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Water Project Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager, Water

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec's Chicago, Illinois Water Team has an opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced Civil Engineer with project management and municipal experience, particularly in ...

Project Manager, Water

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $145K/yr

Your Opportunity Stantec's Chicago, Illinois Water Team has an opportunity for a highly motivated and experienced Civil Engineer with project management and municipal experience, particularly in ...

Mitigation Project Manager Clean USA Water Mold & Fire Ready to Build a Career That Rewards Drive, Skill, and Integrity? Clean USA Water Mold & Fire has been helping Chicagoland homeowners recover ...

Mitigation Project Manager Clean USA Water Mold & Fire Ready to Build a Career That Rewards Drive, Skill, and Integrity? Clean USA Water Mold & Fire has been helping Chicagoland homeowners recover ...

Mitigation Project Manager Clean USA Water Mold & Fire Ready to Build a Career That Rewards Drive, Skill, and Integrity? Clean USA Water Mold & Fire has been helping Chicagoland homeowners recover ...

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Showing results 1-20

Water Project Manager information

See Illinois salary details

$37.3K

$99.5K

$157K

How much do water project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for water project manager in Illinois is $99,501.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,100.00 and $119,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a water project manager do?

A Water Project Manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of water-related projects such as water treatment plants, pipelines, and distribution systems. They coordinate with engineers, contractors, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with regulations. Their responsibilities include budgeting, scheduling, risk management, and ensuring that the project meets quality and environmental standards. Effective communication and leadership are essential skills for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a water project manager?

To thrive as a Water Project Manager, you need expertise in civil or environmental engineering, strong project management abilities, and a relevant degree, often supported by PMP certification. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project), GIS tools, and regulatory compliance systems is typically required. Excellent leadership, stakeholder communication, and problem-solving skills set standout professionals apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for ensuring water projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and in accordance with environmental and regulatory standards.

How does a water project manager typically collaborate with engineers and local authorities during project execution?

A Water Project Manager works closely with engineers to ensure that technical specifications and design plans align with project goals, budgets, and timelines. They also coordinate with local authorities to secure necessary permits, address regulatory requirements, and facilitate community engagement. Regular meetings, site visits, and progress reports are common ways these professionals collaborate, helping to identify challenges early and ensure smooth project delivery. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential in managing these multi-stakeholder relationships.

What is the difference between Water Project Manager vs Water Engineer?

AspectWater Project ManagerWater Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Civil, Environmental Engineering or related; PMP certification often preferredBachelor's or Master's in Civil, Environmental Engineering; Professional Engineer (PE) license often required
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, coordinates with stakeholdersDesigns, analyzes, and develops water systems, often in labs or field sites
Employer & Industry UsageConstruction firms, government agencies, consulting firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, research institutions

While both roles focus on water systems, the Water Project Manager primarily oversees project execution and team coordination, whereas the Water Engineer concentrates on designing and analyzing water infrastructure. Both roles require relevant engineering credentials and often work within the same industries, but their daily responsibilities differ significantly.

Is water project management a good career?

Water project management is a viable career that involves overseeing the planning, design, and implementation of water infrastructure projects. It requires skills in project coordination, environmental regulations, and technical knowledge of water systems, often supported by certifications such as PMP or engineering licenses. The field offers opportunities in public and private sectors with a focus on sustainable water solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Water Project Manager jobs in Illinois?

For Water Project Manager jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Water Project Manager jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Water Project Manager job openings:

Infographic showing various Water Project Manager job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $99,501 per year, or $47.8 per hour.

Water Resources Project Manager

Lochmueller Group

Edwardsville, IL • On-site

$110 - $150/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Senior Water Resources Project Manager to lead the planning, design, and delivery of water resources infrastructure projects for municipal, county, public and private utilities, and other local clients. From stormwater management and drainage improvements to sanitary sewer collection systems and water distribution infrastructure, this role will provide technical leadership and project management expertise that helps communities maintain, improve, and expand critical public infrastructure.

In this role, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, lead multidisciplinary project teams, and oversee the successful delivery of projects from planning through design and construction. You will also mentor developing engineers, contribute to business development efforts, and help grow our Water Resources practice throughout Missouri and beyond.

