Surface & Storm Water Practice Area Lead

Who We Are: West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities. Our team of more than 260 professionals brings together expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We support projects from early planning and permitting through design and construction and complement our engineering services with program management and public outreach to help clients move work forward and engage their communities. We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work®, and to be recognized among Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025, as well as a top-ranked firm in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. At West Yost, we are committed to being the water firm of choice for our clients and our team, advancing water resources for future generations through strong partnerships, practical solutions, and a shared commitment to quality. 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).  Status: Full-time, Exempt Location:  Our preferred locations are – Irvine, Sacramento, Davis, or San Diego   (https://www.westyost.com/locations/ ). This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote. Position Description: Surface and Storm Water Practice Area Lead This role will have close collaboration with executive leaders and other practice area leads across the firm. 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. Our Surface and Storm Water Practice Area Lead (PAL) will lead a team of passionate, multidisciplinary professionals within a company known for its values-driven culture, technical excellence, and strong client partnerships. At West Yost, we prioritize long-term relationships—with our clients and our people. We are 100% employee-owned and deeply committed to fostering an environment of trust, mentorship, and continuous learning. 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. 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. Essential Duties: Practice Leadership and Development Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to a team of engineers and technical staff across multiple offices. Foster a collaborative, growth-oriented team environment, focused on technical excellence and client service. Balance team workload, track resourcing needs, and support recruiting and onboarding of new staff. Guide quality control/quality assurance efforts and support technical skill development aligned with career progression. This role provides the opportunity to shape culture, drive innovation, and leave a meaningful legacy within a growing, future-focused practice. Business Management, Development and Strategic Growth Develop and implement an annual business plan aligned with company strategic goals. Lead efforts to expand the Surface and Storm Water portfolio, identifying emerging markets, trends, and client needs. Identify and pursue stormwater and surface water project opportunities across California. 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. Partner with the Business Sector Leader (BSL) to track performance against revenue, utilization, backlog, write-offs, and other KPIs. Manage forecasting, utilization, and resource planning to meet practice area revenue and profit targets. Coordinate with Area Market Leads, Client Service Managers, and other PALs to cross-sell West Yost services. Support grant strategy, pursuit of funded projects, and alternative delivery models. Success in this role will directly influence the trajectory of West Yost’s service offerings and create new pathways for the PAL’s professional growth within the firm.  Technical Oversight and Project Delivery Serve as project manager, technical advisor, or QA/QC lead for complex water resources projects. Oversee and contribute to hydrologic and hydraulic modeling using tools such as HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, SWMM, InfoWorks, and similar platforms. Lead or contribute to design and planning of storm drainage systems, flood control infrastructure, and green/nature-based solutions. Integrate restoration of wetlands, riparian corridors, and riverine systems into infrastructure planning where appropriate. Develop and review engineering reports, technical memoranda, and construction documents. Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.