency coordination processes, particularly with UDOT (Utah Department of Transportation) or other Mountain West municipal agencies.

• Experience in construction administration and support.

📝 Enhancement Note: The PE license is a non-negotiable requirement, underscoring the technical seniority and accountability expected. Proficiency in specific CAD software, with a preference for OpenRoads, is crucial. While advanced modeling software is preferred, the emphasis on PE license and core design principles is primary. The mention of UDOT experience suggests a preference for candidates familiar with local regulatory and project environments.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Project Management Case Studies: Showcase examples of municipal infrastructure projects successfully managed from initiation through closeout, detailing scope, budget, schedule, and client objectives. Highlight your role in managing risks and ensuring timely delivery.

• Technical Design Leadership Examples: Present instances where you provided senior technical oversight on significant water or stormwater projects. This could include review of complex design reports, specifications, or hydraulic modeling outputs.

• Client Relationship & Business Development Contributions: Provide examples of successful client engagement, proposal contributions, or participation in securing new projects. Demonstrate your ability to foster and maintain client trust.

• Team Mentorship & Quality Control Initiatives: Illustrate your approach to mentoring junior engineers and designers, including performance feedback, technical guidance, and quality assurance processes you have implemented or contributed to.

Process Documentation:

• Project Planning & Execution Workflows: Document your methodology for initiating, planning, executing, and closing out infrastructure projects, emphasizing how you ensure alignment with client requirements and regulatory compliance.

• Technical Review & Quality Assurance Processes: Outline your systematic approach to reviewing engineering designs, reports, and specifications, detailing the steps taken to identify errors, ensure accuracy, and uphold quality standards.

• Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies: Detail your process for identifying, assessing, and mitigating project risks, including communication protocols and contingency planning.

• Stakeholder Communication & Collaboration Protocols: Describe your strategies for effective communication and collaboration with clients, internal teams, and external agencies throughout the project lifecycle.

📝 Enhancement Note: For a role combining design leadership and project management, a portfolio should demonstrate both technical proficiency and managerial competence. Candidates should be prepared to showcase specific project examples that highlight their ability to manage complex technical challenges, client expectations, and team dynamics. Emphasis should be placed on quantifiable results and process improvements.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 – $160,000 per year.

• This range is dependent on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

Benefits:

• Career Growth & Development:

  • Tuition reimbursement program.
  • Paid professional training opportunities.
  • Bonus for major license achievement.
  • 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.
  • Paid parental leave.
  • Eligibility for hybrid and remote work options (role dependent).

• Wellness:

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Fitness and wellness reimbursement.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options.

• Life & Retirement:

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

• Community Engagement:

  • Quarterly social events.
  • Paid group volunteering events.

Working Hours:

• Typically 40 hours per week.

• Flexible work schedules are available, accommodating the hybrid work arrangement and project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is competitive for a senior-level engineering and project management role in the Denver metropolitan area, reflecting the required experience and PE license. The comprehensive benefits package emphasizes professional development, work-life balance, and employee well-being, aligning with industry standards for engineering firms. The hybrid work option offers flexibility, but the core 40-hour work week is standard.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Engineering Consulting (Specializing in Infrastructure, particularly Water & Wastewater, Transportation, and Energy). Consor Engineers operates within the civil engineering and infrastructure development sector, contributing to the design and management of essential public works.

Company Size: The description does not explicitly state the company size, but the breadth of their offerings and benefits suggests a mid-to-large sized firm with multiple offices.

Founded: Founded in 2005, Consor Engineers has established itself as a reputable engineering firm with a focus on client-centric solutions and professional growth.

Team Structure:

• Specialized Design Teams: The role is situated within either a Stormwater Design Team or a Water/Wastewater Design Team, indicating a structure organized by technical discipline.

• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The role requires close collaboration with other engineering disciplines, such as roadway, structural, geotechnical, and utility engineering, suggesting a matrixed or project-based team structure.

• Reporting: While not explicitly detailed, Project Managers typically report to senior leadership or a Director of Operations/Engineering within their specific practice area. Junior engineers report to Project Managers.

Methodology:

• Client-Centric Approach: Consor emphasizes client relationships and tailored solutions, suggesting a methodology focused on understanding and meeting specific client needs.

• Technical Excellence & Quality Focus: The role's responsibilities highlight a strong commitment to engineering quality, technical oversight, and adherence to regulatory standards.

• Collaborative Problem-Solving: The need to work across disciplines indicates a methodology that values integrated approaches and collective problem-solving.

• Continuous Improvement: Benefits like tuition reimbursement and professional training point to a company culture that supports ongoing learning and skill development.

