Surface & Storm Water Practice Area Lead

Who We Are

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies and utilities to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, resilient communities.

$150,250 - $210,050 (based on our Irvine, CA office location. Geographic salary differentials apply for other regions).

Full‑time, Exempt

Our preferred locations are Irvine, Sacramento, Davis, or San Diego.

3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Surface and Storm Water Practice Area Lead (PAL)

This role will work closely with executive leaders and other practice area leads to grow and guide our Surface and Storm Water practice across California. The PAL will lead a multidisciplinary team, partner with the Business Sector Leader on operational and financial health, and develop the practice’s strategic direction.

• Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to engineers and technical staff across multiple offices.
• Foster a collaborative, growth‑oriented team environment focused on technical excellence and client service.
• Balance team workload, track resourcing needs, and support recruiting and onboarding of new staff.
• Guide quality control/quality assurance efforts and support technical skill development aligned with career progression.
• Shape culture, drive innovation, and leave a meaningful legacy within a growing, future‑focused practice.

• Develop and implement an annual business plan aligned with company strategic goals.
• Lead efforts to expand the Surface and Storm Water portfolio, identifying emerging markets, trends, and client needs.
• Identify and pursue stormwater and surface water project opportunities across California.
• Strengthen and expand client relationships with public agencies and regional partners.
• Establish annual performance goals and practice‑level KIPs in partnership with the BSL.
• Track performance against revenue, utilization, backlog, write‑offs, and other KPIs.
• Manage forecasting, utilization, and resource planning to meet practice area revenue and profit targets.
• Coordinate with Area Market Leads, Client Service Managers, and other PALs to cross‑sell West Yost services.
• Support grant strategy, pursuit of funded projects, and alternative delivery models.
• Influence West Yost’s service offerings and create new pathways for professional growth.

• Serve as project manager, technical advisor, or QA/QC lead for complex water resources projects.
• Oversee and contribute to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using tools such as HEC‑RAS, HEC‑HMS, SWMM, Info Works, and similar platforms.
• Lead or contribute to design and planning of storm drainage systems, flood control infrastructure, and green/nature‑based solutions.
• Integrate restoration of wetlands, riparian corridors, and riverine systems into infrastructure planning where appropriate.
• Develop and review engineering reports, technical memoranda, and construction documents.

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering.
• 15+ years of consulting engineering experience with increasing leadership responsibility.
• PE licensure in California or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• Demonstrated expertise in stormwater and flood control modeling and design.
• Proven ability to manage financial performance, lead strategic pursuits, and translate technical expertise into market growth strategies.
• Proven experience mentoring staff and leading multidisciplinary project teams.
• Strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills.

• Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering.
• Background in environmental restoration or green infrastructure.
• Knowledge of regulatory and funding frameworks such as FEMA, SWRCB, Cal OES.
• Active involvement in professional associations such as CASQA, FMA, or APWA.

This position may require travel to other…