Job Title: Program Manager Municipal Water and Wastewater InfrastructureJob DescriptionThe Program Manager will lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale municipal water and wastewater infrastructure programs across the Washington, DC metropolitan area. This role serves as the primary point of contact for utility clients and public agencies and oversees multiple concurrent projects involving water and wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, pipelines, utility improvements, and capital improvement programs. The Program Manager will coordinate multidisciplinary teams to ensure projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with regulatory requirements and client objectives, while also playing a strategic role in shaping long-term infrastructure investment and delivery programs.
Responsibilities
- Lead the planning, execution, and delivery of large-scale municipal water and wastewater infrastructure programs from inception through construction and closeout.
- Serve as the primary point of contact for municipal utility clients, public agencies, and key industry stakeholders throughout all phases of program delivery.
- Oversee multiple concurrent capital improvement projects, including water treatment plants, wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, pipelines, and utility rehabilitation initiatives.
- Manage project scope, schedule, budget, and risk across a portfolio of multi-million-dollar capital improvement projects to ensure alignment with client objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Coordinate and direct multidisciplinary teams of engineers, consultants, contractors, and utility stakeholders to deliver high-quality, technically sound solutions.
- Ensure all projects comply with applicable regulations, standards, and permitting requirements related to water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Monitor project performance, identify issues or risks, and implement corrective actions to maintain budget, schedule, quality, and safety goals.
- Act as a trusted advisor to municipal leaders, utility executives, and public agencies by providing strategic guidance on infrastructure planning and program delivery.
- Mentor and develop project managers and engineering staff, providing guidance, feedback, and support to build technical and leadership capabilities within the team.
- Foster strong client relationships by maintaining clear communication, managing expectations, and ensuring high levels of client satisfaction.
- Support strategic growth initiatives by contributing to long-term infrastructure investment planning, program development, and business development activities.
- Prepare and review project documentation, including reports, schedules, budgets, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
- Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across all program and project activities.
Essential Skills
- Extensive program management experience leading large-scale municipal water and wastewater infrastructure programs from planning through construction.
- Strong background in construction management and project management for capital improvement projects.
- In-depth understanding of water treatment plants, wastewater treatment facilities, pump stations, force mains, gravity sewer systems, and water distribution networks.
- Demonstrated experience managing multidisciplinary teams consisting of engineers, consultants, contractors, and utility stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
- Comprehensive knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements related to water and wastewater infrastructure.
- Exceptional leadership skills with a track record of driving project delivery and program-level performance.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, including experience working directly with municipal leaders, utility executives, and public agencies.
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to convey complex technical and programmatic information clearly to diverse audiences.
- Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of relevant infrastructure experience, including municipal client engagement experience.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is highly desirable.
- Experience delivering multi-million-dollar capital improvement programs in the water and wastewater sector.
- background in environmental engineering, water, and wastewater systems design and operations.
- Experience mentoring and developing project managers and engineering teams.
- Proven ability to act as a trusted advisor to municipal utility clients and public agencies.
- Experience supporting strategic growth initiatives and long-term infrastructure investment planning.
Work EnvironmentThis role is based 100% on-site at a major wastewater treatment plant in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The Program Manager will work in a professional office environment located within an operating wastewater treatment facility, collaborating closely with engineering teams, operations staff, contractors, and utility stakeholders. The position involves regular interaction with complex treatment plant, pipeline, and utility infrastructure projects, requiring frequent coordination with field and plant personnel. The environment combines office-based program management activities with close proximity to active industrial and construction settings, where adherence to safety protocols and appropriate attire for a treatment plant and construction-adjacent environment is expected. Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC. Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $62.50 - $84.13/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
Medical, dental & vision Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents) Short and long-term disability Health Spending Account (HSA) Transportation benefits Employee Assistance Program Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave) Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract to Hire position based out of Washington, DC. Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Nov 9, 2026. Workplace TypeThis is a fully onsite position in Washington,DC.About Actalent
Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 20,000 consultants and 5,000 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be an Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500 Design Firm for our engineering design services and a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing® winner for both client and talent service.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
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.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.