I came back after nearly two decades. It felt like coming home

Hi, I'm Necolle, a Project Director and Water Resources Market Lead at AtkinsRéalis. Here's a look at my role, career journey and what makes working here so rewarding.

I first worked here early in my career, from 2001 to 2004, back when we were PBS&J. When I returned in 2022, it felt like a homecoming. So many of the water engineers, floodplain scientists, GIS professionals, planners and leaders who had been my peers and mentors were still here. We'd all advanced in our careers, but the relationships held, and I jumped back in as though I'd never left.

Two sides to the job 

My role has two distinct parts. On project delivery, I lead community engagement, risk communication and partnership development for FEMA's National Flood Mapping Program, connecting flood hazard analysis and mapping to the agencies that have to understand their risk and enforce floodplain management. I also manage a planning portfolio for a Virginia municipality's Department of Public Works.

On the business development side, I'm the Water Resources Market Lead, responsible for our water market strategy across the US, identifying and pursuing state and local water resources work and connecting the right expertise from across our practice to win it.

Work that changes how communities handle flooding

At its heart, my work helps communities understand their flood risk, reduce loss of property and life, and make sound floodplain and stormwater decisions. I led a strategic operations planning effort for a municipal client. The effort resulted in a practical roadmap that clarified staff roles and responsibilities, established strategic priorities, and provided a framework for enhancing operational performance. The client has shared they use this plan regularly and would like to expand its breadth and use. 

How far you can go here 

When I rejoined, my focus was FEMA program delivery. What started as a technical role has evolved into something much bigger. Today, I'm a Project Director and Water Resources leader, working on everything from strategic planning and team development to business growth. Along the way, AtkinsRéalis invested in my development by supporting my PMP certification, and in 2026 I joined the Water Senior Leadership Team, helping shape the future of the business. 

I've also been encouraged to contribute well beyond my own projects. As a board member of the Association of State Floodplain Managers, I joined the 2024 Flood and Resilience Dialogue expedition to Puerto Rico, working alongside flood risk professionals, academics and government leaders on the resilience challenges facing island communities. I've presented at floodplain and stormwater conferences across the country, sharing what we've learned and building relationships across the profession.

Why it works

What makes all of this possible is the collaboration, across the country, business units and offices. If a client of mine needs a service we provide, wherever it sits in the company, I can almost always reach it. And there's genuine camaraderie: my colleagues are rooting for our collective success, my managers respect my judgment, and my team is curious and always ready to stretch into something new.

Explore water careers at AtkinsRéalis

We're growing our US water team. If you want work that protects communities, and a place where your career can keep expanding, take a look at where you could fit.