Client-Focused Owner's Advisor for Water & Wastewater

CDM Smith; Aurora (IL); On-site; USD 134,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Owner’s Advisor to guide clients through water and wastewater infrastructure projects from planning through commissioning. You will serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring technical objectives, regulatory alignment, and quality throughout project delivery. Work with clients, design teams, contractors, and regulators to meet budgets, schedules and performance goals.

A P.E. license is preferred but not required; strong communication and leadership are essential,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• 15 years of related experience.
• Domestic and/or international travel may be required.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact and advocate for the client throughout project delivery.
• Provide technical guidance on water and wastewater infrastructure, treatment processes, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
• Review designs, plans, specifications, and construction documents to ensure alignment with client objectives and applicable standards.
• Collaborate with design and construction teams to identify, mitigate, and resolve technical and project risks.
• Monitor project progress, budgets, schedules, contracts, and change orders.
• Facilitate communication among clients, contractors, engineers, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct site visits to assess construction progress, quality, safety, and compliance.
• Support commissioning, startup, and operational readiness activities.
• Assist with proposals, RFP responses, client pursuits, and business development activities.

Skills

Water/wastewater knowledge

Project delivery

Communication skills

Client relationships

Leadership

Budget & schedule

Education

Bachelor’s degree

15 years experience

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Owner’s Advisor to guide clients through water and wastewater infrastructure projects from planning through commissioning. You will serve as a trusted advisor, ensuring technical objectives, regulatory alignment, and quality throughout project delivery. Work with clients, design teams, contractors, and regulators to meet budgets, schedules and performance goals.

A P.E. license is preferred but not required; strong communication and leadership are essential,