Project Manager Operator Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

MKN (an Ardurra company) is seeking a Project Manager - Water/Wastewater to join our team ideally in Bakersfield, CA.

We are a team-oriented and highly motivated group with offices in Irvine, Oceanside, Arroyo Grande, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, Fresno, San Jose, Ventura, and Santa Clarita. MKN strongly believes in and understands the importance of balancing work and personal life. Our recent awards, from Great Place to Work and Zweig Top Firms, are a testament to this value and the support we provide to our fellow team members. Our collaborative work environment and inclusive operating philosophy allow us to maintain a positive work culture while providing excellent service to our clients.

Primary Function: 

This position will oversee the planning, design, and execution of infrastructure projects. This position requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality solutions for water and wastewater systems.

Primary Duties: 

• Manage all aspects of water and wastewater infrastructure projects, including treatment plants, pipelines, pumping stations, and collection/distribution systems.
• Develop and oversee project schedules, budgets, scopes, and deliverables to ensure timely and cost-effective completion.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, stakeholders, and regulatory agencies, fostering strong relationships and clear communication.
• Lead and coordinate multidisciplinary teams, including engineers, consultants, contractors, and support staff, to achieve project objectives.
• Ensure all projects comply with applicable local, state, and federal regulations, as well as industry standards and best practices.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, construction documents, and project documentation for clients and stakeholders.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation strategies to address project challenges and changes.
• Support business development efforts by identifying potential opportunities, preparing proposals, and participating in client meetings.
• Mentor and guide junior team members, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.

Education and Experience Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Environmental, or related Engineering field (Master’s preferred).
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• 8+ years of experience in water and wastewater engineering, with at least 3 years of progressive experience in project management.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multidisciplinary projects from inception to completion.
• Strong knowledge of water and wastewater treatment processes, infrastructure systems, and construction methods.
• Proficiency in project management software, as well as engineering tools like AutoCAD, Civil 3D, and hydraulic modeling software.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, schedules, and resources effectively.

Compensation & Benefits:
Compensation is based on experience and qualifications. The salary range for this position is $150,000 to $175,000. The firm offers a competitive salary and benefits, and most importantly, an opportunity for engagement and support from an engineering team that has led major regional and national water resource projects.

Why Ardurra?

While Ardurra offers competitive compensation and rich benefits programs, it is our culture that truly sets us apart from our peers. We nurture a family-like culture, striving to create a work environment that is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding but also fun.  We are acutely focused on developing our staff, whether through our internal Ardurra Academy or through our industry-leading Leadership program. We have made a deliberate and focused commitment to nurture a people-centric culture where people are: valued as individuals; supported in their professional and career development with multiple, varied career paths; provided the tools and resources to be successful, engaged, and satisfied in their work; and positive benefits, time-off programs, and flexibility to help maintain a healthy balance between work and home. 

Ardurra is an Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or sexual orientation.

NOTICE TO THIRD PARTY AGENCIES:

Ardurra does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of a signed Agency Agreement, Ardurra will not consider or agree to payment of any referral compensation or recruiter fee. If a resume or candidate is submitted to any hiring manager without a previously signed agreement, Ardurra reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. These candidates will be considered property of Ardurra. We’re not currently looking to add any more agencies to our list of approved vendors, so please do not contact any of our managers or recruitment team with sales calls or details of your candidates.

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