Owner's Advisor: Water & Wastewater Project Lead

CDM Smith; Reno (NV); On-site; USD 134,000 - 248,000; Full time

Job summary

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Owner’s Advisor to guide clients through complex water and wastewater projects. You will act as a trusted advisor, navigating technical, regulatory, operational, and construction aspects from planning through commissioning.

You will collaborate with clients, design teams, contractors, and regulators to meet objectives while upholding standards, budgets, and schedules. A PE license is preferred but not required; travel and onsite presence may be involved.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; 15 years related experience.
• Travel domestically and internationally; frequency varies by project.
• Equivalent additional directly related experience considered in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary 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.
• Meet with current and prospective clients to understand their water and wastewater infrastructure needs.
• Provide technical guidance, training, and mentorship to junior staff.
• Participate in Communities of Practice, professional associations, conferences, and industry activities.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Water/wastewater

Project delivery

Construction management

Communication

Stakeholder collaboration

Budget & schedules

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

CDM Smith is seeking an experienced Owner’s Advisor to guide clients through complex water and wastewater projects. You will act as a trusted advisor, navigating technical, regulatory, operational, and construction aspects from planning through commissioning.

You will collaborate with clients, design teams, contractors, and regulators to meet objectives while upholding standards, budgets, and schedules. A PE license is preferred but not required; travel and onsite presence may be involved.