Water/Wastewater Engineering Project Lead

GAI Consultants, Inc.; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical, dental, and vision plans

401(k) with company match

Generous paid time off

Job summary

GAI Consultants, Inc. is looking for a project engineer in Jacksonville, Florida to lead municipal water/wastewater projects. With over 10 years of relevant experience, the candidate will manage projects across the full life cycle and build strong client relationships.

This role provides opportunities for professional growth and competitive compensation, along with a comprehensive benefits package including health plans and paid time off.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of water/wastewater engineering experience in a consulting environment.
• Experience managing projects and coordinating with clients and stakeholders.
• Proactive and self-directed with a mentorship interest.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning, design, permitting, and construction services for municipal projects.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, quality, and overall project execution.
• Build relationships with municipal clients and support business development.

Skills

Water/Wastewater Engineering

Project Management

Client Coordination

Technical Delivery

Mentoring

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering

Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Florida

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil 3D

ArcGIS

Hydraulic/Design Modeling Software

Job description

If you are a water/wastewater consulting engineer with 10+ years of experience and want more ownership of your work, stronger visibility with clients, and a clearer path into leadership, this is the kind of opportunity worth exploring. GAI Consultants is growing its Florida Water Division and is looking for a project engineer who can lead meaningful municipal infrastructure work, build trusted client relationships, and help expand a high-potential practice in one of the country’s most active water markets.

Why This Role Stands Out

This role offers the chance to work across the full project life cycle—from planning and design through permitting, construction, and start-up—while playing a visible part in client development and practice growth. It is well suited for someone coming from another consulting firm who wants to move beyond execution alone and step into broader influence, stronger career momentum, and a more strategic role in shaping project outcomes and market presence.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support planning, design, permitting, and construction-phase services for municipal water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including collection and distribution systems, pump stations, storage facilities, treatment plants, and renewal and replacement programs.
• Take ownership of technical delivery across project phases, including concept development, design calculations, plans and specifications, cost estimating, permitting coordination, bid support, and construction documentation.
• Manage projects and client coordination with responsibility for scope, schedule, budget, quality, and overall execution.
• Lead technical tasks such as design calculations, plans preparation, hydraulic modeling, master planning, alternative analysis, project prioritization, equipment selection, and capital improvement planning.
• Build strong relationships with municipal clients and support business development through opportunity identification, proposals, interviews, and presentations.
• Mentor junior engineers and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

What We’re Looking For

• Approximately 10+ years of water/wastewater engineering experience, ideally in a consulting environment serving municipal clients.
• Strong background in planning, design, permitting, and construction support for water and wastewater infrastructure.
• Experience managing projects and coordinating directly with clients, stakeholders, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to combine technical strength, sound judgment, and client awareness to solve complex engineering challenges.
• A proactive, self-directed style with interest in mentoring others and contributing to practice growth.

Qualifications

• B.S. in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering; master’s degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) license in Florida.
• Working knowledge of tools such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, and hydraulic/design modeling software.

Travel

• Intermittent travel is expected at approximately 10% to 30% for client meetings, site visits, collaboration across offices, and business development activities.

Benefits To Working at GAI Include:

Competitive Pay & Recognition

• Market based, competitive compensation
• Performance driven recognition and development bonuses

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

• Medical, dental, and vision plans
• Company paid short-term and long-term disability
• Company paid life insurance
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources

Meaningful Work–Life Balance

• Generous paid time off + 7 paid holidays
• An additional floating holiday—use it for what matters to you
• Paid maternity, paternity, and adoption leave

Growth, Learning & Financial Security

• 401(k) with company match
• Tuition reimbursement
• Support and rewards for professional development and certifications