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Surface Water Department Manager

Michael Baker International
full-time
Temecula, CA | Ontario, CA | Palm Desert, CA
Posted 10/22/2026

Job Description

WATER PRACTICE

We Make a Difference in Michael Baker International’s Water Resources Group by providing innovative consulting, planning and engineering solutions for the entire spectrum of the water cycle. Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 Water Supply firm, Michael Baker offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of municipal utility planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection. We partner with our clients to provide a full range of professional services from scientific and technical analysis, concept through design, and construction support services leading to outcomes that help achieve their missions of providing clean water and sanitation services to our communities. Across the Practice, our team of more than 400 water staff nationally and over 150 in the West Region addresses the movement and disposition of all water types, and our projects include source water, treatment, transmission systems, and distribution. Join our growing team to help build a more resilient and reliable water future.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Our Surface Water Department Manager will make a difference by supporting our many public and private sector clients with their next challenging projects. Michael Baker is actively seeking a Surface Water Department Manager to join our offices in Temecula, Ontario, and Palm Desert, CA. The Department Manager will lead business development opportunities, manage clients, direct engineers and designers on surface water studies, transportation drainage, stormwater infrastructure design projects, land development projects, water quality permitting and compliance projects, program development, and may serve as the Project Manager for surface water projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Have knowledge of and relationships with local and regional agencies

• Provide support, mentorship, and guidance to project managers and production staff

• Oversee the preparation of hydrological and hydraulic calculations, modeling, and preparation of technical reports, technical exhibits and design drawings for projects

• Ability to mentor younger design and CADD staff throughout all design phases

• Ensure QA/QC procedures are being implemented on all department projects

• Conduct department meetings with staff to review and evaluate workload, resource planning, project performance, and business development opportunities

• Coordinate with other offices to facilitate workshare, the implementation of best practices and developing work with those offices requiring civil engineering services

• Mentor engineering personnel in their technical and management competencies to help them achieve their career objectives

• Identify training opportunities for staff consistent with their career objectives

• Business development in local and regional market, client management, and staff management

• Meet with existing clients to identify upcoming opportunities and confirm performance on existing contracts

• Attend and participate in industry events

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS and REQUIREMENTS

• 15+ years of engineering experience is required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering is required

• Professional Engineer (PE) licensed in the State of California is required

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) highly recommended

• Excellent external and internal, oral and written communication skills are required

• Proficient with MS Office Suite and MS Project

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $180,000 - $240,000. This will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate. This role is also eligible for a discretionary bonus based upon corporate and individual performance.

BENEFITS

We offer a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, dental, vision insurance

• 401K Retirement Plan

• Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Life, AD&D, short-term and long-term disability

• Generous paid time off Professional and personal development

• Commuter and wellness benefits

• Project Manager Bonuses

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About the job

$

Salary

$180,000 - $240,000 / year

Job Type

full-time

Location

Temecula, CA | Ontario, CA | Palm Desert, CA

Categories

LeadershipWater / Environmental
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Michael Baker International

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