Project Manager (Wet Underground Utilities)

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc.; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sterling Infrastructure, Inc. is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee underground wet utility and heavy civil construction projects in El Paso, Texas. This role involves planning, executing, and delivering projects for water, sewer, storm drain, and utility infrastructure while ensuring strict adherence to safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, at least 10 years of experience in the heavy civil industry, and strong project management skills. Join a company dedicated to compliance, excellence, and positive community impact.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in heavy civil construction roles.
• Experience managing underground wet utility projects.
• Strong understanding of excavation operations and utility coordination.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of underground utility projects.
• Manage financial aspects including costs and subcontractor relationships.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and project requirements.

Skills

Project management skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Client communication skills

Understanding of construction methods

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

Ability to lead through influence

Education

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering or related field

Tools

HCSS HeavyBid

Primavera P6

Microsoft Project

Job description

Position Overview

We are looking for an experienced Project Manager to lead underground wet utility and heavy civil construction projects. The role involves overseeing the planning, execution, and delivery of water, sewer, storm drain, and underground utility infrastructure projects while ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards.

Position Description

• Ensuring compliance with field safety regulations and company safety policies by all project personnel.
• Overseeing all phases of underground wet utility construction projects, including water distribution, sanitary sewer, storm drain, and utility infrastructure work.
• Playing a key role in project planning, budgeting, scheduling, forecasting, and resource allocation.
• Managing financial aspects of contracts, including project costs, equipment utilization, subcontractor management, billing, income and expenses, and maintaining strong client relationships.
• Coordinating and managing all correspondence between Owners, Engineers, Contractors, Subcontractors, Utility Agencies, and Municipal Stakeholders.
• Performing regular site visits and monitoring construction progress to ensure project milestones, quality standards, and production goals are achieved.
• Collaborating with Superintendents, Foremen, and field personnel to ensure construction activities progress according to established schedules.
• Drafting and submitting budget proposals, cost forecasts, and recommending budget revisions when necessary.
• Negotiating and coordinating internal resources, personnel, equipment, and subcontracted services to support project success.
• Developing and delivering progress reports, project updates, proposals, required documentation, and client presentations.
• Monitoring project performance, identifying risks, analyzing project metrics, and implementing corrective actions when necessary.
• Proactively managing project scope changes, utility conflicts, unforeseen site conditions, and schedule impacts while developing contingency plans in collaboration with assigned Superintendents.
• Managing Requests for Information (RFIs), submittals, utility coordination efforts, and contract change orders.
• Reviewing and approving invoices, pay applications, subcontractor payments, and project billings.
• Ensuring all work complies with contract specifications, project requirements, municipal standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Representing the Company in project meetings, owner meetings, preconstruction meetings, utility coordination meetings, and public agency discussions.
• Building, developing, and maintaining strong relationships with clients, municipalities, utility providers, engineers, subcontractors, and business partners.
• Supporting successful project delivery through effective leadership, communication, and collaboration.
• Maintaining strict adherence to Company policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Position Requirements

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or an equivalent combination of technical training and relevant construction experience.
• 10+ years of experience in the heavy civil construction industry in roles such as Surveyor, Estimator, Project Engineer, Project Coordinator, Assistant Project Manager, Project Manager, or similar.
• Experience managing underground wet utility projects including water distribution systems, sanitary sewer systems, storm drain systems, utility relocations, and municipal infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of underground utility construction methods, excavation operations, trenching practices, utility coordination, and project execution.
• Knowledge of heavy civil construction field operations, construction sequencing, scheduling, budgeting, cost control, forecasting, and contract administration.
• Experience managing subcontractors, suppliers, equipment resources, and self‑perform construction crews.
• Proficiency with HCSS HeavyBid and construction cost management processes.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation, and client communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship‑building skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across all levels of an organization.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with project management and scheduling software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, communicate effectively, and lead through influence while driving project success and operational excellence.
• Ability to identify risks, solve complex problems, and make sound decisions in a fast‑paced construction environment.
• Commitment to safety, quality, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Ability to work effectively with Owners, Engineers, Municipal Agencies, Utility Providers, Subcontractors, and Internal Project Teams.
• Values and incorporates contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• A positive, solutions‑oriented mindset with a strong focus on results, accountability, and project success.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification.
• Experience managing municipal utility, public works, DOT, or infrastructure projects.
• Experience overseeing projects involving water mains, sewer mains, storm drain systems, lift stations, force mains, or utility relocations.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) communication skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an equal opportunity employer: We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, genetic information, marital status, military status, membership or activity in a local human rights commission, or status with regard to public assistance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.