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

📝 Enhancement Note: Consor positions itself as a firm that values both technical expertise and professional relationships. The company culture appears to support growth and collaboration, which is essential for a role that bridges technical design and project management. The emphasis on municipal infrastructure suggests a focus on public service and community impact.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned as a senior-level position, often referred to as a Principal Engineer, Lead Engineer, or Senior Project Manager within the water resources or municipal engineering field. It requires a significant level of technical expertise combined with proven project management capabilities and client management experience. The PE license is a key indicator of this seniority.

Reporting Structure: The Project Manager will likely report to a Director or Vice President within the Water Resources or Infrastructure division, depending on the specific office structure. They will, in turn, supervise and mentor a team of engineers and designers working on their assigned projects. This structure facilitates both technical guidance and project execution oversight.

Operations Impact: The role has a direct and significant impact on the company's revenue and client satisfaction. Successful project delivery, effective client management, and contributions to business development are critical for the firm's financial health and market reputation. The technical leadership provided ensures the quality and integrity of essential public infrastructure, contributing to community well-being and resilience.

Growth Opportunities:

• Technical Specialization Advancement: Opportunity to deepen expertise in specific areas of water/wastewater engineering or stormwater management, potentially becoming a recognized subject matter expert within the firm or industry.

• Leadership Track Expansion: Progression into higher levels of project management, client management, or leadership roles, such as Practice Lead, Department Manager, or Vice President, with increased responsibility for business strategy and firm growth.

• Business Development Leadership: Developing a stronger role in securing new business, building client portfolios, and contributing to the strategic direction of the company's water sector services.

• Mentorship and Training Development: Opportunity to shape training programs and mentor future generations of engineers, contributing to the firm's talent pipeline and knowledge base.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant career step, offering a blend of technical mastery and leadership. The growth opportunities are geared towards expanding influence, either through deeper technical specialization or broader management and business development responsibilities, aligning with typical career paths for senior engineers in consulting firms.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The job description indicates a hybrid work environment. This suggests a mix of working from a physical office location and remotely. The office environment is described as collaborative and conducive to professional growth.

Office Location(s): The primary office location specified is Draper, Utah, at 38 E. Scenic Pointe Drive, 84020. The company also operates in other locations, suggesting potential for broader opportunities within the organization.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Atmosphere: The company culture emphasizes collaboration, suggesting an office layout and environment that supports teamwork and knowledge sharing among engineers and designers.

• Access to Technology: The role requires proficiency in CAD and other engineering software, implying that the office is equipped with the necessary hardware and software infrastructure to support these tools.

• Team Interaction: The hybrid model allows for in-person interaction with project teams, management, and clients, fostering strong working relationships, while remote work offers flexibility.

Work Schedule:

• The standard work schedule is 40 hours per week.

• Flexible work schedules are available, complementing the hybrid work arrangement. This flexibility is crucial for managing project deadlines and personal commitments.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid nature of the role suggests a modern workplace that balances the need for in-person collaboration with the benefits of remote work flexibility. Candidates should be comfortable with a structured work week that allows for some adaptability in daily scheduling.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and application to assess qualifications against the core requirements (PE license, years of experience, technical focus).

• Technical & Project Management Interview: This stage will likely involve discussions about your technical expertise in water/wastewater or stormwater design, your approach to hydraulic/hydrologic modeling, and your project management methodologies. Be prepared to discuss specific projects from your portfolio.

• Behavioral & Cultural Fit Interview: Assess your leadership style, communication skills, client management approach, and how you align with Consor's company culture and values. Expect questions about teamwork, mentorship, and problem-solving.

• Client/Stakeholder Simulation (Potential): Depending on the candidate's seniority and focus, there might be a scenario where you present a project to a simulated client or discuss business development strategies.

• Final Interview: Typically with senior leadership to discuss career aspirations, compensation, and confirm mutual fit.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select 2-3 of your most impactful projects that best demonstrate your capabilities in project management, technical leadership, and client engagement within the water/wastewater or stormwater domain.

• Quantify Achievements: For each project, clearly articulate the problem, your solution, your specific role, and the measurable outcomes (e.g., budget savings, schedule adherence, design efficiency improvements, client satisfaction metrics).

• Highlight Process: Explain the methodologies you employed for project planning, technical analysis, risk management, and team coordination. Show, don't just tell, how you managed complexity.

• Showcase Leadership: Include examples of how you mentored junior staff, managed cross-functional teams, and resolved conflicts.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize aspects of your experience that align directly with the responsibilities of a Water Lead Designer – Project Manager at Consor, such as municipal infrastructure, H&H modeling, or specific CAD software proficiency.

