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Chicago Water Management Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineering Construction Project Manager

Chicago, IL · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) Program Services team will oversee the delivery of multi-year $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects to improve Chicago's water ...

Water Plant Operator

North Chicago, IL · On-site

$59K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Public Works Distribution Center (Utilities), North Chicago, IL Job Type: Full Time Job Number: 103 ... water management systems, and reasoning ability and skills generally obtained by successful ...

Water Plant Operator

North Chicago, IL

$59K - $76K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... water management systems, and reasoning ability and skills generally obtained by successful ... Further guidance is provided by the City of North Chicago personnel rules,Employee Handbook, SEIU ...

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Job Number: 417047 Description BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Administrative Assistant Chicago Department of Water Management Bureau of Water Supply Number of Positions: One (1) ...

BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Administrative Assistant Chicago Department of Water Management Bureau of Water Supply Number of Positions: One (1) (Additional vacancies possible pending budget approval ...

Post-doctoral Fellow

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50K - $68K/yr

... Campus Chicago-Water Tower Campus Department Name EDUCATION PROGRAM Location Code SCHOOL OF ... Experience in supporting and/or managing grants and logistics, including tracking that grant ...

SANITARY ENGINEER III Job Number: 416129 Description BID/JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Sanitary Engineer III, G07 Chicago Department of Water Management Water Quality Division Number of Positions: Two (2) ...

New

Construction Resident Engineer (Chicago)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $120K/yr

  • Retirement

You'll be integral to our construction projects throughout the City of Chicago with the Chicago Department of Water Management and/or Chicago Department of Transportation. Projects may include ...

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Chicago Water Management information

See salary details

$21K

$63.1K

$125.5K

How much do chicago water management jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for chicago water management in the United States is $63,064.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37,500.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Chicago Water Management?

Chicago Water Management involves overseeing the operation, maintenance, and improvement of water supply and wastewater systems in the city. Professionals in this field typically work with water treatment plants, pipelines, and related infrastructure, often requiring technical skills and certifications in water systems or environmental management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in Chicago Water Management, and why are they important?

To excel in Chicago Water Management, you need expertise in water systems operations, infrastructure maintenance, and regulatory compliance, often supported by engineering or environmental science degrees and relevant licenses. Familiarity with GIS software, SCADA systems, and water quality testing equipment is typically required. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and communication skills help professionals address emergencies and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. These skills are vital to ensure safe, reliable water services and compliance with public health and environmental standards.

What is the difference between Chicago Water Management vs Chicago Water Treatment Operator?

AspectChicago Water ManagementChicago Water Treatment Operator
CertificationsWater operator licenses, EPA certificationsWater treatment operator licenses, EPA certifications
Work EnvironmentSupervisory roles, planning, infrastructure managementOperating treatment equipment, monitoring water quality
Industry UsageOversees water systems, policy implementationHandles daily water treatment processes

Chicago Water Management involves overseeing water systems, planning, and policy, often requiring supervisory skills and management certifications. In contrast, Chicago Water Treatment Operators focus on operating treatment equipment and maintaining water quality, requiring specific operational licenses. Both roles are essential in the water industry but differ in responsibilities and scope.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Chicago Water Management, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Chicago Water Management often encounter challenges such as aging infrastructure, unpredictable weather events, and the need for regulatory compliance. Addressing these issues typically involves close collaboration with engineers, field crews, and city planners to prioritize repairs, implement technology upgrades, and coordinate emergency responses. Regular training, robust communication systems, and proactive maintenance planning are essential strategies used to mitigate these challenges and ensure the delivery of safe, reliable water services to residents.

Is water management a good career?

Water management is a vital field that involves overseeing water resources, infrastructure, and quality. It often requires technical skills, certifications, and knowledge of environmental regulations, making it a stable and essential career choice for those interested in public service and environmental sustainability.

What cities are hiring for Chicago Water Management jobs?

Cities with the most Chicago Water Management job openings:

What states have the most Chicago Water Management jobs?

States with the most job openings for Chicago Water Management jobs include:

Infographic showing various Chicago Water Management job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Part Time. Highlights an 90% In-person, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,064 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Engineering Construction Project Manager

MacKay

Chicago, IL

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago


Job description

We are looking for a full-time Engineering Construction Project Manager - Water Facilities to join our team in Chicago, IL. This Project Manager on the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) Program Services team will oversee the delivery of multi-year $3.9 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects to improve Chicago's water infrastructure.

Highly qualified candidates would be engineers with construction management experience in large municipal capital improvement programs with a Design-Bid-Build delivery mechanism. Experience managing and collaborating on large joint venture projects is preferred; experience with water infrastructure projects is also preferred.

The Engineering Construction Manager will represent the Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) and oversee the construction of a range of CIP projects.

