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Water Project Manager Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Watch Our Story:' HDR's Michigan Water Business Group is growing, and we are looking for experienced Project Managers to help lead our program forward. This is an exciting opportunity to join our ...

Watch Our Story:' HDR's Michigan Water Business Group is growing, and we are looking for experienced Project Managers to help lead our program forward. This is an exciting opportunity to join our ...

PROJECT MANAGER SURFACE WATER SERVICE LINE SAGINAW, MICHIGAN - HEADQUARTERS POSITION SUMMARY The Project Manager will be responsible for leading and coordinating surface water projects within our ...

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Water Project Manager information

See Michigan salary details

$33.6K

$89.5K

$141.2K

How much do water project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for water project manager in Michigan is $89,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,400.00 and $107,200.00 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 Michigan? For Water Project Manager jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Reports to: Water/Wastewater Engineering Supervisor

Job Summary: The position serves as a senior role on the W/WW Engineering team with a focus on managing larger or more complex projects. It is responsible for the implementation of capital projects, infrastructure planning, engineering, and construction of the water and wastewater systems. Responsibilities include planning and oversight of HBPW driven projects, defining the standards and specifications to which they are built, and managing expansion of the system through private development projects. This position also provides engineering support and construction oversight for the City of Holland snowmelt system.

Essential Duties

  • Act as a senior Project Manager for the full lifecycle of complex or critical water and wastewater capital improvement projects including planning, budgeting, design, construction, operation, and maintenance.
  • Develop and advance projects that support master plans, condition assessment programs, and asset management programs for water, wastewater, and snowmelt infrastructure.\
  • Serve as primary author and owner of design and construction standards and specifications for water, wastewater, and snowmelt infrastructure.
  • Lead the design and layout of utilities, perform hydraulic computations to ensure compliance with applicable rules, codes, and regulations. Resolve utility conflicts between HBPW utilities and other utilities.
  • Act as liaison for Holland BPW water and sewer utilities with private development projects and assure all work proposed complies with respective master plans as well as Holland BPW, state, regional, and federal standards.
  • Oversee regulatory requirements of capital projects and ensure projects are completed with appropriate permitting. Manage State of Michigan water and wastewater system improvement permits for any private development work.
  • Perform special engineering studies and make recommendations for action to the Water & Wastewater Services Engineering Supervisor and Superintendent.
  • Provide training, instruction, and mentoring to other engineering staff.
  • Perform field inspections of capital and private development projects for compliance with standards.
  • Develop and review requests for proposals, bids, contracts, easements and other agreements. Prepare and present reports to the Board of Directors for acceptance of such documents.
  • Administer the W/WW Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program.
  • Investigate new technologies and construction techniques.
  • Perform all other tasks as assigned.

Essential Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an ABET accredited program.
  • Michigan Professional Engineering License, or ability to transfer from other state.
  • Michigan Water Distribution Operator certification or ability to become certified and progress to obtaining the S1 operator license.
  • Ability to effectively manage complex projects with numerous stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated ability to clearly and effectively communicate technical and project information, both in writing and orally to stakeholders.
  • Understanding of asset management principles and their application to utility systems.
  • Interpersonal skills necessary to provide courteous and accurate information/responses to external and internal customers.
  • Working knowledge of relevant utility software systems such as GIS, AutoCAD, hydraulic modeling software, or construction management software.

Preferred Qualifications

  • At least 5-7 years' experience with Water and/or Wastewater utility engineering, construction or operations.
  • Michigan Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Certification or ability to obtain within 1 year of employment.
  • Project management or construction management specific training or certification.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

  • Occasional exposure to dust, and/or dirt while on construction sites.
  • Occasional exposure to hot and cold weather conditions when working outside.
  • Ability to handle pressures related to working on multiple projects requiring attention to detail and interactions with other employees, customers and other outside personnel.
  • Normal office environment with minimum discomfort due to noise, dirt and dust.

Employment will be contingent upon favorable results of a background check, pre-employment physical and drug screening. Given our safety-sensitive industry, our workplace is alcohol and drug free (including marijuana and THC items).

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by a person assigned to this position. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties assigned to or required of this position.