Project Manager - Water

This position is critical in supporting the City of Bloomington Water Department’s efforts to plan, coordinate, and implement a 10-year, $100M capital program focused on a multitude of capital improvements, including the replacement of lead service lines in compliance with State and Federal regulations. In coordination with supplemental consultant staff, the incumbent is responsible for helping oversee projects such as the $200 million systemwide distribution main replacement and lake facility management. The candidate is responsible for overseeing the development and execution of replacement projects, maintaining the service line inventory, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading communication with impacted residents. Works closely with consultants, contractors, internal staff, and regulatory agencies to deliver this work efficiently and in a customer-focused manner.

Provides leadership in public engagement, interdepartmental collaboration, project tracking, and reporting related to the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR), Lead and Copper Rule Improvements (LCRI) and standard water main replacement program. As the lead program winds down, this role will continue to lead the City’s main replacement.This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Coordinates the planning and execution of lead service line investigation and replacement projects across multiple internal teams and external contractors.
• Develops and maintains an annual replacement schedule, including in-house, contracted, and third-party assistance work totaling approximately 1,000 replacements annually.
• Manages the bidding and awarding process of construction contracts in accordance with City standards; leads pre-bid and pre-construction meetings and facilitates public engagement sessions.
• Oversees and maintains the City’s Lead Service Line Inventory using data collected by in-house crews and contractors; ensures accuracy, completeness, and timely updates.
• Works with staff to input, track, and manage project data, inventory records, and reporting requirements.
• Prepares and submits reporting required by the IEPA and US EPA under LCRR/LCRI regulations.
• Develops and implements public communication plans for residents affected by replacement projects.
• Builds strong working relationships with State and Federal regulators, consulting engineers, public health agencies, and utility stakeholders.
• Monitors program outcomes and advises leadership on trends, challenges, or policy implications related to lead mitigation efforts.
• Maintains awareness of best practices and industry developments through continuing education, training, and professional networks.
  
  

Supervisory Responsibilities: May supervise or coordinate the work of internal team members, consultants, or vendors assigned to support the Lead Service Line Replacement Program. Provides leadership, guidance, and direction across multidisciplinary teams to ensure successful program delivery.General Skill Levels

Knowledge Of

• Drinking water infrastructure, lead service line replacement standards, and water quality regulations.
• Federal and state regulations including LCRR and LCRI.
• Public sector project management practices including contract bidding and grant administration.
• Methods for effective public engagement and communication in utility programs.
• Microsoft Office Suite, data entry tools, GIS systems, and utility management platforms.
  
  

Skills in:

• Organizing and managing multiple large-scale projects simultaneously.
• Developing work plans, meeting critical deadlines, and managing project data.
• Communicating clearly, effectively, and professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Building relationships with diverse stakeholders, including regulators, residents, and internal staff.
• Analyzing technical and regulatory issues to support informed decision-making.
  
  

Ability to:

• Manage high-volume, time-sensitive project activities and reporting requirements.
• Prepare and present technical information to various audiences.
• Collaborate effectively across departments, contractors, and community groups.
• Develop systems and processes for tracking project outcomes and regulatory compliance.
• Provide exceptional customer service in challenging or sensitive situations.
• Mitigate lead drinking water issues, if any were to arise.
• Work independently and exercise sound judgment.
• Adapt to changing priorities and respond to emergencies as needed.
  
  

Required Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Environmental Science, Public Health, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in project management, preferably in a public utilities, regulatory, or infrastructure setting.
• Experience working with local, state, or federal government agencies preferred.
• Experience with public sector contract and/or grant management preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
  
  

Certificates And Licenses

• Valid Illinois Driver’s License, to operate a City vehicle.
  
  

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Work is primarily performed in an office setting with occasional fieldwork at project sites and public meeting venues. This position requires the ability to travel between locations throughout the City. Participation in the department’s 24/7 emergency on-call rotation is required. The role may occasionally involve lifting or moving objects up to 20 pounds. Physical activity is generally of a sedentary nature.