Lead Project Manager, Dam Removal

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Lead Project Manager

McMillen, Inc. is seeking a Lead Project Manager with a strong technical background to help deliver exceptional service to our clients. The ideal candidate is a proven Seller-Doer and a licensed California Professional Engineer (PE) with 15+ years of experience in water resources.

A strong foundation in civil engineering, hydrology, environmental science, and project management is essential, along with a comprehensive understanding of the ecological, regulatory, and safety aspects of dam removal. We are focusing on integrated water resources management—implementing watershed-based approaches to reconnecting rivers and ecological processes. As part of this watershed-based approach, the ideal candidate will be adept at managing multi-disciplinary teams on complex, multi-stakeholder projects both large and small. Experience in managing fish passage, dam and barrier removal, river and floodplain reconnection, and habitat restoration projects is preferred. Experience working on water resources infrastructure projects in and around dams, hydropower facilities, pump stations, flood control structures, canals and canal intakes, fish screens, fish ladders, and other fish passage facilities is also a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, manage, and maintain client relationships.
• Identify project opportunities, actively pursue opportunities, and prepare proposals.
• Manage projects by establishing project deliverables, developing the project team, managing changes to project scope, establishing communications plans, and monitoring and controlling project work.
• Collect and analyze field data, as-built plans and engineering reports to establish existing conditions and identify critical areas for design criteria.
• Lead the planning, design, and implementation of fish passage, dam removal, and river and floodplain restoration projects from inception through completion.
• Collaborate with civil, structural, mechanical, and electrical engineers, in addition to geomorphologists, environmental scientists, hydrologists, and other subject matter experts to develop and evaluate alternatives and associated impacts of ecosystem restoration, river and floodplain restoration, and dam removal.
• Develop instream flow and site assessments, hydraulic modeling, and geotechnical evaluations to inform removal strategies.
• Conduct environmental impact studies and risk assessments to determine potential ecological consequences of dam removal.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal environmental regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), Clean Water Act (CWA), and Endangered Species Act (ESA).
• Provide engineering analysis for dam removal, including working with other team members to develop geotechnical investigations, topobathymetric surveys, structural stability analyses, and hydraulic and sediment transport models.
• Design and optimize engineering solutions to ensure safe and effective removal while minimizing disruption to surrounding environments.
• Working with McMillen’s Design Technology Team, develop engineering plan sets across a range of design milestones, including Issued for Construction.
• Working with multidisciplinary engineering project teams, develop construction specifications across a range of design milestones, including Issued for Construction.
• Manage the scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of all project phases.
• Supervise the preparation of project reports, grant proposals, and other documentation for stakeholders.
• Ensure that all ecosystem restoration and dam removal activities comply with safety standards and best practices.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement safety protocols to protect personnel, wildlife, and the public.
• Engage with local communities, government agencies, tribal stakeholder, and non-profit organizations to promote dam removal projects and gain public support.
• Prepare and deliver presentations to stakeholders, explaining the benefits of ecosystem restoration and dam removal as well as adaptive management, connecting people and nature.
• Oversee post-removal monitoring of water quality, fish populations, and other ecological indicators to assess the success of restoration efforts.
• Adjust removal strategies as necessary based on monitoring data and post-removal findings.
• Promotes and represents the firm in high profile meetings and conferences to strengthen and develop industry relationships, research and development, and publications
• Leads discussions, meetings, and workshops on projects
• Actively manages firm’s risks in developing deliverables and work products
• Participates in implementing strategic initiatives
• Takes on the role of project manager for medium to large-sized programs/projects
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively blend resources and talent to build a project team serving North America and global river connectivity movement

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering is preferred.
• California Professional Engineer (PE) license in Environmental or Civil Engineering.
• Diplomate, Water Resources Engineer (D.WRE) is a plus.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in environmental engineering, civil engineering, or a related field, with specific experience in dam removal or water resources management.
• Proven experience managing multidisciplinary teams and large-scale environmental restoration projects.
• Experienced leader responsible for technical and/or project management aspects of projects.
• Strong understanding of water resources, infrastructure design, hydrological and hydraulic systems, river ecology, aquatic resources restoration, terrestrial and stream restoration, and sediment management.
• Understanding of environmental modeling software and engineering design tools (e.g., AutoCAD, HEC-RAS, GIS).
• Knowledge of federal and state environmental regulations, including CEQA, NEPA, ESA, and Clean Water Act compliance.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and project management skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including regulatory agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Strong communication, technical and analytical skills
• Travel to project sites may be required.
• Occasional fieldwork in challenging environments and adverse weather conditions.
• Flexible work schedule with both office and remote work options.

Compensation Package:

• Pay Range: $161,000 - 200,554 (DOE)
• Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program comprising medical, dental, vision, life, disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 paid holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for stock ownership, and wellness reimbursement.

Who we are:

McMillen, Inc. designs and builds solutions that shape the future of water resources. As an employee-owned firm, we take pride in every project because we know our work truly matters. Our people thrive on solving complex challenges, pushing boundaries, and refining their craft. We don’t look for the complacent or the comfortable. We seek problem solvers, innovators, and experts who are always striving to be better. We support continuous learning, cutting-edge technology, and a balanced work-life environment so our employees can build careers they’re proud of.

We are focused in the dams, energy, fisheries, natural resources, and infrastructure markets. With staff across the United States, Canada, Europe, and beyond, we bring global best practices to our clients. Our people integrate engineering, environmental, and construction expertise to deliver practical, results-driven outcomes. From concept to completion, projects are guided through feasibility studies, permitting, design, construction, and commissioning, ensuring technical precision and real-world functionality.

EEO:

McMillen, Inc. is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and will make all employment related decisions without race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.

Visa sponsorship, including renewal during employment, will not be provided for this position.

No recruiters, please.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.