Wastewater Senior Technical Manager (California)

Woodard & Curran is a national engineering, science and operations firm with a simple vision for clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities and happy people. As an employee-owned company, we strive to cultivate teams that encourage collaboration in an inclusive culture. We seek talented individuals from all backgrounds to help us address a broad range of water and environmental issues. We prioritize our people, offering opportunities for professional growth, ownership and flexibility. This commitment enables us to make a meaningful impact on our clients, communities and the planet.

What’s in it for you

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 an 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 is an opportunity for an experienced wastewater professional to make a meaningful regional impact – driving technical excellence, mentoring the next generation of engineers and scientists, and partnering closely with communities to solve complex challenges.

Location

Southern California (Office Locations: San Diego, Los Angeles, Irvine)

Hybrid Work

Candidates are expected to be in the office at least one day per week, with additional on‑site presence on an as‑needed basis.

Travel

20%

Who are we looking for

The selected candidate will primarily lead and support the engineering on municipal wastewater projects, however experience with drinking water, storm water, and industrial water applications is valuable. This position will have an opportunity to direct and collaborate with a team of junior staff. The ideal candidate is a Senior Technical Manager with strong experience in study, planning, and design of wastewater systems, including familiarity with a broad range of issues related to master planning, treatment and collection/distribution in water or wastewater systems. The ideal candidate is energized by solving complex treatment challenges, enjoys working directly with clients, and is excited to play a key role in growing Woodard & Curran’s wastewater treatment practice in the West Region. The candidate has led major treatment projects and is known for developing clear technical direction, strengthening deliverable quality through rigorous QA/QC, and partnering effectively with multidisciplinary teams to deliver practical, operable solutions.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Serve as a technical resource for complex wastewater treatment processes, providing process expertise from planning and pilot studies through design, construction and startup.
• Review and oversee technical deliverables to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to industry standards and client expectations.
• Support the Project Manager with and/or directly manage the financial and technical delivery of project tasks including scope, schedule and budget.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to internal and/or external clients/professional societies and participate in committees and other external leadership opportunities through professional associations and other applicable organizations.
• Partner with project managers and client managers to support client relationships, identify opportunities, and contribute to business development efforts.
• Provide input on development of Woodard & Curran design or technical guidelines and standards.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate should have substantial technical expertise in civil and environmental engineering with in‑depth understanding of municipal wastewater systems including collection infrastructure and 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).
• B.S. Degree in Civil, Mechanical, Chemical, or Environmental Engineering; M.S. Degree preferred.
• Registered Professional Engineering in 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.

Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR)

As part of our commitment to a fair and respectful workplace, Woodard & Curran uses Mutual Dispute Resolution (MDR) to help resolve most employment‑related concerns efficiently and consistently.

What this means

• MDR applies to both you and the Company
• Most workplace‑related disputes are resolved through binding arbitration, rather than court proceedings
• Certain exceptions are outlined in the full agreement

Employee Support & Benefits

• 401(k) Pre‑tax or Roth Contributions – The company matches 100% of the first 3% of salary contributed
• Time away from work
  • Observed holidays – Choose 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
• Coverage and support for your needs and well‑being
  • Disability – Paid short‑ and long‑term disability
  • Health – Medical plan options; plus dental and vision plans
  • Life – Basic employee group life insurance and AD&D benefits; additional voluntary life insurance available through Sun Life
  • Wellbeing – DarioMind assistance program combined with personalized mental health and wellbeing resources

Workplace Information

E-Verify Participation

Woodard & Curran participates in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s E-Verify program to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. As part of this process, we display the required Notice of E-Verify Participation and Right to Work posters.

Equal Employment Opportunity & Accessibility

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. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact Beth Sweitzer.

Inclusion & Belonging

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and believe diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to serve clients and communities. As an employee‑owned company, we are committed to fostering a respectful and inclusive environment where employees can grow, contribute fully, and deliver meaningful impact.

Recruitment Agency Policy

We do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruitment agencies. Submissions without a signed agreement in place will be considered unsolicited and not eligible for referral fees.

Text Message Communication Notice

To support an efficient hiring process, we may send brief SMS updates or reminders. You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP.”

Terms, Privacy & Use of AI in Hiring

Woodard & Curran Terms of Use

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We may use artificial intelligence tools to support aspects of the hiring process (e.g., application review or resume screening). These tools assist our team but do not replace human decision‑making. All final hiring decisions are made by people.