Wastewater Senior Technical Manager

Overview

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm focused on clean water, safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee‑owned company, we encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture and seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to address a broad range of water and environmental issues.

We are seeking a Senior Technical Manager to lead and grow the South Region Wastewater Team and the West Region Wastewater Team, drive technical excellence, mentor junior staff, and support municipal wastewater projects throughout the West Region and beyond.

Southern California (Office Locations: San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine). This is a hybrid role; candidates are expected to be in the office at least one day per week, with additional on‑site presence as needed. Travel is approximately 20%.

• Provide technical leadership on wastewater projects of all sizes, from concept to construction and operation.
• Lead and grow the West Region Wastewater Team and multi‑discipline project teams, identifying emerging opportunities and supporting key pursuits.
• Build and strengthen client relationships, contributing to business development, proposal preparation and strategic pursuits in the municipal wastewater market.
• Ensure deliverable quality through rigorous QA/QC and adherence to industry standards and client expectations.
• Support or directly manage the financial and technical delivery of project tasks, including scope, schedule and budget.
• Serve as a technical resource for complex wastewater treatment processes, from planning and pilot studies through design, construction and startup.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and external clients or professional societies; participate in committees and other external leadership opportunities.
• Provide input on the development of Woodard & Curran design or technical guidelines and standards.

• Substantial technical expertise in civil and environmental engineering with in‑depth knowledge of municipal wastewater systems and collection infrastructure.
• More than 20 years of experience in evaluation, planning, design, and construction of wastewater engineering projects.
• Minimum of 5 wastewater treatment facility designs (new or expansion) as a lead technical engineer.
• B.S. degree in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical or Environmental Engineering; M.S. preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineer in California (or ability to obtain reciprocity within 6 months).
• Up‑to‑date knowledge of technology advances, regulatory trends, equipment and processes.
• Ability to support and/or lead strategic initiatives to develop new business opportunities with clients and geographies.
• Strong knowledge of state and local regulations regarding wastewater treatment and collection systems.
• Superior writing, communication and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership skills and capacity to coach, mentor and train individuals.

$160,000 - $190,000 a year, with geographic differentials:
Group A (San Diego, CA) $160,000 - $180,000;
Group B (Los Angeles – Irvine, CA) $170,000 - $190,000.

• 401(k) Pre‑tax or Roth contributions with 100% match on the first 3% of salary contributed.
• Observed holidays: up to 8 holidays to observe annually.
• Vacation: accrued based on years of experience and calculated on hours worked.
• Sick time: paid sick time for non‑work‑related illness or injury.
• Parental leave: up to 80 hours of paid parental leave for child bonding.
• Paid short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Medical plan options, plus dental and vision plans.
• Basic group life insurance and AD&D benefits (additional voluntary life insurance available).
• Dario Mind assistance program coupled with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources.

Woodard & Curran is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non‑discrimination and make employment decisions based on job‑related factors. Individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Reasonable accommodation can be requested during the application process.