Principal Water Resources Engineer

Principal Water Resources Engineer

Location:

Bozeman, MT

$/yr - $/yr

Health, Vision, 401(k). Bonus and ownership through ESOP.

True leadership role – You’ll lead and shape an established Water Resources Engineering department, not just manage projects.

• Employee-owned company – 100% ESOP with a long‑term mindset and strong internal culture.
• High‑impact public work – Meaningful projects across Montana and the region with municipalities, agencies, and public‑sector partners.
• Strategic seat at the table – Work directly with executive leadership to guide department growth, standards, and long‑term vision.
• Montana lifestyle, respected firm – Strong reputation, stable backlog, and work that directly impacts communities across the state.

• Set the vision and lead the future of the Water Resources Engineering department, shaping strategy, priorities, and long‑term growth
• Build and mentor a high‑performing team, developing engineers at all levels and helping them grow into technical and leadership roles
• Own complex, high‑visibility projects from planning through construction, ensuring quality work that’s delivered on time and on budget
• Partner closely with executive leadership, helping align water resources strategy with broader firm goals and market opportunities
• Create and refine best‑in‑class standards and workflows, improving how work gets done and elevating technical excellence across the team
• Serve as a go‑to technical expert on challenging hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, and groundwater projects
• Be a trusted face of the firm, representing the company with clients, agencies, professional organizations, and at industry events
• Help drive growth, supporting proposals, RFPs, and long‑term client relationships in Montana and the surrounding region
• Navigate complex regulatory environments, ensuring projects move smoothly through local, state, and federal requirements
• Lead permitting efforts involving FEMA, USACE, DEQ, and EPA on impactful public and private projects
• Design and guide critical infrastructure projects including detention basins, culverts, levees, and stormwater systems
• Apply deep expertise in floodplain management, erosion control, and water quality to protect communities and natural resources

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Montana or ability to obtain MT licensure within 6 months
• Bachelor’s in Civil, Water Resources, or Environment Engineering
• 15‑20+ years experience in water resources engineering
• Strong experience in hydrology, hydraulics, stormwater, watershed and groundwater modeling
• Experience with tools like HEC‑RAS, SWMM, MODFLOW, AutoCAD and GIS‑based Systems a plus
• Strong management and leadership experience

• Target Salary: $150K to $185K, discretionary bonus
• Path to ownership through company’s ESOP
• Health, Vision, 100% for self and most dependents
• Excellent retirement plan & PTO package