Utilities Program Manager

MassDevelopment; Harvard (MA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision coverage

401(a) retirement plan

457(b) retirement plan

Paid leave

Job summary

MassDevelopment in Massachusetts seeks an experienced Utilities Program Manager to oversee the Devens water and wastewater systems, leading contractor oversight, regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and utility projects.

You will coordinate permits, inspections, and reporting, manage capital projects, monitor performance, and collaborate with Engineering, Real Estate, and Finance to ensure reliable service and sustainable infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Experience leading water/wastewater operations or infrastructure programs.
• Strong regulatory knowledge, including MassDEP and EPA requirements.
• Contractor and project management experience with budgets and schedules.
• Ability to interpret engineering and operational data for decisions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Devens water and wastewater systems, managing contractors and ensuring compliance.
• Coordinate permits, inspections, reporting, and environmental compliance programs.
• Develop understanding of infrastructure and regulatory calendars for operations.
• Provide owner’s oversight for capital improvement projects, including design review and scheduling.
• Review plans, vendor recommendations, and system capacity to guide decisions.
• Prepare procurement documents: RFPs, scopes, specs, and deliverables.
• Analyze operational, financial, and billing data to improve efficiency and revenue.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Real Estate, and Finance to deliver utility initiatives.

Skills

Utilities operations

Regulatory compliance

Contract oversight

Project management

Data analysis

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

Bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering

Massachusetts PE license

Massachusetts water/wastewater operator license

Tools

Bentley GIS

Hydro modeling

Regulatory reporting software

Job description

Who We Are: MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, delivers financing solutions, real estate expertise, and other assistance to strengthen and grow the Massachusetts economy. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, developers, banks, and municipalities to help create jobs, build housing, and foster vibrant communities across the state. We value diverse perspectives, encourage innovation, and are committed to building a stronger Massachusetts.

We’re seeking an experienced Utilities Program Manager to oversee the critical water and wastewater systems that support the Devens community. As MassDevelopment’s internal subject‑matter expert, you will lead contractor oversight, regulatory compliance, infrastructure planning, and utility projects while taking meaningful ownership of these essential operations.

What You'll Do

• Lead the oversight of the Devens water and wastewater systems by managing operations and maintenance contractors, monitoring performance, and ensuring contract compliance to maintain safe, reliable utility operations.
• Ensure compliance with MassDEP, EPA, and other regulatory requirements by managing permits, inspections, reporting, and environmental compliance programs while maintaining accurate and timely regulatory submissions.
• Develop a strong understanding of the Devens utility infrastructure, operating requirements, and regulatory calendar to effectively manage system operations and compliance.
• Provide owner's oversight for water and wastewater capital improvement projects, including design review, contractor coordination, scheduling, budgeting, and project delivery to support long‑term infrastructure reliability.
• Oversee the Cross Connection Control and Industrial Pretreatment Programs while monitoring system performance, infrastructure conditions, and operational data to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Review engineering studies, vendor recommendations, construction plans, and system capacity to support informed operational decisions and future infrastructure planning.
• Prepare and manage procurement documents, including requests for proposals (RFPs), scopes of work, technical specifications, and contractor deliverables.
• Analyze operational, financial, customer billing, and utility performance data to improve regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, system reliability, cost management, and utility revenue.
• Establish effective processes to manage permits, inspections, projects, budgets, contractor performance, and regulatory deadlines while ensuring accountability and timely execution.
• Build strong partnerships with contractors, consulting engineers, regulators, customers, and internal teams, including Engineering, Real Estate, and Finance, to deliver exceptional customer service and advance strategic utility initiatives.
• Evaluate infrastructure priorities and provide recommendations that strengthen system reliability, support long‑term capital planning, and ensure the continued sustainability of the Devens water and wastewater systems.

What We’re Looking For

• 5+ years of directly related experience in water and/or wastewater operations, utility engineering, environmental compliance, infrastructure management, or utility construction, with experience supporting complex water and wastewater systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, environmental engineering, environmental science, public health, business administration, or a related field preferred; equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience will be considered.
• Massachusetts water and/or wastewater operator license (Grade 2 or higher preferred), with advanced operator certification valued.
• Massachusetts Professional Engineer (PE) license or ability to obtain preferred.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater operations, treatment and distribution systems, infrastructure maintenance, construction practices, and system troubleshooting.
• Experience ensuring compliance with MassDEP, EPA, and other regulatory requirements, including environmental permits, regulatory reporting, compliance documentation, Annual Statistical Reports, Consumer Confidence Reports, and related submissions.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing contractors, consultants, technical projects, or utility service providers, with the ability to manage schedules, budgets, deliverables, and multiple priorities.
• Ability to review and interpret technical reports, construction plans, engineering recommendations, operational data, regulatory requirements, and system performance information to support informed decision‑making.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, including experience supporting utility budgets, billing review, flow monitoring, product accounting, capital planning, and operational performance analysis.
• Excellent project management, communication, presentation, and customer service skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with contractors, regulators, consultants, customers, and internal stakeholders.
• Strong judgment, attention to detail, organization, and follow‑through, with the ability to work independently and proactively identify and address operational, compliance, or infrastructure concerns.
• Proficiency with business productivity, data management, project tracking, reporting, and technical software, including spreadsheet and database applications.
• Experience operating, managing, or supporting municipal water and wastewater facilities preferred.
• Familiarity with Massachusetts environmental regulations and experience with utility mapping, modeling, and data management platforms, including Bentley GIS, Hydro water‑utility modeling, or similar systems preferred.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance to support you and your family.
• Retirement Readiness: Robust 401(a) and 457(b) plans with agency match.
• Generous Paid Leave: Vacation, sick time, personal days, and holidays.
• Work‑Life Support: Flexibility that supports balance while meeting the position’s operational and on‑site responsibilities.
• Investment in You: Tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, and opportunities for continued learning.
• Wellness Support: Resources and programs to help you thrive personally and professionally.
• Meaningful Public Impact: The opportunity to oversee essential infrastructure that supports businesses, residents, and continued economic development at Devens.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie‑detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.