About The Role

Project Manager, Surface Water

Hybrid

What We're Looking For

Michael Baker’s Santa Ana office is seeking a Project Manager for our Surface Water group. With decades of local success to build upon, this is a great opportunity for a stormwater professional to take the next step in their career and work with a team of talented engineers delivering a variety of surface water infrastructure projects. You will grow with our team 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. Interest in learning and executing a business development process, providing guidance to and supporting the team in delivering projects, and ensuring quality project execution are key characteristics of the person who will excel in this role.

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 support company growth strategies.
Offers strategic thinking and a strong technical foundation.
Identifies opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement.
Maintains solid industry and client relationships and is ready to be a visible, active member of the Water community.
Thrives in a dynamic environment by applying judgement to competing priorities.

What You'll Do

Project, People, & Operational Leadership

Engage with the department members to provide mentorship by understanding their strengths, working with them to develop a career path, and involving them meaningfully in projects and pursuits to support their development.
Communicate effectively and coordinate with project team members, including other disciplines and teaming partners.
Maintain responsibility for development and oversight of project budgets, schedules, and management of staff workload to optimize department financial performance.
Participate as an engaged member of the Surface Water Team at office events and meetings.
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

Work with other 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.
Cultivate and maintain client and partner relationships as well as lead proposal development and interview preparation for key projects.
Support the Surface Water team and other departments with capture planning and proposal development.
Professionally represent Michael Baker International at professional organizations through active participation and during technical meetings with agency staff, clients, and contractors.
Implement a Quality Program that ensures delivery of accurate deliverables.
Conduct technical evaluations to support planning and design related to surface water projects.
Prepare and review technical memoranda, reports, drawings, specifications, and miscellaneous contract documents.

Technical Expertise

Implement a Quality Program that ensures delivery of accurate deliverables.
Conduct technical evaluations to support planning and design related to surface water projects.
Prepare and review technical memoranda, reports, drawings, specifications, and miscellaneous contract documents.

What You'll Need to Succeed

B.S. Degree in Engineering, or related discipline
Professional Engineer registration in California (P.E.)
8+ years in engineering and/or project management with 2+ years supervising engineering personnel in the surface water management space
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 a Surface Water 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.

Culture

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.

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 compensation range for this position is $120,000 – $140,000 per year. 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 of the incoming candidate.