Program Manager - Water & Wastewater Infrastructure

Gannett Fleming; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work environment

Wellness programs

Parental leave

Pet insurance

Medical, dental, vision, disability, &

Life insurance

401(k)

Job summary

GFT is seeking an experienced Program Manager – Water & Wastewater Infrastructure to join our Water Team. This hybrid role requires regular attendance in any of our offices nationwide, leading complex CIP projects for municipal and utility clients.

You will guide programs from planning through design and construction, acting as Owner’s Advisor across DB, CMAR, and Design‑Build models, while driving governance, controls, and reporting to ensure timely, under-budget delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering field.
• 15+ years in water/wastewater engineering with 5+ years in leadership.
• Experience managing large, complex infrastructure programs.
• Strong knowledge of treatment facilities, pump stations, and conveyance systems.
• Experience with collaborative delivery models (DB, Design‑Build, CMAR).
• PE license required.

Responsibilities

• Lead program management services for water and wastewater capital programs ranging from $50M to $2B+.
• Coordinate with design‑builders, contractors, and subconsultants.
• Develop and implement PMPs including governance, controls, and reporting.
• Advise clients on delivery strategy (DBB, CMAR, Design‑Build, Progressive Design‑Build).
• Drive stakeholder engagement with utilities, regulators, and communities.
• Support funding strategies including SRF/WIFIA and grants.

Education

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

Job description

What You Will Do

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Civil, Environmental, or related engineering field
• Associate DBIA or DBIA certification preferred
• Professional certification (PgMP, PMP, APMPMQ, 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.

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.

Location

Nationwide

Core Business Hours

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Employment Status

Full‑Time

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.

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