Job Description

CONFIDENTIAL SEARCH — Water Resources / Planning Project Manager (Costa Mesa, CA)

Southern California | Hybrid | Local Candidates Preferred

A well-respected water resources planning and modeling firm in Southern California is seeking a mid-to-senior level Project Manager to play a key role in the continued growth of a high-trust, relationship-driven practice. This is a confidential search being led by Lincoln & Creed.

About the Firm

This is a small but high-impact consultancy known for deep, long-standing relationships with premier Southern California water agencies. The firm’s reputation is such that 70–80% of work is sole-sourced—earned through decades of integrity, technical excellence, and trusted advisory relationships at both the board and executive levels.

The team includes highly respected former GMs, agency leaders, and senior technical experts who view this firm as the place they can do their best work—collaborative, agile, and free from bureaucracy. The environment is supportive, collegial, and professional—without the big-firm politics.

About the Role

The firm’s Planning & Modeling practice is poised for continued growth. The technical lead of the group is widely regarded as one of the top water resources modelers in the region, and the team is expanding to ensure he can continue driving strategic client work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage planning & water resources modeling projects
• Serve as a client-facing advisor
• Mentor and guide a small internal technical team
• Support proposal, writing, and delivery responsibilities
• Help maintain and strengthen trusted relationships with agency leaders

This is a step-up role for someone who is ready to move from “strong senior engineer” to practice-shaping leader, within a firm where access to agency leadership and influence is real—not theoretical.

What Makes This Unique

• Work is relationship-driven, not chase-driven
• Highly flexible hybrid environment (Costa Mesa office with team presence typically 5–7 people in office at any time)
• The firm hosts invite-only executive gatherings with top water district leadership—access & exposure is unmatched
• Long-term ownership opportunities are on the table for the right person

Qualifications

• ~15+ years in water resources planning/modeling and project management
• California PE
• Demonstrated experience leading projects and interfacing with clients
• Ability to mentor and elevate junior and mid-level staff
• Collaborative communication style; personable and professional

Required Skills

• Experience with agencies such as IRWD, SMWD, EMWD, West Basin, MWDOC, or similar
• Experience from firms such as Dudek, Kennedy Jenks, RMC/Woodard & Curran, West Yost, Water Systems Consulting or other water resources consulting firms.

Pay range and compensation package

• Highly competitive salary
• Annual bonus program
• Ownership track potential
• Excellent flexibility + supportive leadership culture

Equal Opportunity Statement

This is a confidential search — inquiries will be handled with full discretion.

Contact (Confidential): Lincoln & Creed — Executive Search

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