Senior Project Manager - District Services

Pape-Dawson Consulting Engineers, LLC; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers in Houston seeks a District Engineer to manage MUD districts, coordinate capital improvement planning, and ensure regulatory compliance for district facilities. The role requires leading design reviews, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and guiding projects from concept through completion.

Ideal candidates bring a PE license and 10+ years in municipal civil engineering, with strong communication and project management skills to support long‑term planning and daily

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET‑accredited program is required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license is required or clearly stated as necessary.
• 10+ years of civil engineering experience focused on municipal infrastructure and utility district services.
• Experience with MUDs or public sector clients is preferred.
• Knowledge of capital planning, permitting, utility design, and construction oversight.

Responsibilities

• Act as the District Engineer to guide MUD Boards with strategic engineering recommendations.
• Plan and oversee CIP development, bond applications, feasibility studies, and permitting docs.
• Review development plans, construction docs, and contractor pay apps for compliance.
• Provide technical oversight during construction and rehabilitation of water/wastewater infra.
• Coordinate with developers, consultants, and regulators to ensure permitting compliance.
• Prepare engineering proposals and manage projects to on‑time, on‑budget completion.
• Support operational planning, maintenance strategies, and emergency response efforts.
• Stay informed on legislation and communicate potential impacts to stakeholders.
• Foster collaboration with internal teams, clients, and external partners.

Skills

Civil engineering expertise

MUD/public sector experience

Regulatory compliance

Project management

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)

Professional Engineer (PE) license

Job description

Overview

This position supports Municipal Utility Districts and other special utility districts as part of Pape-Dawson’s District Services Group. It involves close coordination with the Land Development Residential, Land Development Commercial, and Facilities teams. The role is responsible for managing capital improvement planning, regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, and operational support for District facilities. Success in this position requires strong technical expertise, a proactive client service approach, and the ability to effectively coordinate with a wide range of stakeholders to support both long-term planning and daily operations.

Responsibilities

• Act as the District Engineer to assign MUD Boards, providing strategic guidance, engineering recommendations, and regular updates to support District objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee infrastructure projects, including the development of Capital Improvement Plans (CIPs), bond applications, feasibility studies, and permitting documentation such as ACRs, re-rates, and EPPs.
• Review and approve development plans, construction documents, contractor pay applications, and invoices to ensure regulatory compliance and alignment with District standards.
• Provide technical oversight during construction and rehabilitation of District facilities, including water and wastewater infrastructure; monitor field progress and attend site meetings.
• Coordinate with developers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to support project execution and maintain compliance with permitting and environmental regulations.
• Prepare engineering proposals and manage projects through completion to ensure on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
• Support operational planning, maintenance strategies, and emergency response efforts in coordination with District Operators.
• Stay informed of relevant legislation or regulatory updates and communicate potential impacts to stakeholders.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with internal teams, clients, and external partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field from an ABET‑accredited program.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant civil engineering experience, with emphasis on municipal infrastructure and utility district services.
• Experience with MUDs or public sector clients is preferred.
• Knowledge of capital planning, permitting, utility design, and construction oversight.
• Familiarity with applicable regulatory standards and environmental compliance practices.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to manage shifting priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Reliable, dependable, and able to work a standard weekday schedule with flexibility for overtime or emergency response as needed.
• Capable of presenting technical information to both technical and non‑technical audiences.

EEO Statement

All qualified applicants for Pape‑Dawson Engineers will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.