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Water Project Manager Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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Water Project Manager information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$39.7K

$105.9K

$167K

How much do water project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for water project manager in Chicago, IL is $105,857.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,900.00 and $126,800.00 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 Chicago, IL?

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

What job categories do people searching Water Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Water Project Manager jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Water Project Manager jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Water Project Manager job openings:

Water Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Water Project Manager job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 87% In-person, and 13% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $105,857 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Potable Water Design Project Manager

Baxter and Woodman Inc

Mokena, IL • On-site, Remote

$115K - $145K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage potable water treatment plant design projects, treatment studies, and ensure successful project completion.

  • Assist in preparing proposals, review draft agreements, and build project teams based on staff skills and availability.

  • Monitor project performance, including client satisfaction, schedule, budget, and quality control, and provide technical guidance to team members.

Job description

Your future position: Potable Water Design Project Manager

Choose your location: Chicago (O’Hare), Chicago (Loop), Mokena, Bannockburn, Crystal Lake, or Naperville, IL

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long-lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

The Potable Water Design Project Manager will manage potable water treatment plant design projects, treatment studies, develop business, serve clients with an emphasis in Illinois.

What your day-to-day will look like

  • Assist Marketing in preparation of Proposals: project plan and approach, staff assignments, fee development and risk assessment.
  • Review draft agreements. Provide input and approval for scope and fee.
  • Build teams, and assign staff to projects based on knowledge, skills and availability.
  • Monitor project performance (client satisfaction, project schedule, project budget, billings, QA/QC).
  • Assist with developing department standards and perform quality control review.
  • Direct staff efforts and development according to plans and personal skills; support in achieving goals.
  • Assist with planning, developing, coordinating and ensuring the successful completion of projects.
  • Lead single and multi-disciplined projects.
  • Represent the company in client and agency meetings to resolve questions and to plan and coordinate work.
  • Communicate and coordinate efforts and ideas with peers and management team.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentoring of project team members.
  • Develop and enhance client relationships and business growth.

Education/Certification Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree (B.S.) in Civil Engineering or related field.
  • Registered Professional Engineer in the state of Illinois.

Must-haves, what you will bring

  • 6+ years of experience in potable water design, including but not limited to, water treatment design, water storage facility design, and water supply design.
  • 2+ years of experience in managing multidisciplinary projects pertaining to potable water design.
  • Member of professional and technical societies.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures or governmental regulations.
  • Ability to write reports, business correspondence and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from other managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Valid driver's license.
  • Strong verbal, computer, organizational, and writing skills.
  • Ability to work in a team environment.

Compensation: The pay range for this role is $115,000 - $145,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits - At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well-being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well-being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, cancer, and critical illnesses. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home on half Fridays and varied schedules. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well-being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer