Program Manager (Water or Wastewater Engineering)

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority; Chelsea (MA); On-site; USD 116,000 - 163,000; Full time

Job summary

The Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) in Chelsea, MA, seeks a senior engineer to supervise project teams and oversee rehabilitation and capital improvements of water and wastewater facilities from concept through construction.

The role requires a Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, 7+ years of civil engineering experience with 3+ years in supervision, a MA Class D license, and may offer telework for up to 50% of the week.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil or related engineering field.
• 7+ years of civil engineering experience.
• At least 3 years in supervisory or project management capacity; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Position may be eligible for teleworking 50% of the work week.

Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages engineering and design projects from planning through construction.
• Supervises professional staff and consultants, ensuring quality, budgets, schedules, and MWRA objectives.
• Coordinates with MWRA divisions, communities, and agencies; participates in consultant selection and contract negotiations.
• Prepares budgets and monitors project costs and schedules; ensures compliance with policies and regulations.

Skills

Project management

Supervisory leadership

Team coordination

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering

Massachusetts Class D license

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Are you looking to make a meaningful impact on public health and the environment? Join the MWRA team! We deliver some of the nation's highest-quality drinking water to 3 million residents, restored Boston Harbor, and continue to invest in protecting vital public resources. Be part of a mission-driven organization where your work truly makes a difference in a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment.

Summary:

Supervises project teams in the department to oversee professional engineering and design projects related to the rehabilitation and capital improvement of waterworks and wastewater facilities and infrastructure from conceptual planning through construction. Additionally, manages engineering and design projects related to the rehabilitation and capital improvement of water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure.

Posting Period: 08/24/2026 - 09/04/2026

Location: Chelsea, MA

Salary: $116,439.41 - $163,072.97 annually; $2239.22 - $3136.02 weekly

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 3:00pm

Key Responsibilities

• Oversees projects, including the planning and design of rehabilitation and capital engineering projects for waterworks and wastewater facilities and pipelines. Additionally, manages the planning and design phases of assigned water and wastewater engineering and or maintenance projects including, feasibility and environmental impact reports, detailed plans and specifications, permitting, project schedules, technical assistance, progress review and evaluation.
• Oversees the work of professional engineering consultants, including all work products for quality of work, budget, schedule, and compliance with contractual terms and MWRA objectives and policies.
• Supervises and manages professional staff, including assignment of projects, evaluation of performance, and staff development planning. Provides technical and administrative assistance to staff in the development and management of projects which include design and engineering services during construction of new and rehabilitation water and wastewater projects, development of maintenance and operations procedures and working closely with MWRA Occupational Health and Safety staff, development of safety procedures.
• Supervises professional multi-discipline engineering work of substantial difficulty and importance, requiring application of professional engineering principles and the exercise of independent engineering judgment.
• Oversees and coordinates cooperative project development with other MWRA divisions and departments to ensure complete and coordinated projects. Coordinates projects with communities, government agencies and other MWRA departments. Provides technical information and assistance. Addresses professional and community groups and initiates outreach projects as required.
• Participates in consultant selection procedures and contract negotiations for projects. Additionally, oversees all phases of consultant selection for assigned projects including development of scope of services, specifications, cost estimates, work schedules, negotiations, and preparations of contract award recommendations. Ensures compliance with contract budgets, schedules and terms.
• Prepares annual and supplementary budget requests for the projects in the Capital Improvement Program. Oversees and reviews projects' budgets and schedules for compliance with established department, division, and MWRA program goals.
• Ensures compliance with MWRA procedures and policies, regulatory requirements and applicable engineering standards. Ensures all project activities are coordinated with MWRA divisions and departments, outside regulatory and permitting agencies and communities, as appropriate.
• Supports the recruiting, professional development, training, and performance evaluation of staff for assigned unit.
• Performs related duties as required.

Required Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in civil or related engineering field; and
• At least seven (7) years of civil engineering experience;
• Of which three (3) years must be in a supervisory or project management capacity; or
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operators License.
• Position may be eligible for teleworking 50% of the work week.

Knowledge and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering.
• Understanding of issues related to design, construction and operation of water and wastewater facilities and infrastructure.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a project team and also to function independently with minimal supervision.
• Knowledge of Massachusetts bidding laws, including M.G.L Chapter 30 and Chapter 149 construction bidding regulations.
• Familiarity with computer software such as Word and Excel.
• Proven interpersonal, managerial, written and oral communications skills.

Tools and Equipment Used

Office machines as normally associated with a professional office environment, including the use of telephones, personal computers, typical office software, email, videoconference applications, copiers, scanners, fax machines, measuring equipment, light tools and mobile radio.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and to use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools or controls. The employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. There are no special visual requirements for this job.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee occasionally works near moving mechanical parts, and is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions and vibration. The employee occasionally works in high precarious places and is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals and risk of electrical shock. The noise level in the work environment is loud in field setting and moderately quiet in an office setting.

Supervision Received and Exercised

Works under the general supervision of the Senior Program Manager in the Engineering and Construction Department. Exercises close supervision of a staff of professional and technical employees and or consultants.

Other Position Information

PCR: 55250121

Division: Operations

Department: Engineering & Construction

Union/Grade: MOSES (Unit 9)/Grade 29

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, sex or gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or veteran status.