Project Manager - Marine Construction

J.F. Brennan Company Inc.; Duluth (MN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. seeks an experienced Marine Construction Project Manager to lead complex infrastructure projects across the Midwest, from Duluth, MN to St.

Louis, MO. You will guide heavy civil and marine work—dams, docks, rail, and foundations—ensuring safety, quality, and schedule adherence. The role requires strong planning, coordination with field teams, subcontractors, and clients, and travel up to 75% to active sites.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or related field.
• 5+ years managing marine or heavy civil projects.
• Experience with deep foundations, docks, and rail infrastructure.
• Strong scheduling, cost control, forecasting, and contract management.
• Proven leadership of field teams in high‑risk marine work.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle of marine and heavy civil projects overwater.
• Develop detailed work plans, schedules, and budgets.
• Oversee deep foundation operations and pile driving.
• Coordinate field teams, subs, and owners.
• Manage cost control, forecasting, and monthly billing.
• Prepare change orders as per public contracts.
• Interface with DOTs, USACE, port authorities.
• Travel to active job sites up to 75%.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Field coordination

Safety focus

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Primavera P6

MS Project

Job description

J.F. Brennan Company is seeking an experienced Marine Construction Project Manager to lead technically complex infrastructure projects throughout the Midwest, with opportunities spanning from Duluth, Minnesota to St. Louis, Missouri. We are looking for a proven leader with experience managing heavy civil and marine construction projects, including deep foundations, bridge construction, dock and barge terminal structures, dam construction, and railroad infrastructure.

Our projects require strong planning, operational leadership, and the ability to coordinate work performed on or overwater in challenging environments. The ideal candidate has successfully managed complex construction projects, partnered closely with field teams, subcontractors, and clients, and thrives in fast-paced, technically demanding marine construction settings while maintaining a strong commitment to safety, quality, and project performance.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle management of marine and heavy civil infrastructure projects executed on or overwater
• Develop and manage detailed project work plans, cost structures, baseline schedules, and recovery schedules
• Oversee deep foundation operations including pile driving (steel, concrete, timber), drilled shafts, cofferdams, and sheet piling systems
• Manage marine logistics including barges, cranes, floating equipment, specialty access systems, and sequencing of work over navigable waterways
• Direct coordination between field leadership, engineering teams, subcontractors, and owners
• Maintain strict financial control including forecasting, cost tracking, productivity analysis, change management, and monthly owner billing
• Prepare and negotiate change orders and contract modifications in accordance with public infrastructure contract requirements
• Review and approve submittals, shop drawings, lift plans, and engineered marine work plans
• Support pursuit efforts including bid reviews, quantity takeoffs, pricing strategy, and risk evaluation
• Interface with public agencies including DOTs, USACE, rail authorities, port authorities, and municipal owners
• Travel to active marine construction job sites up to 75% of the time as required

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field
• Minimum 5+ years of project management experience in marine or heavy civil infrastructure (not commercial building construction)
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing projects involving:
  • Bridge substructures and superstructures
  • Dam rehabilitation
  • Dock and barge terminal construction
  • Railroad infrastructure and rail bridge work
  • Deep foundation systems and pile-supported structures
• Strong working knowledge of marine construction methods including work from floating platforms and temporary work in water
• Experience managing public infrastructure contracts with complex specifications and regulatory requirements
• Advanced understanding of scheduling (Primavera P6 or MS Project), cost control, forecasting, and contract management
• Proven ability to lead field teams in high-risk, technically demanding marine environments
• Strong communication skills with the confidence to interface with owners, engineers, inspectors, and executive leadership

Who is Brennan?

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a 100-year-old, family-owned company that specializes in water-based environmental remediation and marine construction headquartered in La Crosse, WI that offers our employees growth, challenging work, empowerment, and meaningful work. Brennan is known for tackling complex maritime projects, providing unique solutions through teamwork and collaboration, and maintaining a family-orientated culture.

Why choose us?

• We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
• Our culture sets us apart. We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
• Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
• We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
• We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Compensation:

• The salary range varies based on experience and the level of project management responsibilities assigned. Candidates will be assessed during the interview process and aligned with a level that matches their skills and qualifications. Compensation typically ranges from $85,000 to $160,000 depending on experience, with additional opportunities for bonuses and benefits

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Capital at:

Phone: [phone]

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

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