Senior Program Manager - Water Well Engineering & Capital Projects (Los Angeles)

Senior Program Manager – Water Well Engineering & Capital ProjectsHybrid – San Jose, CA | Los Angeles, CA | Bakersfield, CA | Chico, CA | Full-TimeEstimated Duration: 24 months, then conversion to direct hire with utilityAbout the RoleOur client, a major California water utility, is seeking a Senior Program Manager – Water Well Engineering & Capital Projects to lead a portfolio of drinking water well projects across planning, design, construction, and startup. This role is ideal for an engineering-trained Program Manager with hands-on experience in water well development, groundwater systems, and California permitting requirements.You will oversee the full lifecycle delivery of new well construction, well rehabilitation, and groundwater treatment integration, working closely with engineering consultants, drilling contractors, hydrogeologists, and internal utility stakeholders. Success in this role requires a strong blend of technical engineering fluency, program management discipline, and California regulatory expertise, particularly in CEQA and county-level well permitting.This is a high-impact, senior-level position driving mission-critical water supply infrastructure that directly supports system reliability and long-term resource resilience.Key ResponsibilitiesLead full lifecycle delivery of new potable water wells, well rehabilitation, and groundwater infrastructure projectsProvide technical oversight for well design, drilling plans, construction methodologies, and rehabilitation strategiesCoordinate closely with engineering, environmental, operations, and construction teamsDirect the work of drilling contractors, hydrogeologists, engineering consultants, and construction partnersMaintain integrated schedules (MS Project), risk registers, budgets, and Power BI dashboardsManage contract performance, scope evolution, change orders, and field issuesEnsure engineering standards and technical requirements are met in planning, design, and constructionOversee and coordinate all aspects of California well permitting, including:CEQA compliance (IS/MND, EIR support)County Environmental Health Department well permitsRWQCB-related discharge, dewatering, and groundwater conditionsEncroachment, CUP, and related agency interactionsPrepare and deliver executive-level reports and program summariesMinimum QualificationsEngineering background required (civil, mechanical, or related discipline)7 years of program or project management experience in capital infrastructureHands-on experience with water wells (e.g., drilling, design, rehab, groundwater investigations, pumping systems)Direct familiarity with California well permitting and environmental processes — CEQA, county well permits, environmental health, groundwater conditions, or related regulatory requirementsExperience coordinating with multiple agencies and permitting stakeholdersStrong contractor, consultant, and cross-functional leadership skillsProficiency with MS Project and Power BIPreferred QualificationsCalifornia PE CertificationExperience working for a California water utility, groundwater consulting firm, or engineering consultancyPMP, PgMP, or equivalent project leadership credentialExposure to groundwater treatment, PFAS, or aquifer recharge projectsExperience writing or reviewing technical engineering documentsCompensation & BenefitsSalary Range: $185,000-$255,000 per yearHealth Reimbursement Account (HRA) with generous employer funding for premiums and eligible health expenses401(k) with 6% company match, fully vested immediatelyPaid holidays, sick leave, and vacation time (2–4 weeks annually depending on tenure)Access to employee discount programs for travel, retail, and entertainmentOpportunities for professional development and growthA supportive and collaborative work environment

Salary : $185,000 - $255,000