Challenge Preparation:

• Technical Scenarios: Be ready to discuss hypothetical design challenges related to hydrology, hydraulics, conveyance systems, or regulatory compliance. Outline your analytical approach and problem-solving steps.

• Project Management Scenarios: Prepare for questions about managing difficult clients, handling scope creep, mitigating project risks, or resolving interdisciplinary conflicts.

• Business Development Discussion: If you have business development experience, be prepared to discuss your approach to client engagement, proposal writing, and winning new work.

• Mentorship Approach: Articulate your philosophy and methods for developing and guiding junior engineers.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process emphasizes a comprehensive evaluation of technical skills, project management acumen, and client-facing abilities. A well-structured portfolio that clearly demonstrates quantifiable achievements and a methodical approach to project delivery and team leadership will be critical for success. Interview preparation should focus on articulating these strengths through specific project examples.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• CAD Software:

  • OpenRoads: Preferred for transportation and civil infrastructure design, likely used for site grading, utility coordination, and corridor design. Proficiency here is highly valued.
  • Civil 3D: A robust platform for civil engineering design, including grading, stormwater management, and utility design.
  • AutoCAD: Standard for 2D drafting and design work.

• Project Management Software: While not explicitly named, Consor likely utilizes standard project management tools for scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or internal company systems).

• Collaboration Platforms: Microsoft Teams is frequently mentioned in the job posting's disclaimer regarding recruitment practices, indicating its use for internal communication and meetings.

Analytics & Reporting:

• H&H Modeling Software:

  • HEC‑HMS (Hydrologic Modeling System): For simulating rainfall-runoff processes.
  • HEC‑RAS (River Analysis System): For modeling river hydraulics, floodplains, and open channel flow.
  • SWMM (Storm Water Management Model): For simulating urban runoff, including pollutant transport.
  • StormCAD: For analyzing hydraulic conditions in storm sewer systems.

• Reporting Tools: Standard office suites (Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel for data analysis and reporting) are assumed for generating engineering reports, cost estimates, and presentations.

CRM & Automation:

• CRM (Customer Relationship Management): While not specified, a firm like Consor likely uses a CRM system to manage client interactions, track business development opportunities, and support sales efforts.

• Document Management Systems: Robust systems for managing project documentation, drawings, specifications, and correspondence are essential in engineering consulting.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in CAD software, particularly OpenRoads, is a key technical requirement. Familiarity with H&H modeling software is a strong preference. The role leverages standard engineering software for design and analysis, alongside project management and collaboration tools. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with these platforms.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Integrity & Professionalism: Upholding ethical standards in all engineering practices and business dealings, ensuring reliability and trust with clients and colleagues.

• Client Focus: A commitment to understanding and exceeding client expectations through tailored solutions and exceptional service, building long-term partnerships.

• Technical Excellence: Driving innovation and maintaining high standards in engineering design, analysis, and project delivery, ensuring the quality and safety of infrastructure.

• Collaboration & Teamwork: Fostering a supportive environment where diverse perspectives are valued, and teams work together effectively to achieve common goals.

• Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging creative problem-solving and embracing new technologies and methodologies to enhance efficiency and project outcomes.

• Community Impact: A dedication to designing projects that benefit communities, improve public safety, and contribute to sustainable development.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-Functional Integration: Consor emphasizes working across disciplines (roadway, structural, geotechnical, utility) to deliver comprehensive infrastructure solutions. This necessitates open communication and a willingness to integrate diverse technical inputs.

• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: The company culture actively supports the mentorship of junior engineers. This implies a collaborative style where experienced professionals share their knowledge and guide the development of others.

• Client Partnership: The approach to client relationships is likely collaborative, viewing clients as partners in project success rather than just recipients of services. This involves proactive communication and joint problem-solving.

• Feedback and Continuous Learning: The emphasis on professional development suggests an environment where constructive feedback is valued, and continuous learning is encouraged, leading to a collaborative approach to improving processes and skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: Consor's values highlight a strong commitment to ethical practice, client satisfaction, and technical quality, all underpinned by a collaborative and supportive team environment. The culture is geared towards professionals who are not only technically adept but also adept at working with others and contributing to a shared mission of building better communities.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Technical Depth with Project Management: The primary challenge is effectively managing diverse project demands, client expectations, and team leadership while maintaining a high level of technical oversight and accuracy in specialized water/wastewater or stormwater engineering.

• Navigating Complex Regulatory Environments: Ensuring compliance with evolving federal, state, and local regulations for municipal infrastructure projects requires constant vigilance and expertise.

• Managing Project Risks and Scope Creep: Proactively identifying and mitigating potential project risks, as well as managing client expectations regarding scope changes, is crucial for project success and profitability.

