Director, Special Districts

Description

About DCCM

DCCM is a Texas-based civil engineering firm delivering land development solutions across the state's most dynamic growth markets. Our Houston Land & Site Development group partners with residential builders, master-planned community developers, and public utility districts to plan, permit, and construct the infrastructure that powers community growth. With private equity backing and an aggressive expansion trajectory, DCCM offers senior professionals a rare ground-floor opportunity to shape a practice — and their career — on their own terms.

Position Overview

DCCM is seeking an experienced Director, Special Districts to serve as the primary civil engineering consultant to municipal utility districts (MUDs), and other special purpose districts in the greater Houston area. This is fundamentally a district engineer service role — not a project management role. The successful candidate will function as a trusted technical advisor for assigned districts while leading and mentoring team members who support the Special Districts practice.

This role is ideal for a seasoned PE who has built deep relationships within the special district ecosystem and is ready to lead a practice, expand a client base, and carry that knowledge into a firm positioned to grow around it.

Key Responsibilities

District Engineer Services

• Serve as district engineer of record for assigned MUDs, and other special purpose districts, maintaining ongoing contractual responsibilities and advisory relationships with the other district consultants.

• Attend and present at district board meetings, providing technical guidance on capital improvement programs, bond-funded projects, operations, and regulatory compliance.

• Prepare and present engineering reports required by district boards and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), preliminary engineering reports (PERs), and construction progress reports.

• Coordinate with district legal counsel, financial advisors, bond counsel, and elected board members on infrastructure planning, bond program development, and project authorization. Prepare bond application reports for submittal to the TCEQ for the approval of funding for district projects or reimbursement of developer funded projects.

• Advise districts on long-range capital improvement planning, utility system capacity, and strategic infrastructure investment.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for district boards, operators, and attorneys — maintaining relationships that reflect the professionalism and responsiveness expected of a trusted public agency consultant.

TCEQ & Regulatory Compliance

• Prepare reports for the creation of MUDs and submit TCEQ applications for Public Water Supply system (PWS) applications, amendments, and related regulatory filings on behalf of assigned districts.

• Coordinate the preparation and submittal of Waste Discharge Permit applications and permit renewal applications. 

• Coordinate with TCEQ regional staff and respond to agency inquiries, inspections, and compliance correspondence.

• Advise districts on evolving regulatory requirements related to water quality, wastewater discharge, and stormwater management.

Bond Program & Financial Coordination

• Coordinate with bond counsel and financial advisors on the preparation of bond application reports for submittal to the TCEQ.

• Develop and maintain capital improvement program (CIP) budgets, providing districts with accurate project cost forecasting and spending tracking.

• Support districts in identifying and pursuing available grants, low-interest loans, and state financing programs through TWDB and other agencies.

Client Relationship & Business Development

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with district boards, developers, operators, attorneys, and political subdivisions that generate ongoing engineering contract opportunities.

• Identify and pursue new district engineering contracts through professional networks, industry participation, and referral relationships.

• Represent DCCM at the Association of Water Board Directors, Greater Houston Builders Association (GHBA), Texas Association of Counties (TAC), and other relevant industry forums.

• Collaborate with DCCM's land development practice to identify infrastructure projects serving districts within active development corridors.

Practice Leadership

• Lead DCCM's Special Districts practice, establishing service protocols, document standards, and client communication norms consistent with district engineering best practices.

• Mentor and develop junior engineers supporting district work, including review of engineering reports, construction plans, and regulatory submittals.

• Collaborate with DCCM's broader Houston Land & Site group to ensure coordination between district engineering services and land development projects within district boundaries.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.

• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Texas.

• Minimum 15 years of civil engineering experience with substantial focus on special district (MUD) engineering in the Houston metropolitan area.

• Demonstrated experience serving as district engineer of record for one or more active Texas special purpose districts.

• Deep working knowledge of TCEQ regulatory requirements, TWDB bond programs, and district compliance obligations.

• Established relationships with district boards, attorneys, operators, and developers in the greater Houston market.

• Proven ability to manage and sustain multiple district client relationships simultaneously with minimal oversight.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex technical information to lay boards and elected officials in plain language.

Preferred

• Active involvement in AWBD, GHBA, WEF/WEAT, or other industry organizations with a recognizable professional presence in the Houston market.

• Familiarity with Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) coordination and floodplain management requirements applicable to district infrastructure.

• Experience coordinating with investor-owned utilities (IOUs) and municipal systems on service area boundaries and CCN negotiations.

• Prior experience supporting or leading a district engineering practice at a Texas civil engineering consulting firm.

Why DCCM

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off (PTO), and maternity leave.

• Health Coverage: Employee-only HDHP medical plan at no cost, plus company-paid life insurance, short-term disability (STD), and long-term disability (LTD).

• Work-Life Balance: Flexible hybrid schedule with access to an on-site gym and showers.

• Professional Development: Support for continuing education, professional licensure, and career development.

• Community Involvement: Nine (9) paid volunteer hours annually.

• Leadership Opportunity: Join a private equity-backed firm growing its Houston Land practice, with the opportunity to help shape the Special Districts practice, its culture, and its client relationships.

DCCM is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or veteran status.