What's Happening?
HDR, a company focused on water business solutions, is actively seeking an Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) Business Class Director. This leadership role is critical for the company-wide development, coordination, monitoring, and improvement of technical
competencies within the business class. The director will be responsible for HDR's service lines related to watershed management, water supply, groundwater, and water quality. Key duties include building strong working relationships with other business classes, market sectors, business groups, and operations. The IWM Business Class Director will also facilitate technical risk management for large-scale, multi-discipline projects, ensure quality standards, and drive the application of technical tools and emerging technologies. The position emphasizes building technical expertise through recruitment and training, supporting client development, and enhancing HDR's industry presence through participation in professional organizations and publications. The role requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in a related field and a Bachelor's degree in a professional, architecture, engineering, or closely related discipline.
Why It's Important?
The recruitment of a high-level Integrated Watershed Management Business Class Director by HDR underscores the growing importance of sustainable water management and infrastructure resilience in the U.S. This role is vital for addressing complex challenges such as safe drinking water delivery, responsible wastewater treatment, and flood control, which directly impact public health and environmental sustainability. By leading technical capabilities and fostering innovation, the director will help HDR maintain its competitive edge and deliver cutting-edge solutions to clients across various market sectors. The emphasis on technical risk management and quality assurance highlights the critical need for robust and reliable water infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the focus on building technical expertise and industry presence reflects a broader trend in the engineering and consulting sectors to attract top talent and actively shape industry standards and practices, ensuring that the U.S. remains at the forefront of water resource management and environmental protection.
What's Next?
The successful candidate for the Integrated Watershed Management Business Class Director position will be tasked with developing and implementing strategic plans for the business class, providing crucial input on business trends to leadership at national, regional, and local levels. This will involve fostering teamwork and communication across different offices and business groups within HDR. The director will also oversee the development and application of technical tools and standards, ensuring that staff are aware of and monitoring emerging technologies in the water sector. A significant part of the role will involve active participation in client management, supporting proposal and project development, and representing HDR in professional organizations to elevate the company's profile. The position's geographic location is flexible, though a significant HDR presence is preferred, and it involves an estimated average travel requirement of 35%. The ongoing efforts to recruit and train technical staff under this new leadership will be crucial for HDR's continued growth and its ability to address evolving water management needs.
Beyond the Headlines
The creation and emphasis on a role like the Integrated Watershed Management Business Class Director at HDR reflects a deeper societal and environmental shift towards recognizing water as a critical, shared responsibility rather than merely a resource. This position's focus on sustainable water supplies and protecting lives through flood control highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of climate-related water events in the U.S., necessitating advanced engineering and management solutions. The role's requirement for industry presence and participation in professional organizations suggests a move towards collaborative problem-solving and knowledge sharing across the water sector, aiming to establish best practices and influence public policy. Ethically, the commitment to delivering safe drinking water and treating wastewater responsibly speaks to fundamental human rights and environmental stewardship. This strategic investment by HDR in specialized leadership for watershed management indicates a long-term commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges and contributing to a more resilient and sustainable future for communities nationwide.
