Project Manager

About Global Water Resources, Inc.:

Global Water Resources, Inc. is a leading water resource management company that owns and operates 39 systems which provide water, wastewater, and recycled water services. The company’s service areas are located primarily in growth corridors around metropolitan Phoenix and Tucson. Global Water recycles over 1 billion gallons of water annually.

The company has been recognized for its highly effective implementation of Total Water Management (TWM). TWM is an integrated approach to managing the entire water cycle that involves owning and operating water, wastewater, and recycled water utilities within the same geographic area in order to maximize the beneficial use of recycled water. TWM also implements smart water management programs, including advanced and remote metering infrastructure. It enables smart water management programs such as 2 remote metering infrastructure and other advanced technologies, rate designs, and incentives that result in real conservation. TWM helps protect water supplies in water-scarce areas experiencing population growth.

Global Water has received numerous industry awards, including national recognition as a ‘Utility of the Future Today’ for its superior water reuse practices by a national consortium of water and conservation organizations led by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). The company also received Cityworks’ 2022 Excellence in Departmental Practice Award for demonstrating leadership and creativity in applying public asset management strategies to daily operations and long-term planning.

ROLE OVERVIEW

The Project Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects within a water and wastewater utility environment reporting to Engineering Management, this position manages projects from initial concepts, scoping, budgeting, permitting, and design through construction, commissioning, and closeout. The Project Manager serves as the central point of contact for all internal and external stakeholders, coordinating with engineering consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, internal operations staff, and the public to ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget.

This position requires broad knowledge of water distribution and treatment systems, wastewater collection and treatment processes, and reclaimed water infrastructure, as well as strong technical, organizational, and communication skills.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Project Planning & Delivery

· Manage CIP projects through all phases: inception, scoping, planning, budgeting, permitting, design, bidding, construction, commissioning, and closeout.

· Define project scope, goals, and deliverables in collaboration with management and stakeholders; ensure adherence throughout the project lifecycle.

· Develop detailed project schedules, establish milestones, and track daily progress using project management tools and software.

· Prepare work proposals, bid packages, and technical specifications for solicitation; coordinate the full bid process and evaluate responses.

Budget & Financial Management

· Develop and monitor project budgets from scoping through closeout; prepare internal cost estimates and conduct cost-benefit analyses.

· Review and approve monthly progress payments for both consultants and contractors, process contract amendments and change orders.

· Monitor project expenditures, forecast project cash flow, and confirm funding availability.

· Analyze design fees and construction costs; negotiate cost additions and credits with contractors and consultants.

· Contribute to the organization's annual Capital Improvement Plan and multi-year CIP program updates.

Design & Construction Management

· Lead multidisciplinary engineering and consulting teams through planning, design, and construction management phases.

· Monitor construction progress through regular site visits; document deficiencies, evaluate safety and workmanship, and ensure contract compliance.

· Monitor and enforce safety standards and expectations. Record and report regular safety audits, near-misses, corrective actions, and incidents per company and regulatory requirements. The Project Manager will be a leader in safety best practices while promoting a culture of safety to the project team.

· Review and evaluate construction schedules; prepare written responses to Requests for Information (RFIs) and other project correspondence.

· Review and approve product submittals and initiate communication with contractors to resolve conflicts.

· Review and critique reports, plans, specifications, consultant scopes of work, and invoices.

· Conduct value engineering analyses to optimize project outcomes.

Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

· Accountable for the proper coordination with government officials, management, engineering consultants, contractors, utility companies, regulatory agencies, and the public.

· Closely collaborate with management and other company departments throughout all stages of the project. This often includes Operations and Maintenance, Development Services, Accounting, Rates, Safety, Environmental Resources and Permitting.

· Coordinate submittal reviews with internal divisions and departments; communicate status and decisions to appropriate stakeholders and decision-makers.

· Prepare and present regular project status reports for management and interdepartmental staffing

Regulatory Compliance & Permitting

· Interact with utility companies and governmental agencies to obtain necessary permits and regulatory clearances.

· Ensure all infrastructure complies with applicable local, state, and federal guidelines, codes, and standards.

· Maintain current knowledge of Arizona water and wastewater regulations and communicate effectively with relevant regulatory agencies.

· Because GWR is a utility regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission, this position may be called upon to provide rate review support on data requests, drafting direct testimony or serving as a witness.

