Deputy Water Resources Practice Leader
COME GROW WITH US!
Are you looking to make an impact on professionals and projects in water resources and infrastructure? Our Water Resources division focuses on essential work, including water treatment and distribution, wastewater systems, stormwater management, coastal restoration, and flood protection. We’re seeking a Deputy Water Resources Practice Lead to strategically grow our Water Resources Business Unit by guiding teams, nurturing client relationships, and helping position DE as a leading force in the Gulf Coast region.
If you’re a seasoned leader with a seller-doer mindset, passionate about sustainable solutions and safeguarding communities, this is your opportunity to lead, inspire, and make a difference.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering from an ABET Accredited College.
Minimum 10 years of experience in water resources project management, including scope and fee development, team leadership, business development, and client services.
Licensed Professional Engineer (PE); if not currently licensed in Louisiana, must obtain LA PE within six months of hire.
Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license.
JOB CONCEPT
Level of Work
Supervisory
Supervision Received
Direct from Digital Engineering’s Water Resources Practice Lead.
Supervision Exercised
Functional supervision may be exercised over Project Engineers, Project Managers, Engineer Interns, engineering technicians, project administrators/administrators and student interns.
Location of Work
Any DE Louisiana or Mississippi office location.
Travel
Travel to project sites throughout service area, and to other DE offices as-needed.
JOB DESCRIPTION
A Deputy Practice Leader supports the Water Resources Practice Lead in managing and growing the practice—operationally, technically, and strategically. In addition to overseeing project delivery and staff performance, this role plays a vital part in business development, market positioning, and client engagement. The Deputy will serve as a visible representative of DE’s Water Resources team, identifying and pursuing strategic opportunities while ensuring exceptional service delivery.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
Assist the Practice Lead with water resources operations to meet budget and financial goals.
Prepare fee proposals, contracts, and amendments in coordination with the Practice Lead and COO.
Coordinate invoicing and monitor project performance in Vantagepoint.
Lead the integration of QA/QC protocols and ensure compliance with DE standards and industry best practices.
Monitor team workload, staffing, and utilization.
Guide communication protocols and ensure strong coordination across departments.
Support risk management practices and project closeout documentation.
Strategic Growth & Business Development
Actively engage in business development, including proposal strategy, Go/No-Go participation, and project pursuit planning.
Represent DE at client meetings, professional conferences, and trade shows to promote visibility and generate leads.
Develop long-term, trusted relationships with municipal, state, and regional clients.
Collaborate with the Marketing team on SOQs, pursuit positioning, and branding opportunities.
Assist in expanding DE’s service offerings and geographic footprint within the water sector.
Team Development
Mentor and coach engineers, project managers, and interns across all career stages.
Promote a culture of learning, accountability, and professional growth.
Assist with employee evaluations, succession planning, and identifying future leaders.
Client Service & Representation
Ensure client satisfaction through consistent delivery, responsiveness, and technical excellence.
Work with Practice Lead to resolve issues, identify new needs, and anticipate future challenges.
Champion DE’s values and mission in the marketplace and across the industry.
Vision + Impact
The Deputy Practice Lead is a critical leadership role that helps execute our vision of engineering better communities. This individual will not only support internal operations but also drive external influence, contributing to DE’s reputation, revenue growth, and client-centered mission.
TOP reasons to work at DIGITAL ENGINEERING
Pride in the Talent and Achievements of our Incredible Staff
Challenging and Interesting Projects
Flexible Work Hours
Casual Work Environment
Fun Activities and Events through our Social Committee
Competitive Compensation and Benefits Package
Professional Development and Career Growth
Bonus Program
BENEFITS
Competitive Salary
100% Company Covered Health Care/Dental/Vision Plan available upon hire
Life Insurance paid by Company
Short-Term/Long-Term Disability paid by Company
401(k) with Company Match
Continuing Education Program
Professional Development (cover expenses for industry/community organizations)
Tuition Reimbursement
Telecommuting/Flexible Hours
Paid Mileage
Employee Recognition Program
Employee Orientation Program
ABOUT DE
Digital Engineering is an award-winning water resources and transportation engineering, program management and construction administration and inspection services firm dedicated to bettering communities throughout the Gulf Coast region. Headquartered in Kenner, our team has grown since our inception in 1990 with expanded office locations in Baton Rouge, Mandeville, and Waveland, Mississippi.
We are proud to have been named a New Orleans CityBusiness "Best Places to Work" for eight years. At Digital Engineering, we prioritize our employees, empowering them to excel in their respective fields, contribute to industry organizations, and make a positive impact in our communities.
We also take pride in our culture that is built on teamwork, community involvement, and the freedom to be and grow yourself both personally and professionally.
At Digital Engineering & Imaging, Inc. (“DE”), we are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran service, genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. Digital Imaging Engineering expressly prohibits any form of unlawful employee harassment based on any of the characteristics listed here. Improper interference with the ability of DE employees to perform their expected job duties is not tolerated.
Digital Engineering complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the organization has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training