Jennifer Faler
Jennifer Faler is a Senior Manager for Natural Resource Management at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, where she serves as the Area Manager for the Albuquerque Area Office (AAO). In this role, she oversees all aspects of the AAO’s annual operations, managing six field offices across Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas. Under her leadership, the office administers Reclamation programs in the Rio Grande, Pecos, and Canadian River basins, serving 19 Native American pueblos and three tribes. The projects she oversees include eight major dams with a combined storage capacity of more than 3.5 million acre-feet, providing water, power, and environmental stewardship for communities, agriculture, wildlife, and recreational areas.
Jennifer’s extensive career in civil and environmental engineering spans over three decades. Prior to her current role, she served as a Supervisory Civil Engineer and Trinity River Restoration Program Manager, and held positions with USDA, Ducks Unlimited, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Her work has focused on project management, environmental restoration, and infrastructure development, consistently emphasizing innovation, efficiency, and collaboration to deliver sustainable solutions for complex water management challenges.
A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Jennifer also earned a master’s degree in environmental engineering from the University of California, Davis. She is a licensed civil engineer in California and has been recognized for her expertise in project management, strategic planning, and leading multidisciplinary teams. Beyond her professional achievements, Jennifer is committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers and advancing initiatives that support communities and the environment.
• Licensed Civil Engineer
• University of California, Davis - MS
• California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - BSCE
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a combination of dedication, continuous learning, and seizing opportunities as they arise. My career in water management and civil engineering spans over three decades, from working with water districts to the Army Corps of Engineers and now overseeing capital projects at the Honolulu Board of Water Supply. Along the way, I have focused on delivering reliable water to communities, leading major infrastructure projects, and implementing effective project management in environments where such roles were not traditionally recognized. My educational foundation, inspired by my father’s work and strengthened through degrees in civil and environmental engineering, provided the technical expertise I needed, while my commitment to leadership and problem-solving has enabled me to transform challenges into meaningful accomplishments.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with both purpose and diligence. As Area Manager for the Albuquerque Area Office, I oversee operations across six field offices in Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, managing Reclamation projects that include eight major dams with a combined storage capacity of over 3.5 million acre-feet. Our work spans the Rio Grande, Pecos, and Canadian River basins, supporting communities, agriculture, wildlife, and recreation, including 19 Native American pueblos and three tribes. This advice has guided me in managing complex projects, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and ensuring that every decision I make contributes meaningfully to the communities and environments we serve.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering civil engineering is simple: go for it. Diversity enriches the culture of projects, and more women are needed across all aspects of the field. Expand your education, seek out mentors, and actively grow your network. Civil engineering offers a wide range of career opportunities, and women’s contributions are essential to driving innovation, collaboration, and success on every project.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I am deeply committed to values that promote both community and environmental well-being. Participating in initiatives like Earth Day events and local cleanups reflects my dedication to creating a positive impact. In my professional life, I strive to align my work with these principles, seeking opportunities that contribute meaningfully to the communities I serve while advancing my career goals and leveraging my experiences to drive lasting, responsible change.