Senior Water/Wastewater Engineer V

Baxter & Woodman; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Baxter & Woodman is seeking a Senior Water/Wastewater Operations Project Manager to lead municipal water and wastewater projects across our Wisconsin offices (Janesville, Waterford, Milwaukee). You will manage scope, budget, and schedule while mentoring staff and coordinating with clients, regulators, and contractors.

You will drive business development, lead feasibility studies, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in an environmentally focused field preferred.
• 20+ years' experience operating in a water or wastewater facilities.
• Significant experience in water/wastewater operations and laboratory procedures.
• Knowledge of Wisconsin and Illinois permit limits for wastewater quality.
• Experience with design of water and wastewater projects.
• Must have a valid U.S. Driver's License.
• Ability to present information to managers, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret regulations.
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary liaison between Baxter & Woodman, clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders for municipal water/wastewater and capital improvement projects.
• Lead business development efforts, including client engagement, networking, strategic planning, proposal development, statements of qualifications, and pursuit strategy.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with municipal staff, elected officials, regulatory agencies, community organizations, industry associations, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the firm at client meetings, industry conferences, professional organizations, regulatory agency meetings, and public outreach events.
• Manage water and wastewater engineering projects from planning through design, construction administration, startup, and operational transition.
• Lead feasibility studies, preliminary engineering reports, technical evaluations, plans, specifications, and capital improvement planning efforts.
• Conduct operational reviews of water and wastewater facilities and provide troubleshooting, optimization, and asset management recommendations.
• Act as Responsible Operator in Charge (ROINC) for one or more water/wastewater treatment facilities.
• Oversee project scope, budget, schedule, quality, and technical performance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary staff, providing coaching, knowledge transfer, and professional development.
• Review development and utility plans for compliance with local regulations, including water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and grading requirements.
• Evaluate impacts to existing public and private infrastructure and recommend appropriate improvements.
• Provide on-site municipal staffing and engineering support services as needed.
• Collaborate with leadership and business development teams to support client growth and project pursuits.
• Exercise independent judgment and technical leadership in project management and engineering decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering review processes, standards, and documentation.
• Perform other duties and assignments as required.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Regulatory understanding

Technical writing

Education

Bachelor’s degree in environmental field

Job description

Your future position:

Senior Water/Wastewater Operations Project Manager

Choose your location:

Janesville WI, Waterford WI, or Milwaukee, WI offices

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long-lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

Baxter & Woodman has a rewarding opportunity for a Senior Water/Wastewater Operations Project Manager in our Wisconsin Water/Wastewater Department. We are seeking qualified applicants for our Janesville, WI, Waterford WI, or Milwaukee, WI offices.

What your day-to-day will look like

• Serve as the primary liaison between B&W, clients, contractors, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders for municipal water/wastewater and capital improvement projects.
• Lead business development efforts, including client engagement, networking, strategic planning, proposal development, statements of qualifications, and pursuit strategy.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with municipal staff, elected officials, regulatory agencies, community organizations, industry associations, contractors, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the firm at client meetings, industry conferences, professional organizations, regulatory agency meetings, and public outreach events.
• Manage water and wastewater engineering projects from planning through design, construction administration, startup, and operational transition.
• Lead feasibility studies, preliminary engineering reports, technical evaluations, plans, specifications, and capital improvement planning efforts.
• Conduct operational reviews of water and wastewater facilities and provide troubleshooting, optimization, and asset management recommendations.
• Act as Responsible Operator in Charge (ROINC) for one or more water/wastewater treatment facilities.
• Oversee project scope, budget, schedule, quality, and technical performance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Supervise and mentor multidisciplinary staff, providing coaching, knowledge transfer, and professional development.
• Review development and utility plans for compliance with local regulations, including water, sanitary sewer, stormwater, and grading requirements.
• Evaluate impacts to existing public and private infrastructure and recommend appropriate improvements.
• Provide on-site municipal staffing and engineering support services as needed.
• Collaborate with leadership and business development teams to support client growth and project pursuits.
• Exercise independent judgment and technical leadership in project management and engineering decision-making.
• Support continuous improvement of engineering review processes, standards, and documentation.
• Perform other duties and assignments as required.

Education Requirement

• A bachelor’s degree in an environmentally focused degree program is preferred.

Certifications/Licenses

• Wisconsin and/or Illinois IEPA Wastewater Treatment Operator's License (Optional).
• Wisconsin and/or Illinois IEPA Water Treatment Operator's License.

Must-haves, what you will bring

• 20+ years' experience operating in a water or wastewater treatment facility or related experience required.
• Must have significant experience in water/wastewater operations and laboratory procedures.
• Must have knowledge of Wisconsin and Illinois permit limits for wastewater quality and wastewater treatment facility regulations.
• Experience in the design of water and wastewater projects including water plants and wastewater treatment plants.
• Experience with municipal utility district and/or experience with other local municipalities.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from other managers, clients, and the general public.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to explain technical issues to non-technical municipal staff and officials.
• Ability to work with local government staff and officials.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Must have a valid U.S. Driver's License.

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $140,000-$170,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits -

At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well-being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, cancer, and critical illnesses. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home on half Fridays and varied schedules. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well-being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer