System Operations Modeling Team Lead

Overview HDR is looking for a water resources engineer to join as a team leader within our Hydrology and System Operations Section team in Sacramento, CA and assist in staff development and project delivery. This position is well‑suited for an experienced water resources professional with a strong technical foundation and increasing responsibility in project delivery, client interaction, technical leadership, and staff development. The ideal candidate will bring depth in reservoir system operations, hydrologic and hydraulic modeling, watershed hydrology, and climate change analysis, and will contribute meaningfully to team leadership and mentoring. Responsibilities Assist in the responsibility for operations of the section team including staff development, profitability, morale, quality control and marketing support Assist in the selection, training, development and management of technical personnel in the section team Provide advanced technical support and task leadership on water resources projects related to: Water supply and reservoir operations modeling Hydrology development and analysis Reservoir simulation, optimization, re‑operation, and decision support Hydrologic and climate change modeling, including ensemble and statistical analyses Flood risk management, FERC relicensing, and ecological enhancement projects Contribute to and, where appropriate, lead technical tasks within multi‑disciplinary project teams Support project management activities for small‑to‑medium‑sized projects, including scope, schedule, and budget tracking Mentor junior staff and support knowledge transfer, technical review, and staff development Participate in client coordination, including technical meetings, work sessions, and preparation of client‑facing deliverables Apply strong QA/QC practices, ensuring clear documentation, reproducible analyses, and high‑quality deliverables Contribute to the development and improvement of HDR's technical tools, workflows, and best practices Provide project engineering and task management, conduct complex hydraulic and hydrologic modeling; conduct stormwater collection systems modeling and design; collect, assimilate and present data in reports, memos and public forums; lead production of design calculations and technical reports; and lead preparation of engineering plans and specifications for design of detention facilities, storm drains, flood control facilities and other hydraulic structures Work independently in addition to planning, organizing and assisting groups of medium to large teams of professionals and technicians dependent on project/task Conduct water resources planning, plan formulation and concept development, and develop planning documentation Assist in water resources permitting efforts Perform other duties as needed Preferred Qualifications Graduate degree Experience with water supply operations modeling such as CalSim and CalLite Experience with climate change analytical tools and datasets Linear programming, optimization, and decision‑support modeling Scripting and automation using Python/Jython, WRESL, VBA, or similar tools Familiarity with NEPA and ESA processes, including supporting environmental compliance, biological assessments, effects analyses, and coordination with environmental and regulatory teams Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience A minimum of 7 years experience Professional registration, license or certification may be required based on role Strong communication and listening skills Ability to handle multiple assignments Good leadership and organizational skills Commitment to being an active participant of our employee‑owned culture Benefits We provide a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success, which includes medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time away, parental leave, paid holidays, a retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonus and tuition reimbursement. Compensation The expected compensation range for this position is $120,967.00 - $198,732 annually depending upon skills, experience, education and geographical location. Location United States - California - Sacramento #J-18808-Ljbffr HDR, Inc.