Biosolids Practice Executive

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists. That's why we believe diversity is our greatest strength. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer.

We believe that the way we work can add meaning and value to the world. That ideas inspire positive change. That coloring outside the lines can illuminate fresh perspectives. And that small details yield important realizations. Above all, we believe that collaboration is the best way forward.

The Biosolids Practice resides within the Water Business Group in the highly technical and diversified Wastewater Market Sector. This reflects service offerings for local municipalities, private entities, distinct wastewater utilities, Federal, regional, and local governments, and similar clients in each of the 50 US states and in Canada. The 2023 Engineering News Record ranked us fourth in size of business in the important wastewater treatment category.

We have approximately 700 wastewater market sector employees spanning a range of biosolids management and solids processing services, as well as related wastewater treatment and utility master planning; strategic advisory services, transmission and distribution, water reuse; construction management and inspection; program management; and asset management and operations assistance.

Lead our Biosolids practice through a combination of technical leadership, business development, relationship building, and direct billable work for clients on biosolids management and solid processing projects. This role is targeted to expand our market share and branding in the solids processing and biosolids management field in the North American wastewater market.

The Biosolids Practice Leader will lead the development and implementation of business strategies across North America in coordination with Wastewater Market Sector leadership and other technical Business Class Directors, business development, and operational leadership. Reporting to the Wastewater Business Class Director, and in close coordination with the Wastewater Market Sector Director and Regional Wastewater Leaders to advance the biosolids practice. Initiate and support frequent and regular communication across the country on biosolids market leadership, technical development, treatment technologies, regulatory compliance, implementation of strategic plans, and delivery of key biosolids projects.

This technical practice leader will support and collaborate across various regions and business lines to advance a variety of strategies intended to grow biosolids services across the wastewater market sector.

Specific activities include participating in Water Business Group (WBG) strategic and tactical planning activities, and in the development of strategic positioning with individual Areas in the West, Central, and East regions of North America. Lead the organization and preparation of a business plan for solids processing and biosolids management.

Conduct an assessment of marketplace opportunities, gauge HDR prospects, and develop prioritized client targets. Working with WBG leadership, and individual Area Business Development Managers and WBG Leaders, develop discreet biosolids business plans for local HDR offices.

Leverage industry contacts to expand relationships with HDR technical staff and clients in key locations compatible with biosolids development plans. Lead the development of solids processing and biosolids management project experience qualifications and other marketing materials.

Lead and participate in direct project pursuits including targeted client relationship development and pre-marketing, preparation of qualifications, proposals, interview content, scopes of work, project budgets, and contract negotiations.

Participate in National WBG strategic and tactical planning activities with a focus on expanding solids processing and biosolids management activity, including HDR image building and targeted project pursuit activities.

Participate in regional and national biosolids committees and policy-making bodies, regional biosolids management associations, Water Environment Federation (WEF) committees and WEFTEC, State and regional Water Environment Association (WEA) committees and conferences, the National Biosolids Partnership, etc.

Participate in the WBG Practice Group on biosolids and biogas, national committees of HDR staff focused on treatment technologies and management of biosolids and biogas.

Participate in the development of solids processing and biosolids management project experience qualifications and other marketing materials. Disseminate information to HDR staff and clients on marketplace developments, evolving policy impacting wastewater clients and solids management, regulatory agency developments, emerging solids technologies, and other biosolids industry developments that may present opportunities to serve clients.

Participate in national project pursuits with solids processing and biosolids management activities including preparation of statements of qualifications, technical approaches, preparation of proposals, and interviews.

Direct billable work on wastewater biosolids consulting assignments serving municipal and industrial clients.

Conduct QA/QC reviews of biosolids management plans and solids processing projects.

Participate on project teams in Project Manager or Project Principal role for solids processing and management work.

Manage select biosolids projects or lead task roles on solids projects.

Key skills and qualifications required for this position:

• BS in Civil, Chemical, Mechanical, or Environmental Engineering or a related sciences discipline.
• 15+ years of technical experience with all aspects of wastewater biosolids processing including thickening/dewatering, digestion, advanced stabilization, thermal hydrolysis, heat drying, beneficial end use including land application, resource (biogas) recovery, and regulatory.

Preferred qualifications for this position:

• MS in Civil or Environmental Engineering or related sciences.
• Registered Professional Engineer.
• 5+ years of proven experience in project management including invoicing, budget, and schedule controls, and management of project staff.
• Experience with client development responsibilities such as workshops, presentations, proposal content development, and business development strategy.
• Experience in managing or leading process mechanical projects, including digester and biogas facilities, at wastewater treatment plants.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that promotes employee ownership, employee health, performance, and success. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, an employee assistance program, paid time off, parental leave, paid holidays, a 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match, employee referral bonuses, and tuition reimbursement.

This is a full-time regular job posting, and the expected compensation range depends upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location.