Program Manager - Water & Wastewater Infrastructure

GFT; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

401(k) savings plan

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

GFT is seeking an experienced Program Manager - Water & Wastewater Infrastructure to lead complex capital programs for municipal and utility clients. This position requires 15+ years of experience in water/wastewater engineering and project management, including expertise in stakeholder engagement and program controls. The role operates on a hybrid work model and offers a competitive salary range of $180,000 - $280,000 depending on experience. Benefits include wellness programs, 401(k), and professional development support.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in water/wastewater engineering and program or project management.
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex infrastructure programs.
• Strong understanding of treatment facilities, pump stations, and conveyance systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead program management services for capital programs ranging from $50M to $2B+.
• Serve as Owner’s Advisor/Consultant during procurement, design, and construction phases.
• Advise clients on delivery strategy (DBB, CMAR, Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build).

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Risk management

Program controls

Construction management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering field

Master's Degree in relevant field

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Overview

GFT is seeking a Program Manager - Water & Wastewater Infrastructure to join our Water Team. This role follows a hybrid work model, requiring regular attendance in any of our offices nationwide.

What You’ll Be Challenged To Do

We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the delivery of complex water and wastewater capital programs for municipal and utility clients. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy, governance, and execution, and brings a strong track record supporting medium- to large-scale Capital Improvement Programs (CIPs).

You will serve as a trusted advisor to owners, guiding programs from planning through design and construction, often within diverse delivery models such as progressive design-build.

• Lead program management services for water and wastewater capital programs ranging from $50M to $2B+
• Lead integrated teams within complex program environments with multiple disciplines and stakeholders
• Coordinate with design-builders, contractors, and subconsultants
• Serve as Owner’s Advisor/Consultant, supporting procurement, design, and construction phases
• Develop and implement Program Management Plans (PMPs) including governance, controls, and reporting frameworks
• Establish and oversee program controls (cost, schedule, risk, change management, and performance metrics)
• Advise clients on delivery strategy (DBB, CMAR, Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build)
• Drive effective stakeholder engagement including utility leadership, regulators, and community representatives
• Support funding strategies including SRF/WIFIA and grant applications
• Drive continuous improvement in project delivery, digital solutions (including PMIS and collaborative tools), and reporting systems

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering field
• 15+ years of experience in water/wastewater engineering and program or project management including 5 years in program or project leadership
• Demonstrated experience managing large, complex infrastructure programs
• Strong understanding of treatment facilities, pump stations, and conveyance systems
• Experience with collaborative delivery models (Design-Build, Progressive Design-Build, CMAR)
• Proven ability to manage program controls, risk, and stakeholder coordination
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required

What We Prefer You Bring

• Master's Degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering field
• Associate DBIA or DBIA certification preferred
• Professional certification (PgMP, PMP, APM‑PMQ, or equivalent) preferred but not essential

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $180,000 - $280,000. Salary is dependent upon experience and geographic location.

Featured Benefits

• Hybrid (in-person and remote) work environment
• Comprehensive benefits package including wellness programs, parental leave, and pet insurance, in addition to medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Tax-deferred 401(k) savings plan
• Competitive paid-time-off (PTO) accrual
• Tuition reimbursement for continued education
• Commitment to professional development, access to internal and external training programs, and support of active participation in professional organizations
• Incentive compensation for eligible positions

Company Overview

At GFT, a privately held AEC firm, we innovate where transportation, water, power, and buildings converge. We call this the Infrastructure of Life. We measure our success by the strength of our relationships – that’s why we’re the employer of choice for 5,000+ of the industry’s brightest engineers, planners, architects, inspectors, designers, and more.

Our clients choose us for our expertise and prefer us for our nimble approach, creativity, and personal touch. Backed by over a century’s experience, together we’re building a lasting legacy for future generations: stronger communities, a healthier planet, and better lives.

GFT: Ingenuity That Shapes Lives is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veterans’ status or other characteristics protected by law.

Unsolicited resumes from third party agencies will be considered the property of GFT.

GFT does require the successful completion of a criminal background check for all advertised positions.

Location: Nationwide

Core Business Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status: Full-Time