We provide a comfortable, collaborative work environment with flexible work arrangements. We're committed to our work - but we also value fun. If that sounds like a good fit, let's talk. Relocation assistance is available for highly qualified candidates.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Serve as the Construction Manager responsible for supporting DWM with providing oversight on improvements to major water system facilities that include water purification plants, intake structures, pumping stations, reservoirs, and hydraulic structures. buildings/structure and large conveyance for raw and finished water supply tunnels.
  • Manage construction of water facilities with multi-disciplinary improvements (e.g., electrical, mechanical, structural, processes, and architectural).
  • Provide oversight to electrical/mechanical equipment commissioning.
  • Manage project teams and monitor consultants' compliance with contractual commitments.
  • Manage the process of hiring a resident engineer who are a part of on-call engineering firms and a field inspector to oversee the construction of projects.
  • Work in conjunction with the Resident Engineer to ensure the work is executed in accordance with the contract documents.
  • May manage all phases of construction projects (from beginning to close out).
  • Manages project schedules and budgets.
  • Coordinates and communicates project progress with the client.
  • Facilitates and resolves project issues and scope changes with the design team and the client.
  • Works mostly independently but receives basic instruction on specific assignments, objectives, complex features, and possible solutions.
  • Monitors and reports the financial and completion status of projects to the client.
  • Receives technical guidance on unusual or complex problems and supervisory approval on proposed plans for projects.
  • Involves occasional field work at facilities related to design and construction projects.
  • Manages one or more moderately complex design projects, involving coordination of multiple engineering disciplines, consultants, and/or various agencies.
  • Supervise other engineering and technical staff.
  • Performs such other duties as the supervisor may deem necessary from time to time.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in civil, structural, mechanical engineering or a related discipline
  • 6+ years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education.
  • Demonstrate interpersonal skills, including client interaction, public speaking, and persuasive ability.
  • Strong project financial management, along with the ability to lead diverse, multi-disciplined teams

Preferred qualifications:

  • Professional Engineering license in Illinois or the ability to obtain one within the first 6 months of employment.
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
  • 10-15+ years of progressive experience in Water/Wastewater Facilities as an engineer and project manager.
  • Experience working on municipal projects.
Why Join MacKay?

A people-first culture
At MacKay, we put people first. We are committed to creating an environment where employees can grow, contribute, and do their best work. We support well-being, encourage balance, and create space for people to succeed both professionally and personally.

Meaningful work and real impact
Our teams take on complex infrastructure and environmental challenges that support critical systems and shape the places where people live and work. Every role contributes to delivering that work and making it successful.

Growth and opportunity
We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding across geographies, services, and markets. That growth creates opportunities for our employees to take on new challenges, build their careers, and contribute in new ways as the company evolves.

A strong and trusted foundation
Built on more than 50 years of experience, MacKay has developed a reputation for quality work, strong relationships, and dependable results. You'll be part of a team with a solid foundation and a clear direction for the future.

Opportunities to share in success
We provide opportunities for employees to participate in ownership and build long-term financial value as the company grows.

Our Values

At MacKay, our values guide how we work, collaborate, and support one another.

  • Honesty. We build trust through transparency, integrity, and accountability.
  • Dedication. We are committed to the success of our team members, clients, and communities.
  • Relationships. We foster lasting connections that strengthen our work and the teams around us.
Who We Are

MacKay is an infrastructure and environmental services firm built on more than 50 years of experience and a growing collective of expertise.

We are in an exciting phase of growth, expanding our reach, strengthening our capabilities, and bringing together talented teams across the country. That growth is creating new opportunities for our employees to take on meaningful work, collaborate across disciplines, and build long-term careers.

Every role at MacKay contributes to the success of our projects and the clients we serve. Whether your work is technical or operational, you are part of a team that delivers quality, builds relationships, and moves projects forward.

We're looking for dedicated, talented individuals who deliver excellence, thrive in collaborative environments, and value both meaningful work and work-life balance. If this sounds like you, we'd like to hear from you. 

In February 2026, 2IM joined forces with MacKay Sposito; this partnership represents a thoughtful, long-term step forward-expanding our capabilities, geographic reach, and resources while preserving the leadership, culture, and client relationships that define 2IM.

About 2IM:

2IM is a multidisciplinary engineering and environmental services firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Our team delivers planning, design, construction management, and program management services across transportation, infrastructure, utilities, aviation, and facilities markets. We are known for our technical expertise, responsiveness, and strong client relationships built on trust and performance.

During this initial integration period, 2IM continues to operate under its current brand, with our leadership and project teams remaining in place. At the same time, we now have the backing of a 350-person organization with expanded technical depth and opportunities across the Pacific Northwest, Southwest, and Midwest.

Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as various market and business considerations.