Senior Engineering Project Manager (Water Quality)

Job Description

Job Title: Senior Engineering Project Manager (Water Quality)

Posting Start Date: 2/27/26

Job Description:

Job Information

Salary Range: $86,490 - $118,100

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k), Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

American Water is also proud to offer employees learning opportunities and work experiences to grow professionally!

Primary Role

This position will be part of the planning group and oversee the compliance of regulatory commitments that require a capital project. This position will coordinate with water quality, legal, and engineering project managers to ensure compliance with discharge permits, Compliance Commitment Agreements, and Administrative Orders within both the water and wastewater areas.

The position will track company commitments to address issues and ensure committed timeframes are reached by proposed capital projects. This position will allow for a single source within engineering to ensure compliance rather than being maintained by individual project managers assigned to each project. This position will also oversee Optimum Corrosion Control and Treatment studies in coordination with water quality.

The position will provide oversight of the sewer collection system cleaning and televising effort and develop/maintain sewer collection system maintenance and replacement schedule through risk-based criteria. The position will also provide additional planning resources.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead the preparation of technical, bidding and contractual documents associated with the delivery of capital investment projects. Develops technical information and concepts into feasible and effective engineering approaches
• Prepares engineering-led planning reports and/or other special projects focused on water and wastewater system operations and infrastructure management.
• Fosters strong working relationships with engineering firms, vendors, and contractors.
• Coordinate with field and contract personnel to ensure timely completion of assignments, within budget and adherence to standards.
• Delivery of assigned Capital Projects in accordance with policies and procedures set for in the Capital Program Management (CPM) system to meet asset needs. Ensure scope and quality of work achieve the intent of all Design Concepts and Company standards for capacity, performance, reliability, safety and regulatory compliance. Asset Owner satisfaction in accordance with the scope of work agreed upon for each project.  Interacts with Operations personnel to ensure project delivery program meets operations needs and is coordinated with operations personnel on operational impacts related to project delivery program.
• Establish project budgets / schedules and manage projects accordingly. Driving efficiency into project delivery through the monitoring of delivery metrics (unit costs, target costs vs. actual, etc.) and pursuit of more effective delivery and procurement approaches. Facilitate effective communication by listening and providing constructive feedback; supporting the creation of an open and honest work environment; cascading and sharing knowledge and information relevant to other members of the team and colleagues across the business.
• Develop technical information and concepts into feasible and effective project approaches.
• Any other special projects and tasks assigned by their team leads or managers.
  
  

Knowledge/Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of engineering design theory and practice, water resources, project management, construction and contract management, water and wastewater facilities and utility operations.
• Working knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology and current trends in water quality, water treatment, developer services and other related water resource management disciplines.
• Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations
• Knowledge of employee relations, applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations and technical standards.
• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Strong quantitative skills (e.g., analytical, technical, problem solving).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (e.g., fluency in report writing and presentations).
• Effective interpersonal skills (e.g., persuasion, negotiation, listening, cooperation, tact, diplomacy, problem solving, internal consulting).
• Leadership presence (e.g., ability to deal effectively and maintain collaborative relationships with Company senior management and other key internal and external stakeholders).
• Ability to influence the organization to drive operational work and resource planning activities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively solve routine and non-routine issues, developing possible solutions to problems and challenges.
• Ability to execute with urgency, while also maintaining project management discipline and stakeholder engagement.
• Financial analysis skills, including budget management, business modeling, and basic accounting knowledge.
  
  

Experience/Education

• With bachelor’s degree: Minimum 7 years’ experience in project delivery of major water resources projects. Consideration will be given for advanced degrees and/or relevant certification(s) in lieu of minimum years of experience. 
• Without bachelor’s degree: Minimum of 12 years’ experience in Engineering design, planning, construction, project delivery and/or project management.
• Water and/or wastewater experience is required.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Project Management, Construction Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Combination of education and/ or experience in a related field in lieu of a bachelor’s degree will be considered.
  
  

Travel Requirements

Periodic travel with overnight stays as required; generally, less than 20% of total time is anticipated away from office.

Certifications & Licenses

• Engineer-in training (EIT) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification strongly preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License.
  
  

Work Environment

Primarily office with occasional local / overnight work in the field at project sites or project meetings.

Competencies

Champions safety

Customer obsessed

Cultivates innovation

Nimble learning

Drives Results

Collaborates