• Integrating Diverse Engineering Disciplines: Effectively coordinating and integrating the work of multiple engineering disciplines (roadway, structural, geotechnical) to ensure a cohesive and functional final design can be complex.

• Mentoring and Developing Talent: Effectively guiding and developing junior engineers requires strong communication, leadership, and technical coaching skills, especially within a hybrid work model.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Technical Specialization: Opportunities to deepen expertise in specific areas like advanced hydraulic modeling, water quality management, or complex treatment system design through specialized training and project work.

• Leadership and Management Training: Access to programs designed to enhance project management skills, client relationship management, business development, and team leadership.

• Industry Conferences and Certifications: Support for attending relevant industry conferences, workshops, and pursuing advanced certifications to stay abreast of the latest technologies and best practices in water resources engineering.

• Mentorship Programs: Formal and informal mentorship opportunities with senior leaders within Consor, providing guidance on career progression and professional development.

• Exposure to Diverse Projects: Working on a variety of municipal infrastructure projects, from small-scale upgrades to large capital improvement programs, offers broad experience and skill development.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are typical for senior roles in engineering consulting, requiring a blend of technical prowess, strategic thinking, and interpersonal skills. The growth opportunities are well-aligned with advancing within the firm, either as a technical expert or a leadership figure, supported by the company's investment in professional development.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Technical Approach: "Describe your process for conducting a hydraulic and hydrologic analysis for a significant stormwater project. What software do you typically use, and how do you validate your models?" (Preparation: Articulate your step-by-step methodology, mention specific software like HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, and discuss validation techniques.)

• Project Management Philosophy: "How do you approach managing project scope, schedule, and budget to ensure profitability and client satisfaction? Walk me through a challenging project where you had to recover from a schedule delay or budget overrun." (Preparation: Detail your project planning, tracking, and control methods. Use a STAR method example to illustrate problem-solving for a real-world scenario.)

• Business Development & Client Relations: "How do you cultivate and maintain strong client relationships? Describe your experience in contributing to proposals or client interviews." (Preparation: Focus on proactive communication, understanding client needs, delivering value, and your specific contributions to winning work.)

Company & Culture Questions:

• Alignment with Values: "Consor values integrity, client focus, and technical excellence. How do these values manifest in your professional work?" (Preparation: Connect your past experiences and work ethic to each of these stated values, providing specific examples.)

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your experience working with multidisciplinary engineering teams. How do you ensure effective coordination and integration of different design elements?" (Preparation: Highlight your communication strategies, problem-solving approach to interdisciplinary challenges, and examples of successful collaborative projects.)

• Mentorship Style: "How do you approach mentoring junior engineers and designers? What is your philosophy on developing talent within a team?" (Preparation: Discuss your methods for providing feedback, technical guidance, skill development opportunities, and fostering a positive learning environment.)

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure for Impact: Organize your portfolio (digital or physical) logically. Start with a summary of your career, then present 2-3 key projects, detailing the challenge, your role, the solution, and the quantifiable results.

• Quantify Everything: For each project, use metrics to demonstrate success: budget managed, schedule adherence, cost savings, efficiency gains, client satisfaction scores, regulatory approvals achieved.

• Highlight Your Leadership: Specifically point out instances where you led teams, made critical design decisions, resolved complex issues, or managed client expectations.

• Explain Your Process: Don't just show results; explain the how. Describe your project management methodology, your technical approach, and your collaboration strategies.

• Tailor to Consor: Emphasize projects and experiences that directly align with Consor's focus on municipal water and stormwater infrastructure, UDOT projects, and their stated values.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on articulating a clear understanding of both technical engineering principles and robust project management practices. Candidates must be ready to provide specific, quantifiable examples from their experience that demonstrate leadership, problem-solving, and client management skills, directly linking them to Consor's needs and values.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the official Consor Engineers careers portal (link provided in job posting).

• Portfolio Customization: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in municipal water/wastewater or stormwater design and project management. Select specific projects for your portfolio that showcase your leadership, technical expertise, and successful project delivery relevant to Consor's work.

• Resume Optimization: Ensure your resume clearly lists your PE license, years of experience, proficiency in relevant CAD and H&H software, and quantifiable achievements in project management and technical design. Use keywords from the job description.

• Interview Preparation: Thoroughly research Consor Engineers, their projects, and company values. Prepare to discuss your portfolio projects in detail, focusing on your contributions, methodologies, and results. Practice answering behavioral and technical questions, especially those related to project management and water infrastructure design.

• Company Research: Understand Consor's role in the infrastructure sector, their commitment to communities, and their focus areas (water, transportation, energy). Be prepared to articulate how your skills and experience align with their mission and the specific requirements of this role.

⚠️ 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.