Records & Administrative Management

· Maintain complete project records in accordance with organizational policy.

· Complete administrative tasks related to project management including contract coordination, technology systems, and vendor communications.

· Participate in the development and maintenance of CIP program standards and best practices within area of assignment.

· Provide operations staff with subject matter expertise and support on operational issues related to assigned infrastructure.

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Technical Knowledge

· Working knowledge of water treatment, distribution, and storage systems, including wells and pumping infrastructure.

· Working knowledge of wastewater treatment, collection, and pumping systems, as well as reclaimed water distribution systems.

· Proficiency in project management software, Microsoft Office Suite, City Works, and Adobe/Bluebeam. Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software is a plus.

· Familiarity with standard construction delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, Design-Build) and procurement practices.

· Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and regulatory documents.

Leadership & Organizational Skills

· Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, schedules, and budgets in a fast-paced environment.

· Strong leadership and ability to motivate cross-functional teams and drive collaboration without direct supervisory authority.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage numerous tasks simultaneously.

· Proven ability to complete projects according to defined scope, budget, and timeline.

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

· Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, including technical report writing and public presentation.

· Strong negotiation skills for managing contracts, resolving conflicts, and coordinating with contractors and consultants.

· Ability to interact respectfully and professionally with employees at all levels, regulatory agencies, and the public.

· Ability to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.

Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills

· Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to identify project roadblocks and recommend practical solutions.

· Strong financial acumen: ability to manage budgets, forecast costs, and ensure fiscal accountability.

· Ability to conduct risk assessments and develop proactive mitigation strategies to prevent project delays.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

Required

· Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or a closely related technical field.

· Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project management, design, or construction management — preferably in a water/wastewater or municipal utility setting.

· Demonstrated experience managing projects through the full project delivery lifecycle, from scoping and design through construction and closeout.

Preferred

· Prior experience in consulting engineering design of municipal water and wastewater projects.

· Prior construction management and field inspection experience.

· Experience working in a municipal, government, or rate-regulated utility environment.

Licenses & Certifications

· Valid Arizona Driver's License required upon hire.

· Professional Engineer (PE) License in the State of Arizona — preferred, not required, or Engineer in Training (EIT) License in the State of Arizona – preferred, not required.

· Project Management Professional (PMP) certification or equivalent — preferred, not required.

Arizona Water or Wastewater Operator Certifications — preferred, not required.

Essential Job Functions

Basic Skills: Identify problems and review related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. Use logic and reasoning to solve problems. Assess the performance of yourself, other individuals, to make improvements or take corrective action. Understands written communication and work-related documents. Able to cope with pressure and deadlines, difficult situations and hard conversations.

Social Skills: Able to act in a respectful, knowledgeable, and professional manner with other employees. Adjusts own actions in relation to others’ actions. Works to reconcile differences, actively looking for ways to help people and Global Water be successful. Maintains professionalism in the face of deadlines; exhibits good listening, negotiation, persuasion, and critical thinking skills. Manage confidential information with discretion and trustworthiness. Work requires regular interaction involving exchange and receipt of information. The purpose of interactions is primarily the sharing of information. May interact with customers which need to be respectful, knowledgeable, and professional in manner.

Physical Demands: Sitting for extended periods; prolonged periods of time with repetitive motions of hands and fingers; close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus; climb stairs, navigate uneven terrain; use fingers to grasp and move small objects; ability to hear and recognize sounds; able to react quickly using hands, fingers, or feet; able to utilize personal protective equipment as appropriate for safety. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to thirty pounds.

Facial hair for operations personnel shall not be allowed at points where the SCBA face piece is designed to contact and seal with the face (i.e. chin and jawline). Sideburns and mustaches will be trimmed and well-groomed as determined by the Operators Manager.

Work is performed in an office and outdoors where the employee may be exposed to noise from construction sites, heavy equipment and inclement weather.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Core Values: Applicant must understand, identify with, and adhere to the Global Water Core Values:

· Believe in the Mission and Each Other

· Be Disciplined in Thought and Action

· Take Ownership

· Maintain a Positive Mindset

Global Water Resources, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer.

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• project management, design, construction, engineering: 5 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Arizona Driver License (Required)
• Professional Engineer License (Preferred)
• Project Management Professional (Preferred)
• AZ Water or Wastewater Operator Certification(s) (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Maricopa, AZ 85138 (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $59,603 - $92,651