Senior Project Manager - District Services

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

Job summary

Pape-Dawson Engineers in Houston seeks a Senior Project Manager to lead District Services projects for Municipal Utility Districts and other districts. You will oversee CIP planning, regulatory compliance, infrastructure development, and operations support, coordinating with Land Development, Facilities, and District Operators.

The ideal candidate has a PE license, a bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, 10+ years of municipal infrastructure experience, and a proven ability to manage complex

Qualifications

• ABET-accredited Civil Engineering program required.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
• 10+ years of civil engineering experience with municipal infrastructure focus.
• Experience with MUDs or public sector clients preferred.
• Knowledge of capital planning, permitting, utility design, and construction oversight.

Responsibilities

• Act as the District Engineer to set board direction and provide engineering guidance to support District objectives.
• Plan, coordinate, and oversee infrastructure projects including CIP development, bond applications, feasibility studies, and permitting documentation (ACRs, re-rates, EPPs).
• Review and approve development plans, construction documents, contractor pay apps, and invoices to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Provide technical oversight during construction and rehabilitation of District facilities (water/wastewater) and monitor progress.
• Coordinate with developers, consultants, and regulatory agencies to ensure project execution and permitting compliance.
• Prepare engineering proposals and manage projects from inception to completion to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery.
• Support operational planning, maintenance strategies, and emergency response in coordination with District Operators.
• Stay informed of relevant legislation or regulatory updates and communicate impacts to stakeholders.
• Foster strong communication and collaboration with internal teams, clients, and external partners.

Skills

Project management

Civil engineering

PE license

ABET-accredited

MUD experience

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder coordination

Construction oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

Job Description: Join Pape-Dawson's Houston team and contribute to the continued growth of one of the nation's largest and most dynamic metropolitan areas. Since establishing a local presence in 1991, Pape-Dawson has become a trusted multidisciplinary partner, providing civil engineering, surveying, planning, and landscape architecture services to public- and private-sector clients throughout Greater Houston. Our team works closely with developers, municipalities, counties, state agencies, special purpose districts, and community partners to deliver practical, thoughtful solutions tailored to the region's evolving needs. From master-planned communities, educational campuses, commercial centers, and industrial developments to public infrastructure that improves mobility, safety, and resiliency, our work is both diverse and impactful. Through collaboration across disciplines, team members have the opportunity to help shape well-designed communities and infrastructure that support how people live, work, and move throughout the Houston region. The Senior Project Manager in Houston will support our 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.
• Familiar 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.