Project Manager - Transportation & Stormwater Management

McClelland Consulting Engineers (MCE), an ESP Company, is a regional, multidisciplined engineering consulting firm with more than 160 employees throughout our offices in Little Rock, Benton, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, and Rogers. We are focused on providing exceptional customer service by committing our time, energy, and professionalism to complete projects that enhance quality of life, improve infrastructure, and create positive economic impacts within the communities we serve.

Summary

Located in the Benton/Little Rock area, this position will lead the planning, design, and delivery of transportation and stormwater infrastructure projects, including roadway improvements, highways, sidewalks, trails, drainage systems, and stormwater management facilities. The Project Manager will serve as the primary client contact and be responsible for project delivery from concept through construction. This role includes leadership of multidisciplinary teams, oversight of project budgets and schedules, mentorship of technical staff, and support of business development initiatives throughout Arkansas and the broader ESP enterprise.

Responsibilities

• Manage transportation, roadway, multi-use trail, and stormwater infrastructure projects from planning and design through construction and closeout.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, regulatory agencies, contractors, and project stakeholders.
• Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, staffing plans, and resource projections and monitor performance throughout project execution.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineers, designers, surveyors, geotechnical consultants, environmental specialists, and construction-phase personnel.
• Direct and review the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates (PS&E); preliminary engineering reports; drainage studies; hydraulic analyses; traffic control plans; and related deliverables.
• Provide technical leadership and quality assurance for roadway design, stormwater management, drainage systems, culverts, retaining walls, and related infrastructure.
• Monitor project financial performance, including forecasting, invoicing, contract administration, change management, and profitability.
• Identify and manage project risks, resolve project challenges, and implement corrective actions as necessary to achieve successful outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships and actively participate in proposal preparation, interviews, project pursuits, and business development activities.
• Mentor, supervise, and support the professional growth of engineers, EITs, designers, and technical staff.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with regulations, funding requirements, permits, and applicable design standards.
• Attend project meetings, public meetings, client presentations, and site visits as necessary.
• Support departmental strategic planning, workload forecasting, and staff utilization efforts.
• Participate in professional organizations, industry conferences, community events, and agency meetings to enhance company visibility and business development efforts.
• Support grant-funded and federally funded transportation and stormwater projects, including coordination of funding requirements and compliance documentation.
• Promote a culture of safety, quality, responsiveness, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related engineering field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Arkansas or ability to obtain through reciprocity within six months.
• 5+ years of progressive transportation and/or stormwater engineering experience with demonstrated project management responsibilities.
• Experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, multidisciplinary teams, and client relationships.
• Proficiency with OpenRoads Designer (ORD), MicroStation, GeoPak, AutoCAD Civil 3D, and related engineering software.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with Synchro, SIDRA, and RODEL software is advantageous.
• Strong leadership, communication, client-service, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local engineering standards, regulations, and procedures.
• Experience with ARDOT, municipal, county, and other public-sector transportation projects is preferred.
• Candidates must be able to pass a drug screen, background check, and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

Preferred

• Experience with drainage modeling software such as HY-8, HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, StormCAD, GeoHECRAS, or similar programs.

Travel

• Most travel is limited to day trips for project meetings, client visits, and site observations throughout Arkansas. Overnight travel is generally minimal but may be required periodically based on project or client needs.

MCE offers an excellent employee benefits package including:

• Competitive compensation with yearly performance reviews.
• 401(k) (Traditional & Roth plans) with a guaranteed employer match of 100% up to the first 3% and 50% on the next 2% (eligibility at beginning of the quarter following 3 months’ employment)
• PTO (Paid Time Off) & 9 Paid Holidays
• Tiered Health, Vision & Dental Insurance Options (eligibility after 30 days)
• Short-Term Disability Insurance (MCE self-insured)
• Long-Term Disability Insurance (Employer paid)
• Life Insurance and AD&D Insurance
• Flexible Spending Account & Limited Flexible Spending Account
• HSA Savings Account
• Additional Optional Insurances available
• Employee referral bonus program.
• Professional development, continuing education, and licensure support.