Project Manager - Water/Wastewater

Kennedy Jenks Consultants; Sacramento (CA); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Kennedy Jenks Consultants is seeking a Water/Wastewater Project Manager in California to lead water and wastewater infrastructure projects in a dynamic consulting environment.

You will guide multidisciplinary teams, strengthen partnerships, and deliver practical solutions that support long‑term water reliability. The role includes managing pipelines, treatment facilities, and pump stations while coordinating with clients to ensure timely, on‑budget delivery.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or similar field
• 8+ years of experience managing water/wastewater infrastructure projects
• 2+ years in project management
• PE license in California or able to obtain within 6 months of hire
• Willingness to travel to project sites and Kennedy Jenks offices

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, and construction support while managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and delivery
• Oversee engineering deliverables: plans, specs, cost estimates, technical docs, contract docs, project reports
• Coordinate with clients, contractors, teams, and stakeholders to address questions and resolve issues
• Collaborate with in‑house design teams across disciplines including civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, and controls
• Monitor project performance: financials, milestones, risks, and resources; adjust as needed
• Lead client communications, meetings, and presentations to strengthen relationships
• Shape proposal strategies, coordinate with marketing, prepare scopes and budgets, support interviews
• Mentor junior staff and participate in hiring and recruitment efforts

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Budget control

Client relations

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in Civil/Environmental Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD Civil 3D

Job description

Water/Wastewater Project Manager

Founded in 1919, KJ has always looked to the future. With a talented team of professionals and a culture of continuous improvement, we deliver exceptional engineering, environmental consulting, and construction management services, with a focus on innovation and sustainability. Using advanced analytics, technology, and tools, KJ improves designs, reduces risk, and finds better ways to deliver projects from planning through construction. KJ is at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions for clients, including green infrastructure design, strategies to reduce energy use and environmental impacts, award‑winning water reuse projects, and efficient construction management practices that ensure quality, safety, and on‑time delivery. We are known for our dedication to industry‑leading client service and tailored solutions.

Kennedy Jenks is seeking a Water/Wastewater Project Manager in California to lead water and wastewater infrastructure projects in a dynamic consulting environment.

In this role, you will guide multidisciplinary teams, strengthen partnerships, and deliver practical solutions that support long‑term water reliability.

You’ll support a range of water and wastewater projects, including water transmission pipelines, sanitary sewer collection systems, tanks and reservoirs, pump stations, and water and wastewater treatment facilities.

What You’ll Do

• Manage projects: Lead planning, design, and construction support while managing scope, schedule, budget, quality, and overall delivery.
• Lead design delivery: Oversee the development of engineering deliverables, including plans, specifications, cost estimates, technical documents, contract documents, and project reports.
• Support construction‑phase services: Coordinate with clients, contractors, project teams, and stakeholders to address questions, resolve issues, and maintain alignment with project requirements.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary teams: Work with in‑house design teams across disciplines such as civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, instrumentation and controls, and architectural, as well as specialized sub‑consultants.
• Track project performance: Monitor financials, milestones, risks, and resource needs, and adjust course as needed.
• Engage clients: Lead client communications, meetings, and presentations that support strong relationships and successful project outcomes.
• Support business development: Shape proposal strategies, coordinate with marketing staff, prepare scopes and budgets, and support interview teams.
• Develop staff: Mentor junior staff, collaborate with engineers and scientists, and participate in hiring and recruiting efforts.

What Makes This Role Different

• Meaningful work: Take on visible project leadership that supports essential community infrastructure.
• Career growth: Continue developing technical, managerial, client‑facing, and business development skills.
• Collaborative culture: Work with experienced professionals in an environment that values practical problem‑solving, mentorship, and shared success.

What You Bring

• Client‑centered leadership: You build trust through clear communication, responsiveness, and a practical understanding of client priorities.
• Collaborative approach: You align people, priorities, and disciplines to keep work moving forward.
• Sound judgment: You make thoughtful decisions that balance scope, schedule, budget, quality, and client needs.
• Growth mindset: You bring energy, focus, and a desire to keep learning while helping others develop.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a similar engineering field.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience managing water/wastewater infrastructure projects, with 2+ years in project management.
• Technical background: Knowledge of water/wastewater planning, design, construction support, codes, regulations, and quality practices.
• Licensure: Professional Engineer (PE) license in California required, or ability to obtain PE registration within 6 months of hire.
• Travel: Ability to travel to project sites and Kennedy Jenks offices as needed.
• Preferred qualifications: Experience with site civil design, technical writing, and AutoCAD Civil 3D.

Kennedy Jenks supports a healthy work‑life balance and utilizes a hybrid model of home and office work, with a minimum of two days per week in the office. This approach empowers our people to thrive, collaborate, and do their best work.

Salary range for this position is anticipated to be between $130,000 and $200,000, and may vary based upon education, experience, qualifications, licensure/certifications, and geographic location.

Benefits summary: Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance; a health savings account; a 401(k); bonus programs; tuition reimbursement; employee ownership opportunity; professional registration support; business travel assistance; competitive paid time off and holidays; an employee assistance program; and additional programs that support your wellbeing and professional growth.

Kennedy Jenks is an Equal Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, disability, citizenship status, genetics, protected veteran status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable law.