Project Manager - Marine Construction

J.F. Brennan Company Inc.; West La Crosse (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is seeking an experienced Marine Construction Project Manager to lead technically complex infrastructure projects across the Midwest, including waterways and dock facilities.

This role requires coordinating field teams, engineers, subcontractors, and clients to deliver safe, on-time, and within-budget outcomes. The ideal candidate will have 5+ years of marine or heavy civil project management, strong scheduling and cost control skills, and the ability to manage work

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.
• 5+ years of project management in marine or heavy civil infrastructure.
• Experience with Bridge substructures, Dam rehabilitation, Dock/barge terminals, Rail infrastructure.
• Knowledge of marine construction methods including work from floating platforms.
• Experience with public infrastructure contracts and regulatory requirements.
• Strong scheduling, cost control, forecasting, and contract management skills.
• Ability to lead field teams in high-risk marine environments.
• Excellent communication with owners, engineers, inspectors, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead full lifecycle management of marine and heavy civil projects on or over water.
• Develop and manage detailed project work plans, cost structures, baseline schedules, and recovery schedules.
• Oversee deep foundation operations including pile driving, drilled shafts, cofferdams, and sheet piling.
• 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.

Skills

Project management

Marine construction

Scheduling

Leadership

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

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 over water 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 over water
• 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

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

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.

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