Senior Project Manager - Civil Engineering

The Senior Project Manager in the Technical Services Division of the Office of the County Engineer (OCE) plays an essential role within the Design Services Group, supporting the Special Projects Team and the Outfall Emergency Program. Part of a multidisciplinary team of engineers, architects, landscape architects, and designers, this position contributes to the effective management and delivery of diverse engineering and infrastructure projects for Harris County.

The Outfalls Senior Project Manager will support emergency outfall maintenance, with a focus on ensuring that outfall structures—discharge points where stormwater is released into water bodies—are designed and maintained to meet HCFCD, OCE, and Environmental Standards, and minimize impacts on receiving waters.

In this role, the Senior Project Manager defines project scopes, schedules, and resource allocation, while providing technical support to a team of professionals. A key responsibility is facilitating communication with project teams and stakeholders to ensure efficient oversight, address issues proactively, and drive projects toward successful completion.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Oversee emergency outfall maintenance activities to ensure prompt, effective, and safe operation of outfall structures, adhering to Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD), Office of the County Engineer (OCE), and environmental standards.
• Conduct detailed hydrological and hydraulic studies for stormwater outfall structures, assessing impacts on receiving water bodies and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
• Establish clear project scopes, timelines, and deliverables for outfall and other related infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with county and regulatory standards.
• Develop and implement resource plans, including budgeting, staffing, and scheduling, to ensure that projects have the necessary support for successful delivery.
• Serve as the main point of contact between the OCE, Precincts, HCFCD, other county departments, external consultants, and regulatory agencies, ensuring effective collaboration and communication on project requirements and milestones.
• Provide oversight during the design and construction phases of outfall projects, coordinating with design and construction teams to address technical challenges and ensure compliance with all project requirements.
• Identify and proactively address potential project challenges, coordinating with relevant stakeholders to implement solutions that maintain project timelines and standards.
• Respond swiftly to emergent issues or high-priority outfall needs, providing effective management and resource allocation to resolve challenges and protect public safety.
• Contribute to disaster response and emergency operations as needed, ensuring preparedness and response capabilities for outfall-related incidents and infrastructure support.
• Compile and present project updates, analyses, and technical findings to stakeholders, including management and county officials, to ensure transparency and keep all parties informed of project progress.
• Act as OCE’s internal SME with respect to hydraulics and hydrology. Provide guidance in the resolution of drainage issues raised by the public to Precinct staff.
• Lead the development, implementation, and periodic updates of standards and specifications related to storm sewers and other conveyance structures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Education

Experience

• Seven (7) to ten (10) years of experience in the analysis and design of storm sewer infrastructure, detention basins, conveyance channels, and roadway culverts.
• Demonstrated experience in outfall design and construction, including knowledge of regulatory standards and environmental impact considerations.
• Military service in an applicable field is acceptable.

Knowledge, Skill & Abilities (KSAs):

• Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Texas, or ability to obtain licensure within six (6) months of hiring.
• Exceptional personal organizational skills, ability to identify and prioritize assigned tasks independently with minimal oversight.
• In depth knowledge in the application of various hydraulic and hydrological design methods, including the use of relevant design software (i.e. SWMM, HY-8, etc.).
• Ability to exercise flexibility in accommodating shifting priorities, demands, and schedules
• Valid Texas driver's license upon hire
• Ability to drive a county vehicle to various job sites as needed to accomplish tasks and projects.

Education

Experience

• Focused experience in the analysis, design, and construction of stormwater infrastructure, including outfall structures, storm sewers, detention basins, conveyance channels, and roadway culverts.
• Comprehensive understanding and application of the Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) Policy Criteria and Procedures Manual (PCPM) and the TxDOT Hydraulic Design Manual.
• Successful completion of at least three (3) hydraulics and hydrology reports reviewed and approved by HCFCD.
• Experience in the development of stormwater conveyance, hydraulics and hydrologic standards and specifications.
• Experience in directly dealing with client representatives, being responsive to their needs and concerns.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) Certification
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Experience with eBuilder, Microsoft Power BI, and other similar software packages.

General Information

Position Type, and Typical Hours of Work:

Full-Time | Regular | 40 hours per week.

Subject to early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays at times, depending upon the project or workload.   

Salary:

Commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands and Environmental Exposure:

Most assignments will be performed in an office, meeting, or operations command center environment, but some field work may be required. May be required to work extended work hours during activation of disaster recovery operations for an unspecified length of time (varies based on the extent of the event).

This position requires bending, stooping, and lifting to 25 lbs., frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and ascending/descending stairs.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

FEATURED BENEFITS:

Medical, vision, and dental insurance.

Wellness.

Professional development opportunity.

Flexible spending account.

457 deferred compensation plans.

Retirement pension (TCDRS).

Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).

Disability and life insurance.

Harris County is a Qualified Employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).