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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 I (WATER RESOURCES) POSITION SUMMARY This position is for a full-time Project Manager I within the Water Resources department at Spicer Group's Saginaw Headquarters office. THE ...

Project Manager

Southfield, MI · On-site

$85K - $110K/yr

Serving our core markets of Water & Process, Agricultural & Renewables, and Industrials, we pride ... The Project Manager II will oversee all aspects of a project going through the manufacturing ...

PROJECT MANAGER DRINKING WATER/WASTEWATER SERVICE LINE POSITION SUMMARY Spicer Group is seeking a knowledgeable and experienced Project Manager who is a licensed Professional Engineer to join our ...

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Showing results 1-20

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 Jun 16, 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 job?

The highest paying project management roles are often in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, or IT, where project managers oversee large-scale, complex projects and require specialized skills and certifications. Senior project managers or program managers with extensive experience and advanced certifications such as PMP or PgMP tend to earn the highest salaries in the field.

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.

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 main 5 roles of a project manager?

A Water Project Manager oversees planning, execution, and completion of water-related projects, ensuring they meet scope, budget, and schedule requirements. They coordinate teams, manage resources, monitor progress, and communicate with stakeholders to ensure project success. Additionally, they often use project management tools and adhere to safety and environmental standards.

What is a water project manager?

A water project manager oversees planning, design, and implementation of water-related projects such as infrastructure, treatment facilities, or conservation initiatives. They coordinate teams, manage budgets, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations, often using project management tools and requiring relevant certifications. The role typically involves working in field and office environments with a focus on water systems and sustainability.
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:
Infographic showing various Water Project Manager job openings in Michigan as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,497 per year, or $43 per hour.
Project Manager - Drinking Water

Project Manager - Drinking Water

HDR

Ann Arbor, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 13 days ago


HDR rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 352 rated engineering


Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?
Watch Our Story:' https://www.hdrinc.com/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 industry leading 100% employee-owned firm in an influential leadership role.  We have opportunities for talented people like yourself to join HDR and become our next employee-owner!

Are you looking for an opportunity with an industry-leading company? Do you thrive in a work environment with collaborative colleagues who do amazing work for clients who trust them to push open the doors to what's possible? That's what you'll find at HDR!

In 2024 Engineering News Record ranked HDR sixth in size of business in the important Water category.  We have more than 2000 professionals in our Water Business Group that offer a uniquely comprehensive breadth of traditional and cross sector services enabling holistic approaches to our countries' water challenges.  Our services span utility master planning, wastewater treatment, drinking water treatment, flood protection, water resource management, reuse, applied research, transmission and distribution, water supply, asset management, operations assistance, program management, construction management and inspection, funding and financing, strategic communications, advisory services, and more.

What You'll Do:
As a Project Manager in our Michigan Water Business Group, you'll be the cornerstone of our project delivery. You'll oversee both small-scale single-discipline planning efforts and large, multi-disciplinary design projects. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on managing details, building strong client relationships, and leading talented technical teams.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Plan, direct, and manage small to medium-sized single-discipline projects and large-scale, complex, multi-disciplinary engineering projects.
  • Coordinate and balance work across planning and design teams to ensure seamless project execution throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Build and maintain lasting client relationships, taking part in marketing, contract negotiations, and design and production meetings.
  • Lead internal and external meetings, workshops, and technical discussions to align stakeholders and drive progress.
  • Interface with governing agencies during project reviews and permitting processes.
  • Conduct and facilitate work sessions focused on design development and contract documentation.
  • Track project budgets, monitor financial performance, and align resources to keep deliverables on time and within scope.
  • Partner with project controllers, business group leaders, and accounting teams to provide regular project status updates and financial reviews.
  • Perform technical analyses and prepare clear, concise engineering reports.
  • Mentor and provide leadership to junior engineers, with a focus on developing strong technical skills in water/wastewater engineering.
  • Support firm-wide initiatives and perform additional responsibilities as needed.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering
  • 7 years related experience inclusive of a minimum 2 years experience in project management
  • Requires professional engineering license recognized by the licensing board for the location of the position offered. Example: Professional Engineer (PE or P.Eng) license.
  • MS Office and MS Project experience is required 
  • Demonstrated leadership skills
  • An attitude and commitment to being an active participant of our employee-owned culture is a must

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.
Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.
Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.


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About HDR

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At HDR, we specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. While we are most well-known for adding beauty and structure to communities through high-performance buildings and smart infrastructure, we provide much more than that. We create an unshakable foundation for progress because our multidisciplinary teams also include scientists, economists, builders, analysts and artists.

Industry

Specialized design services

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Omaha, NE, US

Year founded

1917