Wastewater Senior Technical Manager

Position Overview

Woodard & Curran is offering a unique opportunity to join one of our Southern California offices, providing high quality wastewater‑engineering services to municipal clients throughout the West region and across the nation.

The successful candidate will be a motivated, growth‑oriented professional with the ability to lead and grow the South Region Wastewater Team and multi‑discipline project teams from the concept, final design, and construction phases; start‑up, and operations of facilities. This role offers an experienced wastewater professional the opportunity to make a meaningful regional impact—driving technical excellence, mentoring the next generation of engineers, and partnering closely with communities to solve complex challenges.

Location:

Southern California – San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine.

Remote/hybrid:
This role is hybrid; candidates are expected to be in the office at least one day per week, with additional on‑site presence as needed.

Travel: approximately 20%.

• Provide technical leadership on wastewater projects of all sizes, from the concept, final design, and construction phases; start‑up, and operations of facilities.
• Lead and grow the West Region Wastewater Team and multi‑discipline project teams, identifying emerging opportunities, supporting key pursuits, and contributing to the firm’s long‑term technical leadership strategy.
• Build and strengthen client relationships, contributing to business development efforts, proposal preparation, and strategic pursuits in the municipal wastewater market.
• A recognized technical expert in wastewater treatment process, with deep experience in planning, design, and implementation of municipal treatment systems, including biological
• Review and oversee technical deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to industry standards and client expectations.
• Supports Project Manager with and/or directly manages the financial and technical delivery of project tasks including scope, schedule, and budget.
• Serve as a technical resource for complex wastewater treatment processes, providing process expertise from planning and pilot studies through design, construction and startup.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and/or external clients/professional societies and participates in committees and other external leadership opportunities through professional associations and other applicable organizations.
• Partners with project managers and client managers to support client relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to business development efforts.
• Provides input on development of Woodard & Curran design or technical guidelines and standards.

• The successful candidate should have substantial technical expertise in civil and environmental engineering and in-depth understanding of engineering concepts associated with all types of municipal wastewater systems including collection system infrastructure and wastewater treatment processes.
• 20+ years of experience in evaluation, planning, design, and construction of wastewater engineering projects.
• Lead technical engineer for a minimum of 5+ wastewater treatment facility designs (new or expansion).
• Considered an expert in California
• B.S. Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering; M.S. Degree preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineering California (or ability to apply for reciprocity within 6 months of hire).
• Up to date on the latest advances in technology, regulatory trends, equipment, and processes.
• Ability to support and/or lead strategic initiatives to develop and expand business opportunities with new clients and geographies.
• Well versed in state and local regulations regarding wastewater treatment and collection systems.
• Superior writing, communication, and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership skills and ability to coach, mentor, and train individuals.

Salary range: $160,000 – $190,000 per year. 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:
  The company…