Conservation Program Manager Jobs in Austin, TX (NOW HIRING)

Location: Dallas, TX; Houston, TX; Remote - Texas

Position Summary

The Forgen Water Practice Lead is a senior-level role responsible for building and leading Forgen's water sector presence across Texas and the broader South-Central U.S. market. This individual will serve as a client-facing business development leader and market authority — bringing deep expertise in flood control, coastal resilience, and water storage and conveyance infrastructure to position Forgen as a go-to construction partner for complex, high-consequence water projects.

The Water Practice Lead will establish and grow relationships with key clients including municipal flood control districts, state and federal agencies, and engineering firms; develop and own the regional water sector opportunity pipeline; and collaborate with Forgen's operations and estimating teams to convert pursuits into awarded work. This role is ideally suited for a candidate coming from an organization with recognized water infrastructure experience across Texas and the Gulf Coast region.

Forgen Overview

Forgen is a leading geotechnical and specialty civil construction company operating across North America. We are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions for complex civil, geotechnical, and environmental challenges, guided by our core values: We Do What We Say, We Are Passionate About Our Work, We Are One Team, We Work Smart, and We Do The Right Thing.

Key Responsibilities

Market Development & Client Relationships

• Build and strengthen Forgen's position in the Texas and South-Central U.S. water market by establishing, developing, and maintaining relationships with key decision-makers at flood control districts, river authorities, water conservation districts, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), , and major engineering and program management firms operating in the region.
• Identify, qualify, and cultivate new business opportunities in Forgen's target water sectors — flood control infrastructure, coastal resilience and shoreline protection, dam rehabilitation and construction, reservoir and water storage and conveyance projects — and translate those opportunities into a robust, well-managed pursuit pipeline.
• Maintain accurate and current CRM records including opportunity tracking, client contact history, pursuit status, and revenue forecasts; provide regular pipeline reporting to Forgen's business development and operations leadership.
• Serve as Forgen's internal subject matter resource for the regional water infrastructure market — providing guidance on flood control systems, levee and dam construction and rehabilitation, coastal protection, waterr conveyance, and reservoir projects Monitor trends, funding flows, and regulatory developments in the Texas water market, including TWDB State Water Plan funding, FEMA BRIC programs, USACE Civil Works appropriations, and federal infrastructure legislation; translate market intelligence into actionable capture strategy.
• Build the Water Practice over time by identifying talent, developing internal water sector expertise, and establishing Forgen's reputation through industry engagement, conference participation, and thought leadership in key water infrastructure forums across Texas and the Gulf Coast.

Pursuit Leadership & Capture

• Support the full pursuit lifecycle for water sector opportunities — from early opportunity identification and client engagement through RFQ/RFP response, interview preparation, and contract award; coordinate with estimating, preconstruction, proposals, marketing, operations, and executive leadership to develop compelling, differentiated proposals
• Develop and communicate Forgen's value proposition to water sector clients, positioning the company's geotechnical, specialty civil, and construction capabilities as solutions to the complex challenges inherent in flood control, dam, and coastal projects
• Leverage knowledge of alternative delivery methods (design-build, CMAR, progressive design-build) to advise clients and position Forgen favorably on high-value, technically complex pursuits

Strategic Partnerships & Industry Engagement

• Support in the indentification and development of teaming partnerships with engineering firms, program managers, and specialty subcontractors who can strengthen Forgen's competitive position on water sector pursuits; support teaming relationships through pursuit and into project delivery.
• Represent Forgen at relevant industry events, conferences, and association meetings and flood control district advisory forums; build brand recognition in the Texas water infrastructure community.
• Collaborate with Forgen's broader business development team to align regional water strategy with company-wide growth objectives and ensure cross-market opportunities (geotechnical, environmental, heavy civil) are identified and coordinated.
• Perform additional assignments and special projects as directed.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in water infrastructure, with a demonstrated track record in business development, project pursuit, or senior technical/project leadership on flood control, dam, coastal resilience, or water storage and conveyance projects.
• Established relationships with Texas water sector clients, agencies, and engineering firms; familiarity with the Texas funding and regulatory landscape for water infrastructure.
• Experience working for or alongside recognized water sector firms.
• Strong understanding of alternative project delivery methods (design-build, CMAR, progressive design-build) and how they apply to water infrastructure procurement in Texas.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills; able to convey technical concepts clearly to both engineering and owner audiences.
• Goal-oriented, self-motivated, and able to manage multiple pursuits and client relationships simultaneously in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Valid Driver's License and ability to travel regionally as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• The following credentials and experience are preferred, but not mandatory. Forgen will provide additional support, as necessary.
  • Familiarity with FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and LOMR/CLOMR processes.
  • Experience with coastal resilience projects along the Texas Gulf Coast.
  • Knowledge of geotechnical considerations in levee, dam, and earthen embankment construction.
  • Active participation in Texas Water, SAME, ASCE Texas Section, or related professional organizations.
  • Experience with CRM and lead generation platforms (Hubspot, GovWin, or equivalent).

Physical Demands & Work Environment

This role is primarily office- and travel-based, with regular visits to project sites, client offices, and industry events throughout Texas and the South-Central U.S. Site visits may involve walking on uneven terrain, exposure to outdoor weather conditions, and occasional use of PPE. Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities.

This job description outlines the general scope of work and is not exhaustive. Employees may be assigned additional duties as needed. Requirements may be adjusted to accommodate disabilities, except where they pose a direct safety risk.

Perks and Benefits

Forgen offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, retirement plans, bonuses, paid time off, and more. We support a flexible work model for most non-craft positions and provide additional perks like education assistance, wellness programs, and employee awards.