Title: Engineering Project Manager (Drinking Water)
Job Type: Full-time exempt
Organization: Community Water Center
Location: Based in Watsonville, CA. All candidates for this position must be able to report in-person to the office and/or project area(s) as needed for job responsibilities or requested by supervisor (estimated one day per week, but may be more or less).
Organization Description
The Community Water Center (CWC) acts as a catalyst for community-driven water solutions through organizing, education, and advocacy in California. CWC has offices in Visalia, Watsonville and Sacramento, CA. The Center employs four primary strategies in order to accomplish our goals:
- Educate, organize, and build the capacity of low-income communities and communities of color to address local drinking water challenges.
- Support low-income communities and communities of color in the development of drinking water solutions through technical assistance projects.
- Advocate for systemic change to address the root causes of unsafe drinking water in California.
- Serve as a resource for information and center of expertise on community water challenges.
CWC’s team is passionate, dynamic, and believes in the cause of water justice and making real change that is driven directly by impacted communities themselves. Our organizing and advocacy work, community collaborations, and organizational culture all reflect a concern for equity, mutual respect, appreciation for diversity, and environmental and social justice.
Position Description
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Engineering Project Manager to lead and manage drinking water infrastructure projects. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil or environmental engineering, with a focus on public works and project management. This position is funded by both federal and state grants, requiring navigation through multiple funding sources and ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations in a timely manner. This position is responsible for managing all activities concerned with the implementation of one to two large infrastructure projects from planning to completion. This position will report to Roxanne Reimer, Sr. Community Solutions Manager.
Major Responsibilities
- Coordinate and maintain effective and timely communication with various stakeholders, including water purveyors, government agencies, consultants, contractors, community organizers and community members.
- Interact with stakeholders, consultants and governmental agencies to coordinate land acquisition, easements, right of ways, permits, certificates, and other project approvals as needed for project advancement.
- Navigate and ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and requirements for federal and state funding.
- Monitor and manage project schedule and ensure strict adherence to project timelines and task deadlines.
- Coordinate with state and federal regulatory and funding agencies
- Coordinate with contractors and stakeholders in the field as applicable to the project
- Lead contracting and contract management for consultants and contractors (development of scopes of work, deliverables, timelines, and specific tasks; conducting contracting process as required by funding sources; managing contract including oversight, deliverable review, budget tracking, invoice review, etc.)
- Prepare detailed project reports and documentation as needed for funding requirements.
- Proactively identify and resolve project-related issues and barriers.
General Duties
- Foster an environment that promotes trust, respect and cooperation amongst staff, management, community members, and affiliate organizations.
- Attend and actively participate in staff, management, planning, and program meetings; reporting processes; and staff retreats.
- Other duties as assigned by the Executive Director, Supervisor and other Directors.
Note: Nothing in this position description restricts CWC’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Construction Management or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in project management within the public works water infrastructure sector
- Strong project management skills (e.g., planning, organizing, directing, monitoring, and reporting on project activities)
- Demonstrated ability to manage and adhere to strict project timelines
- Experience contracting and managing sub consultants within federal procurement regulations
- Knowledge and experience in Engineering, Project Management and Construction Management practices related to planning, design, construction and operations of drinking water infrastructure
- Knowledge of applicable safety and environmental regulations, federal and state water quality and design regulations, and technical standards
- Knowledge of applicable state and federal regulations pertaining to state and federally funded projects
- Experience managing infrastructure projects funded by federal and state grants.
- Financial analysis skills, including budget management and basic accounting knowledge
- Strong interpersonal skills (tact/diplomacy, persuasion, cooperation, ability to identify issues and move forward with shared solutions, ability to motivate others) and ability to effectively interact with colleagues, governmental agencies, consultants, and the public
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills (e.g., presentation, listening, report writing)
- Proficiency in the use of word processing, spreadsheet, flow-charting, project scheduling, and project management software and tools
Preferred Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license
- Project Management Professional Certification
- Experience working with low-income communities and/or communities of color
- Experience relevant to household rainwater catchment systems and water efficiency
Starting Date: January 16, 2025
Salary Range: $100,000 – $120,000 per year (based on experience and qualifications)
Application: To apply, email resume and cover letter to careers@communitywatercenter.org
Benefits: We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits package which includes: medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement contributions; generous vacation, family and sick leave and holiday policies; hybrid (remote and in-person) work location policy; work from home reimbursements; flex-time; professional development opportunities and more. (Benefits guidelines and eligibility vary based on tenure and employment status, among other factors.)
Community Water Center is a 501(c)(3) organization. As such employees may be able to participate in the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.
To learn more about the Community Water Center, visit our website at www.communitywatercenter.org