This position can be based out of our offices in St. Louis, MO; St. Charles, MO; or Edwardsville, IL.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Managing stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water infrastructure projects of varying complexity and scope for municipal, county, utility, and transportation agency clients.
  • Coordinating with clients, regulatory agencies, and project stakeholders to understand project requirements, goals, schedules, budgets, and funding opportunities.
  • Taking a lead role in the planning, analysis, design, and implementation of water resources infrastructure projects, including storm sewer systems, drainage improvements, flood mitigation projects, sanitary sewer collection systems, water distribution systems, pump stations, and utility relocations associated with transportation projects.
  • Performing hydrologic and hydraulic analyses, drainage studies, stormwater and wastewater design, utility evaluations, master planning efforts, and engineering calculations supporting project development.
  • Preparing and reviewing engineering plans, specifications, technical reports, permit applications, cost estimates, and construction documents.
  • Managing project scopes, budgets, schedules, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful project execution and client satisfaction.
  • Serving as a project manager or task manager, overseeing project teams and effectively delegating work assignments to engineers, designers, and technical staff.
  • Reviewing project deliverables for technical accuracy, quality assurance, constructability, and compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations and design standards.
  • Coordinating with multidisciplinary teams including transportation, environmental, survey, and construction personnel to support integrated infrastructure projects.
  • Providing technical leadership and serving as a subject matter expert in stormwater, wastewater, and drinking water engineering.
  • Mentoring and developing junior engineers and other technical staff while fostering professional growth and technical excellence.
  • Assisting senior leadership with strategic planning, client relationship management, and the continued growth of water resources services.
  • Supporting business development efforts through client engagement, proposal preparation, fee development, interview participation, and funding application assistance.
  • Building and maintaining strong relationships with municipalities, utility districts, counties, state agencies, and transportation clients.
  • Performing other duties associated with this role as needed to support project and organizational objectives.
Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field.
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required.
  • Typically requires 10+ years of progressive civil engineering experience with an emphasis in one or more of the following areas: stormwater, wastewater, drinking water, and municipal infrastructure projects.
  • Proven experience leading and delivering water resources and municipal infrastructure projects for municipalities, public and private utilities, counties, and DOT clients from planning and design through construction, supported by strong project management, leadership, and organizational skills.
  • Ability to perform hydrologic and hydraulic modeling; stormwater and wastewater analysis and design; drainage and utility design; floodplain evaluations; and infrastructure planning.
  • Strong understanding of local, state, and federal regulations related to water resources engineering, utility infrastructure, permitting, and environmental compliance.
  • Experience preparing technical reports, engineering studies, permit applications, construction plans, and specifications.
  • Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and maintaining strong client relationships.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor and develop junior engineers and technical staff.
  • Valid driver's license with the ability to travel to project sites, client meetings, and public engagement events as needed.
What We Offer:
  • Health & Wellness (medical, dental, vision, disability, and basic life insurance w/ option for additional voluntary life insurance)
  • Work/Life Balance (vacation, holidays, sick leave, paid maternity/paternity leave, flexible scheduling)
  • Wealth-Building (401k w/ company match, student loan repayment benefit, ESOP, competitive compensation package)
  • Professional Benefits (professional membership dues, career & educational development)
Why Lochmueller?

Lochmueller Group is a regional engineering consulting firm with an emphasis on infrastructure. We provide multi-disciplined services for a variety of public agencies and private entities, including transportation design; water resources design; environmental analysis & permitting; construction engineering & inspection; traffic engineering & transportation planning; surveying; and land acquisition & appraisal. Our Roadway/Highway Design team is involved in a wide variety of street, roadway, highway and multi-modal transportation design projects for local public agencies and state DOT’s.

For over 40 years, Lochmueller Group has helped communities reinvent their future through thoughtful, actionable planning and design. Our dedication to building a team that demonstrates our corporate values (CARDIA) is what sets us apart:

CARDIA: Creativity;Accountability;Respect;Dedication;Integrity;Achievement

Lochmueller Group provides an excellent workplace culture established by our people who share these values. We are a 100% employee-owned company, and our people are invested in the success and continued development of each other and the firm. This is a great place to build a career and grow with a company that is dedicated to quality and service as we make a difference in our communities.

Lochmueller Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Lochgroup fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. All qualified applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, and local laws.

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