Superintendent, Construction

American Water Co.; Plainfield (NJ); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) plan

Stock purchase plan

Medical coverage

Paid time off

Job summary

American Water is seeking a Superintendent, Construction in Plainfield, NJ to lead the Construction department and oversee water and wastewater infrastructure projects. You will ensure safety, schedule adherence, and budget compliance while coordinating with Engineering, Operations, and regulatory bodies.

The role requires supervising inspectors and managing contractor performance, with a focus on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• 2–5 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience overseeing contractors and utility construction projects preferred.
• Experience in water and/or wastewater utility operations preferred.
• Experience administering construction contracts and project documentation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct Construction Inspectors responsible for on-site inspection of capital, developer, and maintenance projects.
• Manage construction activities and contractor performance for water/wastewater projects, ensuring safety, schedule, and budget compliance.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and development for Inspectors.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Environmental teams for planning and closeout.
• Monitor contractor compliance with permits, safety standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Review project documentation for accuracy and completeness, including change orders and as-built drawings.
• Administer construction contracts, evaluate contractor performance, and manage payments and claims.
• Support capital project delivery by monitoring expenditures, risks, and forecasting resources.
• Represent the company as field liaison with contractors, municipalities, customers, and regulators.
• Promote continuous improvement and safety culture across field operations.

Skills

Water/wastewater construction

Engineering drawings

OSHA safety

NJDEP regulations

Project management

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Water Distribution License preferred

Tools

Project tracking systems

Job description

Share Our Purpose. Be Yourself. Feel Valued.

People are the heart of our business. As an American Water employee, you will be offered a competitive salary and health benefits package, along with opportunities to develop, grow, and evolve your career. Our benefits packages focus on key areas such as health & wellness, emotional & well-being, and savings for current & future goals.

We are Beautifully Different . We strongly believe having diversity across our company makes us more successful and helps us provide essential services to our customers. We are stronger because we embrace different ideas, viewpoints, experiences, and backgrounds. American Water is the best choice for your next role!

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

The base salary range represents a good faith salary range for this position. This position is eligible for annual incentive pay and has the opportunity for continued salary growth. If you are hired at American Water your base salary compensation will be determined based on factors such as market, geography, skills, education and/or experience. At American Water, we are committed to pay equity. In addition to compensation, you will be offered a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k),Defined Contribution Plan, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage, plus disability, paid time off, life insurance, voluntary benefits, health and wellness programs and much more!

• #LI-Onsite
• #LI-MR23

Primary Role:

The Superintendent, Construction is responsible for the direct supervision and leadership of Construction department and the oversight of water and wastewater infrastructure construction projects. Ensures construction activities are completed safely, efficiently, and in compliance with company standards, engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, project budgets, and schedules. Serves as the primary liaison between Engineering, Operations, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders throughout project execution.

Key Accountabilities:

• Supervise and direct Construction Inspectors responsible for the on-site inspection of capital, developer, and maintenance construction projects to ensure compliance with approved plans, specifications, permits, safety requirements, and company standards.
• Manage construction activities and contractor performance for water distribution, wastewater collection, treatment, facility, and infrastructure improvement projects. Ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with contract requirements.
• Provide leadership, coaching, training, and development for Construction Inspectors, fostering accountability, engagement, technical competency, and adherence to operational and safety standards.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Operations, Maintenance, and Environmental personnel to ensure effective project planning, execution, startup, and closeout activities. Resolve field issues impacting project delivery.
• Monitor and enforce contractor compliance with contract documents, permits, environmental requirements, utility regulations, company policies, and safety standards. Coordinate inspections with regulatory agencies and ensure required certifications and approvals are secured.
• Review project documentation, including daily reports, change orders, construction schedules, progress reports, pay applications, as-built drawings, and project closeout documentation for accuracy and completeness.
• Administer construction contracts by evaluating contractor performance, reviewing progress payments, managing construction-related claims, and recommending corrective actions when necessary.
• Support capital project delivery and financial performance by monitoring project expenditures, identifying risks, controlling costs, and assisting with budget forecasting and resource planning.
• Represent the Company as the primary field liaison with contractors, municipalities, customers, developers, and regulatory agencies regarding construction-related activities, project coordination, and service impacts.
• Promote continuous improvement and operational excellence by implementing best practices, enhancing construction oversight processes, improving communication across departments, and maintaining a strong culture of safety, quality, and accountability.

Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of water and wastewater utility construction practices, methods, materials, and standards.
• Knowledge of engineering drawings, specifications, surveying principles, and construction contract administration.
• Knowledge of federal, state, local, and company safety regulations, including OSHA requirements.
• Knowledge of NJDEP regulations, permitting processes, and utility construction requirements.
• Understanding of project management principles, scheduling methodologies, and critical path scheduling.

Experience/Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• 2-5 years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Experience overseeing contractors and utility construction projects preferred.
• Experience in water and/or wastewater utility operations preferred.
• Experience administering construction contracts and project documentation preferred
• Water Distribution License preferred.

Travel Requirements:

• Role will be Monday through Friday 8am to 430pm
• Must be able to report to our Plainfield office.
• Must be able to travel for meetings.

Skills:

• Strong process, project, and program management skills.
• Sound business acumen and judgment.
• Effective quantitative and analytical skills; attention to detail.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills (e.g., report writing, listening, plan reading and creating, and presentation).
• Strong interpersonal skills (e.g., tact/diplomacy, persuasion, team building, cooperation, leadership, ability to motivate others.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, and project tracking systems.
• Office environment with occasional outdoor work and visits to treatment plants or system facilities.
• On-call responsibility.
• Must be for available for weekends and holidays.

Join American Water... We Keep Life Flowing ™

American Water is firmly committed to Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and prohibits employment discrimination for employees and applicants based on his or her age, race, color, pregnancy, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, religion, marital status, citizenship, or because they arean individual with a disability, protected veteran or other status protected by federal, state, and local laws.