Water/Wastewater Project Engineer — Start in Construction

Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Lake Wales (FL); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a respected Southeast general contractor, is seeking a Project Engineer to support water/wastewater projects in Lake Wales, FL. This entry-level role works with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field staff to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and strict adherence to company standards.

You will assist with documentation, scheduling, procurement tracking, subcontractor coordination, and field operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
• 0 to 3 years of construction-related experience preferred (internships or co-op welcome).
• Basic understanding of construction processes and project management principles.
• Ability to communicate and coordinate with PMs, Superintendents, and Foremen.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency with MS Office including Excel, Word, Outlook, and MS Project.
• Familiarity with construction management software and scheduling tools.
• Knowledge of surveying fundamentals and construction safety practices.
• Willingness to obtain OSHA 10-Hour, First Aid & CPR, Trenching, Scaffolding, Rigging, Confined Space, Fall Protection, Silica Awareness, and Risk Management training.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and update project documentation including RFIs, submittals, shop drawings, meeting minutes, logs, and reports.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, and contract documents; track responses.
• Support scheduling efforts including updates and milestone tracking.
• Coordinate distribution of documents to subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel.
• Assist with procurement activities including material tracking and vendor communication.
• Support closeout with manuals, warranties, as-built drawings, turnover docs, and spare parts.
• Participate in owner/subcontractor/internal meetings and document them.
• Conduct regular site visits to monitor progress and support field operations.
• Assist with startup, commissioning, testing, inspections, and owner turnover.
• Support safety and quality control procedures.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Verbal & written communication

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Scheduling tools

Surveying fundamentals

Construction safety practices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

Microsoft Office

Excel

Word

Outlook

Microsoft Project

Job description

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a respected Southeast general contractor, is seeking a Project Engineer to support water/wastewater projects in Lake Wales, FL. This entry-level role works with Project Managers, Superintendents, and field staff to ensure on-time, on-budget delivery and strict adherence to company standards.

You will assist with documentation, scheduling, procurement tracking, subcontractor coordination, and field operations.