Project Manager – Water Distribution Assessment Program

The Project Manager - Valve & Hydrant Assessment Program (Civil Engineer III) serves as a specialized technical lead and owner's representative responsible for project managing a major municipal valve and hydrant assessment, inspection, and flow testing program for a key utility client. Acting on behalf of the client, this position directly oversees and manages the primary vendor/contractor executing field assessment activities.

Key responsibilities include rigorous submittal and invoice reviews, establishing operational workflows and asset assessment criteria, performing quality assurance on field data, and ensuring strict compliance with client specifications and safety protocols.

What you will do:

• Client Contract & Contractor Oversight: Serve as the primary Project Manager overseeing the third-party valve and hydrant assessment vendor, ensuring work is performed strictly within agreed scope, schedule, budget, and performance standards.
• Workflow & Assessment Criteria Development: Collaborate with client operations teams and the contractor to establish, refine, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), assessment criteria, and field workflow guidelines for valve exercising, operational scoring, and hydrant flow testing.
• Submittal & Technical Document Review: Conduct comprehensive reviews of contractor submittals, field methodology plans, GIS/asset management updates, traffic control plans, and technical reporting for compliance with utility engineering standards.
• Invoice & Pay Application Authorization: Review and validate monthly pay applications, contractor invoices, itemized quantities, and milestone deliverables against field verification logs and quality control documentation.
• Quality Assurance & Field Audit Oversight: Perform routine field audits and quality assurance checks on vendor operations, verifying accuracy of valve/hydrant operational assessments, GPS mapping, condition scoring, and leak detection records.
• Data & GIS Integration Coordination: Ensure seamless integration of contractor field assessment data into the client's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and GIS enterprise databases.
• Stakeholder & Client Communication: Facilitate regular progress meetings, deliver monthly executive progress reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and address client operational inquiries or community concerns proactively.
• Risk Management & Safety Compliance: Monitor program risks, water quality/discoloration risks during valve operations, high-pressure zone isolations, & traffic management.
• Asset Condition Induction and CIP support: Partner with clients to evaluate program outcomes, leveraging asset condition insights to define priority Capital Improvement Project (CIP) needs and establish long-term asset management strategies.

Who you are:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field from an ABET-accredited institution.
• 6-8 years of progressively responsible civil/water resources engineering experience.
• Minimum 3-5 years of direct experience managing or oversight of water utility infrastructure programs, specifically including distribution system appurtenances (valves, hydrants, water mains).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license required (District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia preferred, or ability to obtain).
• Water Distribution Appurtenances: In-depth technical knowledge of water distribution system components including gate valves, butterfly valves, pressure reducing valves (PRVs), backflow preventers, and fire hydrants.
• Contract & Vendor Management: Proven ability to manage specialized field contractors, negotiate task orders, review pay requests, and track deliverable quality.
• Utility Asset Management & CMMS: Familiarity with asset condition assessment frameworks, AWWA standards (e.g., M44 Distribution Valves, M17 Fire Hydrants), GIS spatial data tools, and CMMS software (e.g., Cityworks, Maximo).
• Project Management Proficiency: Strong skills in scheduling, scope control, risk mitigation, and budget tracking utilizing project management digital software.
• Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional oral and written communication skills to articulate technical findings, interface with utility leadership, and resolve contractor disputes efficiently.

At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work - we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you:

• Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage - Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health!
• Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability - We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns.
• Voluntary Coverages - Take control of your well-being with added coverage options.
• Discounted Gym Membership - Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals.
• Competitive Base Salary - Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Build your future with confidence.
• Professional Development Incentives - Get rewarded for growing your skills - including bonuses for earning your P.E. License.
• Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) - Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc..
• Employee Education & Development Program - Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward.
• Generous PTO + Paid Holidays - Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most.
• Paid Parental Leave - Bond with your new arrival - and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers!
• Extracurricular Sports Teams - Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock.
• Employee Recognition Program - Be celebrated for the impact you make.
• Employee Referral Bonus - Bring great people on board and get paid for it.
• Transit Benefits Program - Save on your daily commute.
• Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate - Milhouse Charities.