Project Manager - Water/Wastewater Planning

myhrpartnerinc; Allentown (Lehigh County); On-site; USD 85,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Salary

Medical, Dental, Vision Insurance

Paid Time Off

Retirement Plans

Job summary

Lehigh County Authority is seeking a Project Manager (Water/Wastewater Planning) to shape long‑term regional water and wastewater planning. You will lead capacity planning, support major infrastructure decisions, and coordinate with municipalities, regulators, and internal teams to ensure systems meet evolving demand.

The role blends planning with hands‑on project development, requiring a strong foundation in water and wastewater systems and the ability to translate complex data for diverse

Qualifications

• This role requires strong experience in water/wastewater planning and utility projects.
• Experience with hydraulic modeling, regulatory compliance, and cross‑functional collaboration is essential.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for diverse stakeholders is important.

Responsibilities

• Lead long‑range water and wastewater capacity planning to meet future demand.
• Direct and execute I&I reduction initiatives to improve system performance.
• Produce technical planning studies including modeling and watershed planning.
• Evaluate assets for capacity and capital investment needs as a technical expert.
• Analyze system data to inform operational and financial decisions.
• Collaborate with municipal leaders, regulators, and large customers on strategies.
• Coordinate with teams to transition projects from planning through design and construction.

Skills

System planning

Hydraulic modeling

Regulatory knowledge

Stakeholder communication

Project coordination

Education

Engineering degree

PE license preferred

Job description

Project Manager (Water/Wastewater Planning)
If you naturally think beyond the project in front of you and consider how systems will perform years down the line, this role was designed with you in mind.

As a Project Manager (Water/Wastewater Planning) at Lehigh County Authority (LCA), you’ll play a central role in shaping how a growing region delivers safe, reliable water and wastewater services – today and into the future.

This is a strategic, high-impact role where planning meets execution. You’ll influence major infrastructure investment decisions while collaborating with municipalities, regulators, and internal teams to ensure the region’s systems can meet evolving demand.

If you’re energized by complex systems, meaningful public impact, and the opportunity to think beyond the immediate project, this is a role where your work truly matters – we’d love to hear from you!

What the Job Looks Like

This role blends long-term system planning with hands‑on project development to support regional infrastructure growth and resiliency. Day to day you’ll:

• Lead the development of long-range water and wastewater capacity planning strategies, ensuring systems meet future regional demand and regulatory requirements
• Direct and execute infiltration and inflow (I&I) reduction initiatives to improve system performance and reduce excess treatment costs
• Produce and manage technical planning studies, including hydraulic modeling, watershed planning, and water supply optimization
• Serve as a technical expert on system planning, evaluating treatment, distribution, and collection asset capacity and identifying capital investment needs
• Analyze system data such as sewer metering and billing trends to uncover anomalies and inform operational and financial decisions
• Collaborate with municipal leaders, regulators, and large customers to address compliance requirements and advance regional service strategies
• Coordinate closely with internal teams to ensure smooth transition of projects from planning through design and construction, enabling effective project delivery

What We’re Looking For

This role is ideal for a Project Manager who enjoys solving complex infrastructure challenges while balancing technical depth with collaboration and communication. You might have:

• Around 5+ years of experience in water or wastewater engineering within a utility, municipality, or consulting environment
• Hands‑on experience with system planning, hydraulic modeling, or infrastructure design – and the ability to interpret complex operational data
• A strong foundation in water and wastewater systems, including collection, treatment, transmission, or supply management
• Working knowledge of environmental and utility regulations such as the Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, or NPDES programs
• Experience managing or collaborating with engineering consultants and cross‑functional teams on technical studies or capital projects
• The ability to clearly communicate technical and financial concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• A degree in engineering is preferred; a PE license is a plus, but not required

Just as important – you’re curious, proactive, and comfortable working independently while influencing decisions across a broad group of stakeholders.

About Us and What We Offer You

Lehigh County Authority is committed to delivering high‑quality water and wastewater services to the communities it serves. The Capital Works team plays a critical role in maintaining and improving infrastructure systems that residents and businesses depend on every day. Here, you’ll find a balance of technical challenge, public service, and long‑term impact – where your work contributes to the safety, sustainability, and growth of the region.

We value our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package that ensures you and your family are well taken care of. Here’s what you can look forward to when you join our team:

• Competitive Salary: $85,000 - $95,000/yr. depending on experience and role alignment
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance: Enjoy peace of mind with coverage for you and your eligible dependents, all at affordable employee contribution rates
• Generous Paid Time Off: We believe in a healthy work‑life balance, offering you ample vacation days, excused absences, personal days, and holidays to recharge and spend quality time doing the things you enjoy
• Comprehensive Insurance: LCA provides company‑paid life insurance, long‑term disability, and short‑term disability coverage to support you in unexpected situations
• Retirement Plans: Secure your future with eligibility for two retirement plans – the Pennsylvania Municipal Defined Benefit Retirement Plan and a 457 plan through Empower

At LCA, we pride ourselves on being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other protected status. Employment decisions at LCA are based on your qualifications, merit, and the needs of our business.

Thank you for considering LCA as your next career move. We look forward to learning more about you!