Drinking Water Project Manager

HDR; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits

401(k) retirement plan with employer-"

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

HDR invites an experienced Project Manager to lead Drinking Water projects in Minnesota and Wisconsin, guiding teams from concept through delivery and pursuing new business opportunities with clients and HDR staff.

The role requires seven+ years in municipal water design/operation, a PE or P.Eng license, PMP preferred, and strong leadership, budgeting and communication skills to ensure on-time, on-budget project success.

Qualifications

• MS in Civil or Environmental Engineering or a closely related field.
• Seven+ years in the design and/or operation of municipal drinking water systems.
• Professional engineering license (PE or P.Eng) recognized in the position location.
• PMP certification is preferred.
• Strong client-relations and business development skills.
• Demonstrated project leadership, staffing, scheduling and budgeting abilities.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate multidisciplinary teams through the project lifecycle.
• Manage complex municipal drinking water projects or large-scale programs.
• Develop multiple projects concurrently and coordinate with clients and staff.
• Maintain client relations and contribute to marketing and BD meetings.
• Ensure project delivery within budget and schedule with QA/QC.
• Collaborate with Water Market Sectors and HDR groups to grow opportunities.
• Lead internal and external project teams and participate in professional groups.

Skills

PMP Certification

Project leadership

Client relations

Budgeting

Team coordination

Education

MS in Civil or Environmental Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

PE or P.Eng license

Tools

MS Office

MS Project

Job description

HDR is seeking an experienced Project Manager to lead Drinking Water projects in the Minnesota/Wisconsin region. The role involves working closely with clients and internal staff to build successful teams, managing projects from concept to delivery, and driving new business development.

Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate work of single- or multidisciplinary teams throughout the project's lifecycle (from development and initiation to close‑out).
• Responsible for all aspects of complex small to medium projects or routine large projects.
• Produce and coordinate several small to medium projects concurrently.
• Establish, maintain and strengthen client relations and be involved with marketing, contractual, design and production meetings.
• Participate in developing and advancing corporate and regional water initiatives to identify and capture market opportunities.
• Conduct work sessions for deliverable development in conjunction with other staff and stakeholders.
• Coordinate staffing and workload through the entire project life cycle, and ensure completion of deliverables on schedule.
• Track financial aspects of projects, and coordinate and adjust work effort with team to ensure that work is completed within the approved budget and schedule.
• Participate in delivery of engineering services to meet client expectations, including technical and design leadership, and project management.
• Maintain quality in project delivery and implement QA/QC procedures.
• Work closely with Accounting, Operations and Business leadership for periodic project reviews.
• Collaborate with other Water Market Sectors and business groups within HDR to meet client needs and expand services with existing clients.
• Participate in internal and external professional discipline groups, project teams, and activities to continually improve standards and best practices.
• Collaborate with Business Class and Marketing staff to pursue new projects, taking a champion role in selected key pursuits.
• Perform other duties as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• M.S. in Civil or Environmental Engineering
• PMP Certification
• Preference given to local candidates
• Minimum of seven years in the design and/or operation of complex municipal drinking water systems
• Strong technical background in designing water supply, distribution and treatment facilities
• Strong client‑relations skills and interest in client and business development
• Proven project leadership, staffing, scheduling and budgeting, and mentorship skills
• Excellent communication, teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Ability to function effectively in a variety of roles on integrated project teams
• Excellent organizational and communication skills (written and verbal)
• Willingness to be actively engaged in professional and industry organizations, including presentations for professional associations

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering
• 7 years of related experience inclusive of a minimum 2 years in project management
• Professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position (PE or P.Eng)
• MS Office and MS Project experience required
• Demonstrated leadership skills
• Commitment to participating actively in HDR’s employee‑owned culture

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits include medical, dental, vision, short and long‑term disability, life insurance; employee assistance program; paid time off, parental leave and holidays; 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match; employee referral bonus; and tuition reimbursement. Benefits are for full‑time regular positions; temporary and part‑time roles may be eligible for limited benefits.

Location & Employment

Primary Location: United States – Minnesota – Saint Louis Park
Other Locations: United States – Wisconsin – Madison; United States – Wisconsin – Milwaukee; United States – Minnesota – Thief River Falls.
Industry: Water
Schedule: Full‑time
Employee Status: Regular
Business Class: Water Treatment

EEO Statement

We are an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest, and conviction records.

Job posted: July 15, 2026