Who We Are:

West Yost is a water resource management and engineering firm focused exclusively on water. Since our founding in 1990, we have partnered with public agencies including cities, counties, utilities, and water districts to plan, design, and deliver water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions that support safe, reliable, and resilient communities.

Our team of more than 270 professionals brings together expertise in groundwater, water supply, treatment, infrastructure, recycled water, stormwater, construction management, and operations technology. We support projects from early planning and permitting through design and construction and complement our engineering services with program management and public outreach to help clients move work forward and engage their communities.

We are proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work®, and to be recognized among Fortune’s® Best Workplaces in Consulting and Professional Services from 2023 to 2025, as well as a top-ranked firm in the AEC Advisors Diversity Index. At West Yost, we are committed to being the water firm of choice for our clients and our team, advancing water resources for future generations through strong partnerships, practical solutions, and a shared commitment to quality.

Compensation Range: $131,397 - $205,210.  Based on our office Davis, CA location.  (West Yost uses geographic salary differentials that would apply for candidates in other regions). 

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Location(s): Davis or Sacramento, CA  (https://www.westyost.com/locations/ ).

This is a Hybrid role with 3 days in the office and 2 days remote.

Principal Scientist I

Job Description

This role is blend of technical, project management, business development, and managerial duties. Works with a team of engineers, scientists, and geologists to develop and implement complex scientific and planning projects, with an emphasis on surface water and groundwater resources. Handle all aspects of consulting business including participation in corporate initiatives, business and client development, direction of technical work, and supervising junior team members. Competent in entire project cycle including client development, project scoping, project management, team management, training, and deliverables. Develop work to support multiple staff.

Essential Duties

• Manage or Lead multiple complex projects requiring innovative investigation techniques

• Prepare complex technical reports
• Perform QA/QC of technical investigations performed by others
• Develop business opportunities with existing clients and maintain client relationships
• Supervise team that performs field data collection and sampling programs that support scientific investigation
• Provide technical direction and training to less experience professional staff
• Manage up to 8 direct reports

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without written notice.

Qualifications

Required Education and/or Experience

• Bachelor degree in Geology, Hydrogeology or Environmental Science
• 15+ years professional experience working in a related technical field
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Experienced project manager with ability to manage combined budget of $1M or higher
• Knowledgeable in CA law and policy related to groundwater management
• Prior experience managing at least 3 direct reports

Preferred Education and/or Experience

• Master’s degree in Geology, Hydrogeology, or Environmental Science
• 10+ years engineering consulting experience
• Expertise in CA law and policy related to groundwater management
• Leadership training

Travel Requirements

*This position may require travel to other offices and/or client offices.

A Little About the West Yost Life

You will experience many opportunities to grow and develop professionally with your colleagues through collaborative in-person work experience, knowledge sharing, and mentorship opportunities. We also offer hybrid and flexible work schedules to our employees to help promote and encourage a healthy work/life balance.