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Water Project Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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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 Jul 15, 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 is the highest paying project manager?

Senior project managers in specialized industries such as oil and gas, IT, or construction tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Water project managers with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and management of large-scale projects can also earn high salaries, especially in regions with significant infrastructure investment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Water Project Manager, and why are they important?

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.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Water project managers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications, and managing large or complex projects. Salaries vary based on location, industry, and organization size, with senior roles and those in high-demand areas more likely to reach or exceed this level.

Is a project manager a high paying job?

A Water Project Manager typically earns a competitive salary that reflects experience, certifications, and the complexity of water infrastructure projects. Salaries for project managers in this field often range from moderate to high, especially with specialized skills and industry experience. Factors such as location, organization size, and project scope influence compensation levels.

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 does a water manager do?

A water project manager oversees the planning, design, and implementation of water-related projects, ensuring they meet safety, environmental, and regulatory standards. They coordinate with engineers, contractors, and stakeholders, often using project management tools and requiring knowledge of water systems and regulations.
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:
Senior Project Manager Engineering

Senior Project Manager Engineering

MSA Professional Services, Inc.

Dubuque, IA โ€ข Hybrid

$88K - $143K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Job description

Overview

Project Manager Engineering (Water Treatment/Potable Water)

Locations: Open to candidates within a commutable distance to any MSA office in WI, MN, IA, or ILType: FullTime | Salaried | Hybrid Eligible | Flex Time Eligible

As a leader in the Water Treatment space, MSA is looking for our next strategic hire as a Project Manager at any Midwest office location!ย 

In this role, you will provide management for comprehensive water services, including planning, design, and construction related services, for drinking water systems. You will work to address a wide range of needs, from routine water supply to complex treatment and distribution challenges, offering solutions for both site-specific and community-wide water management.

MSA specializes in the sustainable development of communities and is proud to be 100% employee owned. With roots reaching back to 1919, MSA has grown from a rural land survey company into a multidisciplinary network of nearly 550 engineers, architects, planners, funding experts, surveyors, GIS experts, environmental scientists, and more who are committed to making communities better places to live, work, and play.ย 

Come join the ownership team here!ย 

Employee Testimonial:

"As an employee-owned company (100% ESOP), working at MSA is not just a job. We're genuine co-owners, and this ESOP setup promotes a culture of collaboration and engagement throughout MSA because we all have a direct financial interest as owners." -Project Engineer - Transportation, Cedar Rapids Office

Responsibilities

Role Responsibilities

  • Mentor technical staff
  • QA/QC drinking water projects
  • Project scoping & budgeting
  • Manage relationship with clients, vendors, manufacturers, and the public
  • Present at public forums and conferences
Qualifications

What you bring

Skills & Knowledge / Education & Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree in Environmental or Civil Engineering required
  • 6+ years of prior experience with relevant project types required
  • Professional Engineer (PE) license required
  • This position requires you to have authorization to work in the United States for any employer. We will not provide sponsorship for this position
Why MSA
  • 100% employeeowned firm with 100+ years of community impact
  • Collaborative culture with in-house experts for all disciplines across the firm
  • Flexible worklife integration
  • Ongoing learning and professional growth opportunities for all positions
  • Commitment to fostering a work environment where employees have a strong sense of inclusion and belonging
  • Included on the "ENR Top 500 Design Firms" for over 27 straight years
Pay & Benefits*
  • Compensation Range: $88,000-$143,000 (commensurate with experience)
  • Flex Time (Remove for Hourly): Work 42 hours this week? Have 2 hours added to your Flex Time balance to use as time off in the future
  • ESOP: Receive MSA stock shares annually, at no cost to the employee
  • Medical, dental & vision insurance for you, spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents
  • 17+ days PTO (potentially higher pending experience) + 8 paid holidays
  • Paid parental leave regardless of birth parent
  • 401(k) plan with company matching
  • Shortterm incentive program for annual bonus opportunitiesย 
  • Companypaid life & disability insurance

*Full eligibility requirements for listed benefits will be discussed during the hiring process

MSA is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. At MSA, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce, and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws.

If you are unable to submit your application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at hr@msa-ps.com

ย 

Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

Employment Type: OTHER