Wastewater Practice Lead
Rockford, IL, USA
USD 175k-225k / year
Posted on Jun 23, 2026
You know wastewater. Now come shape what’s next.
We are not looking for someone to simply manage projects or maintain the status quo. Fehr Graham is looking for a proven wastewater leader who can influence how work is won, how projects are delivered and how the next generation of engineers develops.
We are not looking for someone to simply manage projects or maintain the status quo. Fehr Graham is looking for a proven wastewater leader who can influence how work is won, how projects are delivered and how the next generation of engineers develops.
You have spent years solving the problems that do not come with obvious answers. You know treatment processes, collection systems and pumping facilities. Clients trust your judgment. Engineers seek your advice. And you have likely formed some strong opinions about how wastewater work should be done. We want to hear them.
What’s in it for you?
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the growth of our wastewater practice. You will have the backing of an established engineering and environmental firm, a strong base of municipal and industrial clients, and a team that is ready to grow. You will have room to lead by helping set technical standards, guiding decisions about where we invest, strengthening the team and pursuing the wastewater work where Fehr Graham can make a real difference.
You will have room to bring new ideas, question established approaches and help us improve how we work.
Base Salary: $175,000 - $225,000
In addition to a competitive base salary you will be eligible to receive performance bonus, sign-on bonus, relocation assistance, profit sharing, and comprehensive benefits.
This is an opportunity to play a meaningful role in the growth of our wastewater practice. You will have the backing of an established engineering and environmental firm, a strong base of municipal and industrial clients, and a team that is ready to grow. You will have room to lead by helping set technical standards, guiding decisions about where we invest, strengthening the team and pursuing the wastewater work where Fehr Graham can make a real difference.
You will have room to bring new ideas, question established approaches and help us improve how we work.
Base Salary: $175,000 - $225,000
In addition to a competitive base salary you will be eligible to receive performance bonus, sign-on bonus, relocation assistance, profit sharing, and comprehensive benefits.
Where you’ll work
This position can be based in any of Fehr Graham’s Illinois offices. You will work with teams across the firm and have flexibility to build relationships where they matter most.
At Fehr Graham, we believe in work-life balance, and that includes injecting a healthy dose of fun into everything we do. It’s even part of our Core Values! We celebrate milestones and enjoy friendly team-building activities and office outings after work. A happy and engaged work team is a successful one. Each of our offices brings an environment filled with positive energy and enthusiasm. We encourage our teams to connect on multiple levels and support each other’s personal and professional growth.
What you’ll do
As our Wastewater Practice Lead, you will help guide the technical and strategic direction of our wastewater work. You will also:
- Lead complex wastewater treatment, collection and pumping system projects from planning through construction.
- Serve as a trusted technical resource for clients, project managers and engineers across the firm.
- Guide treatment process design, permitting, regulatory compliance and quality reviews.
- Establish practical design standards and improve how wastewater projects are delivered.
- Help teams work through difficult technical decisions when the answer is not obvious.
- Build relationships with municipal and industrial clients.
- Support strategic pursuits where your experience and credibility make a difference.
- Recruit, mentor and develop wastewater engineers and project managers.
- Help engineers understand not only what decision to make, but why it is the right one.
- Help Fehr Graham stay ahead of regulatory changes, treatment technologies and industry trends.
What it takes
Ideally, you have at least 10 years of wastewater experience and the judgment that comes from applying it in the real world, a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering or a related field, and a Professional Engineer license. You’ll also have:
- Strong experience with wastewater treatment facilities, collection systems and related infrastructure.
- A track record of leading complex projects and multidisciplinary teams.
- Experience building lasting client relationships.
- The ability to make sound technical decisions and explain them clearly.
- A genuine interest in mentoring engineers and strengthening a team.
- Knowledge of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations and permitting.
What you’ll get
Fehr Graham is an engineering and environmental firm making an impact with clients since 1973. We are large enough to take on meaningful, technically challenging work and connected enough that strong leaders can influence the direction of their practice. You will have direct access to decision-makers and the opportunity to help grow the wastewater practice and put strong ideas into action.
In addition to a competitive compensation package, we offer:
- Medical, life and disability insurance.
- 401(k) and profit sharing.
- Paid time off.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Flexibility and support for relocation.
Learn more about Fehr Graham’s people, culture and projects on our website.