Senior Project Manager – Water District Contracts & Budgets

WaterWisePro; Sacramento (CA); On-site; Full time

Job description

Project Manager / Senior Project Manager / Sacramento Suburban WD

Salary Range:

• Project Manager: $97,593.60 - $139,380.80 / Annually
• Senior Project Manager: $112,195.20 - $160,305.60 / Annually

The Sacramento Suburban Water District (SSWD) is a publicly owned and operated water utility governed by a 5-member board of directors. SSWD was formed in 2002 by the consolidation of the Northridge Water District and the Arcade Water District. SSWD’s service area is approximately 37 square miles and has a population of nearly 200,000. SSWD’s water supply is primarily groundwater, but is supplemented by surface water when available — an approach termed conjunctive use. Conjunctive use was initiated to address declining groundwater levels resulting from many years of groundwater pumping by many entities. Through in-lieu groundwater recharge that was made possible by conjunctive use, SSWD has contributed significantly to a broad-based effort to arrest the groundwater decline. SSWD has made significant financial investments to put surface water supply and conjunctive use facilities in place, and is well positioned with respect to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). With 80 operational groundwater wells, their maintenance, repair, and replacement is an ongoing effort to ensure production capacity reliability.

OUR COMMUNITY

Sacramento is the capital of California and is located at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers in the northern portion of the expansive Central Valley. As of 2024-2026, its estimated population of 535,000—540,000 makes it the sixth largest city in California. Sacramento is the economic core of the metropolitan area and is rich in history, theater, visual arts, museums, and recreational opportunities. Sacramento is a short drive to the Napa Wine Country, San Francisco, and Lake Tahoe.

THE POSITION

The Project Manager/Senior Project Manager is responsible for performing a full range of assigned duties at varying levels depending on position, which include:

• Planning, organizing, administering, developing and implementing various District service contracts, projects and their scope, schedules, and budget; participating in all phases of project and service contract management.
• Developing consultant scopes of work and requests for qualifications and proposals, evaluating proposals, and assisting in/making decisions regarding the selection of consultants.
• Development and oversight of plans, specifications/invitations to bid, evaluating bids, and assisting in/making decisions regarding selection of contractors.
• Overseeing contracts for consultants, contractors, and/or vendors.
• Reviewing and/or assisting with preparation of project schedules, reports, plans, specifications, technical requirements, consultant contracts/agreements, and public works contracts.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Will have the ability to read, understand, review, interpret and edit a wide range of documents, including studies/reports, proposal/project specifications and plans/drawings, and operating and maintenance procedure manuals associated with a wide range of projects.
• Will have knowledge of urban water agency statutes, codes, and regulations, including water quality issues.
• Will be able to oversee and make sound decisions regarding multiple simultaneous projects, including contracts and budgets.
• Can prepare concise and comprehensive documents and correspondence.
• Will have the ability to organize, implement, and direct staff and consultants to achieve efficient operations to meet District goals.
• Can effectively represent District projects in meetings, presentations, and discussions with the public, contractors, vendors, and other organizations.
• Will be able to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, outside agencies, vendors, and the public.
• Is able to independently manage multiple concurrent projects, coordinate with staff across departments, and ensure project outcomes are effectively integrated into ongoing District operations.
• Will be able to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.

Two (2) years of progressively responsible project leadership or management experience in relevant fields, preferably in government-related projects. AND

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, construction management, public works administration, or related technical/management field. OR equivalent to an associate’s degree AND two (2) additional years of responsible experience in a related field, OR an additional two (2) years of full-time project leadership or management work experience, for a total of six (6) years, may be substituted for the educational requirements above with a high school diploma or equivalent.

Senior Project Manager

Experience

Five (5) years of progressively responsible project leadership or management experience in relevant fields, preferably in government-related projects. AND

Education

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, construction management, public works administration, or related technical/management field. OR equivalent to an associate’s degree AND two (2) additional years of responsible experience in a related field, OR an additional five (5) years of full-time project leadership or management work experience, for a total of ten (10) years, may be substituted for the educational requirements above with a high school diploma or equivalent.

License/Certification

Valid California Driver License issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and proof of good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration.

Compensation and Benefits

Project Manager: $46.92-$67.01 hourly ($97,593.60—$139,380.80 annually)

Senior Project Manager: $53.94—$77.07 hourly ($112,195.20—$160,305.60 annually)

PLUS an attractive benefits package that includes:

• CalPERS retirement (2% @ 55 for Classic tier and 2% @ 62 under PEPRA)
• Employer‑paid medical (fully paid for at least one plan for up to employee and family)
• Employer‑paid dental, vision, and life insurance
• Voluntary deferred compensation and flexible benefit plans
• Generous educational reimbursement and incentive pay programs
• Paid vacation, and 13 holidays
• This exempt position is also eligible for 40 hours of exempt leave annually
• Remote/hybrid schedule may be available, but in‑person office work is required as part of this position