Project Manager

Location: Northern California / Southern California / Phoenix, AZ Experience: 10+ Years in Water/Wastewater Engineering & Project Management Employment Type: Full-Time About the Role We are looking for an experienced Project Manager – Water/Wastewater to lead and manage water and wastewater engineering projects while maintaining strong relationships with municipal, utility, and public-sector clients. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in water/wastewater infrastructure , a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license , and established relationships with water-sector clients. This role is not limited to technical project experience—we are specifically looking for professionals who have genuine, active client relationships and a strong understanding of the California water market . Key Responsibilities Lead water and wastewater projects from planning and design through construction and completion. Manage project scope, schedule, budget, quality, risk, and overall delivery . Lead multidisciplinary engineering and project teams, including internal staff, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders. Serve as a key point of contact for clients, water agencies, municipalities, and other public-sector stakeholders. Develop project scopes, budgets, schedules, proposals, and technical deliverables. Support client presentations, RFQs/RFPs, proposals, interviews, and project pursuits. Identify new project opportunities and contribute to business development activities. Build, maintain, and expand relationships with existing water-sector clients and agencies. Mentor and provide technical/project guidance to engineers and project team members. Ensure projects meet applicable regulatory, technical, contractual, and quality requirements. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineering discipline . Active Professional Engineer (PE) license ; California PE strongly preferred/required. 10+ years of experience in water/wastewater engineering and project management . Strong experience with municipal, utility, or public-sector water/wastewater projects. Proven experience managing project budgets, schedules, teams, contracts, and client expectations. Strong understanding of water/wastewater infrastructure, which may include treatment, conveyance, pipelines, pump stations, collection systems, water distribution, recycled water, or related infrastructure. Excellent communication, leadership, client management, and presentation skills. Critical Requirement – Client Relationships Candidates must bring established and current relationships within the water/wastewater sector . We are specifically interested in professionals who have existing relationships with municipalities, water districts, utilities, public agencies, or other water-sector clients and can leverage those relationships for future project opportunities. Water/wastewater industry experience alone is not sufficient. Proven client relationships and market connections are a key requirement for this position. Target Markets Primary focus: Southern California: Orange County, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego and surrounding areas Northern California: Bay Area and surrounding markets Additional consideration for Sacramento, Bakersfield, and other California water markets Phoenix, Arizona for selected opportunities What We’re Looking For We are looking for a senior, commercially minded Project Manager who can combine strong technical/project delivery capabilities with client leadership and business development. The successful candidate should have credibility within the water/wastewater market, understand local client needs, and be capable of developing long‑term relationships and project opportunities. Compensation: Competitive and commensurate with experience. Compensation details will be discussed directly with shortlisted candidates. Mandatory Requirements Active Professional Engineer (PE License) is required. Must have established, current relationships with water/wastewater sector clients , including municipalities, water districts, utilities, public agencies, or similar organizations. Candidates must be able to demonstrate genuine client relationships and connections they have developed and maintained , not just experience working on water/wastewater projects. Water/wastewater industry experience alone is not sufficient . The ability to leverage an existing client network and contribute to client development and new project opportunities is essential. #J-18808-Ljbffr