Construction Department Manager

baxterwoodman; Janesville (WI); On-site; USD 105,000 - 135,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) plan

Employee Stock Ownership plan

Paid time off & holidays

Flexible work options

Job summary

Baxter & Woodman seeks a Construction Department Manager to oversee municipal projects across Wisconsin, Illinois, and surrounding areas. The role involves on-site observation, design recommendations, and staff mentorship.

Responsibilities include managing multiple projects, monitoring schedules, and ensuring quality while maintaining detailed records. Travel within the service area is required, with strong communication and organizational skills essential.

Qualifications

• 15+ years’ experience in construction or municipal work.
• Ability to travel throughout Baxter & Woodman’s service area (own transportation).
• Strong written, verbal, computer and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site observation of work, repairs, and testing.
• Manage multiple projects and mentor staff on project skills.
• Maintain job site records and prepare payment estimates.
• Coordinate with contractor and other duties as needed or assigned.

Skills

Team leadership

Communication

Project management

Travel readiness

Documentation

Education

B.S. in Civil/Construction Engineering

Job description

Construction Department Manager

Location: Waterford, Janesville or Milwaukee, WI

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long‑lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary, and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

We represent municipal clients in the management and observation of activities related to Wastewater, Water, Transportation and Infrastructure construction, start‑up, and operation of municipal water distribution and wastewater collections system projects throughout southeastern Wisconsin and in northern Illinois Counties.

Types of projects include: Water Main, Water Pumping and Booster Stations, Wastewater Treatment Plants and Lift Stations, Roadway and Parking lot resurfacing or reconstruction, Storm Water Collection and Distribution Systems, and associated pipelines and structures. Projects will require services ranging from several weeks to several years in duration, with variable schedules and/or hours, and will be located at one of our construction project sites.

What your day-to-day will look like

• Conduct on-site observation of work, repairs, and testing, as needed.
• Recommend alterations to development and design to improve the quality of projects.
• Manage and mentor staff assigned to you on project skills and job expectations.
• Manage multiple small and large projects successfully.
• Monitor progress schedule and shop drawings.
• Provide general civil engineering and municipal client service.
• Requires effective communication, both oral and written, with residents, businesses, and public agency representatives.
• Resolve construction conflicts and prepare cost‑effective solutions.
• Endeavor to provide protection for owner against defects and deficiencies in the work.
• Serve as liaison with contractor, working principally through contractor’s superintendent.
• Maintain job site records of Daily Reports, job meeting minutes, approved shop drawing submittals, and pay requests.
• Maintain records of time, equipment, and material needs for any changes in the work that may result in a change order. Review and request adjustments of compensation and/or contract time.
• Prepare payment estimates.
• Address resident complaints and concerns.
• Coordinate with the contractor and other duties as needed or assigned.

Education/License Requirement

• B.S. degree in Civil/Construction Engineering from an accredited program.

Must-haves, what you will bring

• 15+ years’ experience in construction or municipal work.
• Sufficient computer and smartphone skills for file access, use, and effective operation and communication.
• Ability to travel throughout Baxter & Woodman’s service area (own transportation).
• Ability to independently handle a variety of ongoing tasks and responsibilities.
• Strong written, verbal, computer and organizational skills.
• Work within a team‑first culture that encourages individual development and accomplishment of goals.

Preferred Qualifications

• PE License preferred.

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $105,000 to $135,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits

At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well‑being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well‑being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, and cancer. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home on half Fridays and varied schedules. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well‑being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer