Surface & Storm Water Practice Area Lead

Overview

Lead and expand West Yost's Surface & Storm Water practice across California.

Key Responsibilities

• hydrologic modeling
• hec‑ras
• project management
• client relationships
• revenue forecasting
• team leadership

Tasks

This role will have close collaboration with executive leaders and other practice area leads across the firm. In addition to technical and project leadership, the PAL will partner with West Yost’s Business Sector Leader managing the operational and financial health of the practice. This includes planning and managing growth, developing new and existing markets, and driving consistent revenue performance for the practice. -Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented team environment, focused on technical excellence and client service. -Guide quality control/quality assurance efforts and support technical skill development aligned with career progression. -Balance team workload, track resourcing needs, and support recruiting and onboarding of new staff. -Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to a team of engineers and technical staff across multiple offices. -Strengthen and expand client relationships with public agencies and regional partners. -Establish annual performance goals and practice-level Key Performance Indexes (KPIs) in partnership with the BSL. -Identify and pursue stormwater and surface water project opportunities across California. -Develop and implement an annual business plan aligned with company strategic goals. -Support grant strategy, pursuit of funded projects, and alternative delivery models. -Oversee and contribute to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, InfoWorks, and similar platforms. -Integrate restoration of wetlands, riparian corridors, and riverine systems into infrastructure planning where appropriate. -Manage forecasting, utilization, and resource planning to meet practice area revenue and profit targets. -Serve as project manager, technical advisor, or QA/QC lead for complex water resources projects. -Coordinate with Area Market Leads, Client Service Managers, and other PALs to cross-sell West Yost services. -Lead efforts to expand the Surface and Storm Water portfolio, identifying emerging markets, trends, and client needs. -Develop and review engineering reports, technical memoranda, and construction documents. -Lead or contribute to design and planning of storm drainage systems, flood control infrastructure, and green/nature-based solutions. -Partner with the Business Sector Leader (BSL) to track performance against revenue, utilization, backlog, write-offs, and other KPIs.

Requirements

• stormwater
• flood control
• pe licensure
• master's
• 15+ years
• leadership

What You Bring

West Yost is seeking an entrepreneurial and collaborative leader to grow and guide our Surface and Storm Water practice across California. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a practice area that is essential to resilient communities and integrated water management. Practice Leadership and Development Business Management, Development and Strategic Growth -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. -Active involvement in relevant professional associations (e.g., CASQA, FMA, APWA). -Proven experience mentoring staff and leading multidisciplinary project teams. -Master’s degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering. -Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering. -PE licensure in California, or ability to obtain within 6 months. -Background in environmental restoration or green infrastructure. -This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices. -15+ years of experience in consulting engineering with increasing leadership responsibility. -Strong writing, speaking, and interpersonal skills. -Knowledge of regulatory and funding frameworks (e.g., FEMA, SWRCB, Cal OES).

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Benefits

This role is ideal for a technically strong and relationship-savvy professional who is motivated to make a lasting impact. The PAL will be empowered to build the practice with support from West Yost’s leadership, access to our robust network of sector leaders and clients, and resources to expand their influence regionally. This position also offers a clear path to future advancement, including potential progression to a Business Sector Leader role, for individuals who demonstrate initiative, vision, and integrity. We provide a comprehensive array of valuable benefits to protect your health, your family, and your way of life. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health saving accounts (with West Yost contribution), paid vacation, paid sick leave and holidays, two employee assistance programs, travel assistance program, 401(k) profit sharing with employer match, leaves of absence with additional supplemental paid time off, parental leave, life and AD&D insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and even pet insurance. Compensation range: $150,250 - $210,050. Based on our Irvine, CA office location. (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions). You will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance. All of our team members have access to local and company-wide events, our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Workgroup, Culture Workgroup, Wellness Workgroup, book clubs, charitable giving and community service, firm-wide resources, peer groups (young professionals & middlers group), and mentorship and leadership programs. We support and foster your career success and encourage you to be in control of your future with us. Our annual company-wide monthly staff meetings, annual in-person All Staff meeting, Duck Dinner, company camping events, company celebrations, and other company-sponsored events provide an important part of the West Yost culture, which is to have fun. You’ll be provided with support in on-going education through our 529 college savings plan/student loan repayment program, tuition reimbursement, paid professional memberships, paid training, and Leadership Academy programs. You’ll be recognized for your contributions at West Yost through milestone anniversary benefits, peer to peer recognition programs, the potential for employee stock ownership, annual monetary and paid time off bonuses, performance-based bonus eligibility, merit increase eligibility, and employee referral bonuses. We also offer a wellness reimbursement. -This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.** -This role provides the opportunity to shape culture, drive innovation, and leave a meaningful legacy within a growing, future-focused practice.

About West Yost

-Began as a two-person operation in Davis, California, with a mission to solve water challenges in growing communities. -Specializes in water resources planning, design, and management for municipalities and utilities across the western U.S. -Delivers projects ranging from regional water system master planning to designing treatment plants and stormwater facilities. -Standout projects include Envision-rated and LEED-Silver wastewater treatment upgrades and infrastructure in seismic zones. -Integrates cybersecurity, operational technology resilience, and regulatory compliance into traditional water projects.

Sector Specialisms