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Water Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

HNTB

Water Resources Project Manager

Des Moines, IA

We are seeking a highly creative and motivated engineering project manager with experience in water resources to lead project design. While the primary focus will be on local and statewide projects ...

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All JobsWater Project JobsWater Project Manager JobsWater Project Manager Jobs in Iowa

Water Project Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$36.2K

$96.4K

$152.2K

How much do water project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for water project manager in Iowa is $96,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,700.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 popular job titles related to Water Project Manager jobs in Iowa? For Water Project Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Water Project Manager jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Water Project Manager jobs in Iowa are:
Water Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Project Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,445 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Senior Project Manager - Water Resources

Houston Engineering, Inc.

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Company Description
Job Location Options: Des Moines, IA or Iowa City, IA
OUR CULTURE. YOUR CAREER.
Would you enjoy leading talented teams to solve complex water and natural resources challenges while building trusted client relationships and helping communities implement meaningful projects? Are you passionate about water, the environment, mentorship, and developing practical solutions that make a lasting impact? Then join Houston Engineering, Inc. (HEI) as a Senior Water Resources Project Manager in our Des Moines or Iowa City office and help lead the continued growth of our talented Iowa team.
This position is ideal for an experienced engineer who enjoys leading clients and project teams, mentoring staff, and helping grow a successful water resources practice.
Potential civil engineering and water resources projects the successful candidate will lead include: stormwater planning and design, stream restoration and stabilization, lake restoration, flood reduction projects, water quality improvement facilities, and related municipal, county, park, and watershed improvements.
Job Description
• Lead and manage water resources planning and design projects from proposal development through project completion.
• Understand client needs, project goals, funding opportunities, and implementation constraints to develop practical and cost-effective solutions.
• Prepare scopes of work, develop project budgets and schedules, and manage staffing and project delivery.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with existing and prospective clients.
• Identify and pursue opportunities to expand client relationships and support the growth of HEI's water resources practice.
• Lead multidisciplinary project teams and foster collaboration among engineers, scientists, planners, and technical specialists.
• Oversee the development of project studies, reports, engineering analyses, and design documents.
• Mentor and develop engineers and project managers while supporting the professional growth of team members.
• Coordinate and oversee stormwater, hydrologic, hydraulic, and water quality analyses used to support planning and design decisions.
Qualifications
• Demonstrated success building trusted client relationships, leading multidisciplinary project teams, and delivering complex water resources planning and design projects.
• 10+ years of progressive civil engineering experience, including significant responsibility for project management, client service, business development, and team leadership.
• Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, and staffing assignments.
• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering, or related Engineering field.
• IA Professional Engineer's License or the ability to obtain one within 6 months.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel periodically.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States permanently without the requirement of sponsorship at any point in the future. Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Additional Information
Benefits of Joining HEI
As part of our talented staff, you will enjoy competitive pay, annual bonuses, paid health, dental, vision, life insurance, short and long-term disability, paid time off, paid holidays; parental leave, generous 401(k) match, access to HSA & FSAs, flexible schedule, annual HEI logo apparel and more.
Additionally, view our careers page to read about HEI being selected as one of the ENR top 500 design firms and as one of the Prairie Businesses 50 best places to work for several years in a row!
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