Senior Program Manager, CIP Project Delivery - (26-LFDC-80600-028)

DC Water; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

DC Water seeks a Senior Program Manager for CIP Project Delivery to oversee multiple AE, construction, and CPD contracts, serving as COTR where needed. You will coordinate program management staff, ensure compliance with contract terms, and drive performance across projects.

Required is a PE license or reciprocity within six months, with a background in water facilities and strong contract management experience.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of engineering experience in contract management, CIP planning, design, construction, and budget/schedule control.
• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Electrical Engineering from ABET-accredited curriculum.
• Valid District of Columbia Professional Engineering License (PE) required or ability to obtain by reciprocity within six months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provides contract management oversight as the COTR for AE, Construction, and Collaborative Delivery contracts.
• Monitors schedules, budgets, purchase orders, invoicing, and corrects deviations to meet standards.
• Manages contract deliverables to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Supports the Owner’s Advisor and Lifecycle Project Manager for CPD contracts.
• Assists the Contracting Officer with claims and disputes management.
• Prepares contract modifications such as Change Orders and Supplemental Agreements.
• Prepares consultant/contractor performance evaluations.
• Develops strategies for continuous improvements and policy changes.
• Responsible for overall project controls including planning, status reporting, cost, quality, and schedule management.
• Manages project management staff from concept through closeout.
• Provides technical direction in contract administration and coordinates with EOR for design changes.
• Reviews standards for design and contributes to new standards.
• Provides technical guidance in interpreting codes, standards, and contract documents.

Skills

Engineering design

Contract management

PMI principles

Progressive Design Build

CMAR

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil/Mechanical/Structural/Electrical Eng (ABET-accredited)

Master’s degree in civil/mechanical/structural/electrical eng (preferred)

Tools

Engineering software

Project management tools

Construction management software

Job description

Who We Are & What We Do

At DC Water, we provide essential water, wastewater, and stormwater services to over 700,000 residents and 21.3 million annual visitors in the District of Columbia. We also provide wholesale wastewater treatment services for millions of people in surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties. Our mission is to deliver high‑quality services safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Role Description

The Senior Program Manager, CIP Project Delivery will be accountable for contract oversight, management, administration, and technical direction for multiple concurrent Architectural/Engineering (AE), Construction, and Collaborative Delivery contracts. The position may serve as the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COTR) for Engineering CIP Projects and/or as the Lifecycle Project Manager for various Collaborative Project Delivery (CPD) projects. The incumbent may also manage and coach Project Management staff to support day‑to‑day compliance with contract terms and conditions.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Provides contract management oversight as the COTR for AE, Construction, and Collaborative Delivery contracts.
• Monitors and reports on project schedules, budgets, purchase order sufficiency, invoicing, and corrects any deviations to meet standards and SOP.
• Manages contract deliverables to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Manages the Owner’s Advisor (OA) and Lifecycle Project Manager assigned by Program Management to support collaborative delivery contracts.
• Assists the Contracting Officer with Claims and Disputes Management.
• Manages timely preparation and approval of contract modifications such as Change Orders and Supplemental Agreements.
• Prepares consultant/contractor performance evaluations.
• Develops strategies for continuous improvements and implements policy and procedural changes.
• Responsible for overall project controls, including planning, status reporting, cost, quality, and schedule management.
• Manages internal and/or external matrixed Project Management and Program Management consultant staff from concept through closeout.
• Provides technical direction in contract administration and coordinates with Engineer of Record (EOR) for design changes.
• Reviews standards for design and contributes to the development of new standards.
• Provides technical guidance in interpreting codes, standards, and contract documents.
• Performs related duties as assigned at the discretion of the immediate supervisor.

Supervisory Responsibilities

N/A

Key Working Relationships

The incumbent interacts with department colleagues, DC Water teams, contractors, consultants, and other government and private agencies as needed.

Skills & Qualifications

The following qualifications represent the knowledge, skill, and ability required to perform each essential responsibility. Reasonable training will be provided.

Required Experience

Minimum 7 years of progressive engineering experience related to contract management, administration, and CIP planning, design, construction projects, and budget/schedule/resource management.

Minimum Education Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Mechanical, Structural, or Electrical Engineering or other related discipline from an ABET‑accredited curriculum or an equivalent.

Required Skills & Proficiency Levels

• Knowledge of engineering design for major water, sewer, and wastewater treatment facilities.
• Knowledge of construction management practices and methods.
• Knowledge of Progressive Design Build (PDB) and Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) collaborative delivery methods.
• Knowledge of federal, local, and industry engineering codes and standards.
• Knowledge of engineering software applications.
• Experience with Project Management practices and PMI principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in engineering design review and construction inspection.
• Ability to manage consultants, overseeing scope, schedule, and budget.
• Critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities.
• Teamwork and attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).

Required License & Certifications

A valid District of Columbia Professional Engineering License (PE) is required at the time of hire, or the ability to obtain a license by reciprocity within six months of hire.

Preferred Experience

Ten (10) years of demonstrated experience in Civil/Mechanical/Structural/Electrical engineering works, including design, operation, modeling, and analysis of water system facilities, and contract and construction management of water projects.

Preferred Education Requirements

Master’s degree in civil, mechanical, structural, or electrical engineering or related discipline from an ABET‑accredited curriculum or equivalent.

Preferred Skills & Proficiency Levels

• Knowledge of regulatory developments, new technology, and current trends in water systems design.
• Project Management expertise.
• Contract Management proficiency.
• Financial acumen.
• Cross‑functional collaboration skills.

Physical Requirements

Primary duties are performed indoors, but the role may require field visits lasting several consecutive days, exposure to noise and hazards, and atmospheric conditions such as fumes, dust, or chemicals.

EEO Statement

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug‑free workplace and perform pre‑employment substance abuse testing. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits discrimination against “qualified individuals with disabilities.” If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please email [e-mail].