Project Director, Water/Wastewater Construction

About the role

WSB was founded on the understanding that culture drives results, and we've dedicated ourselves to the value of strong relationships, collaboration, and forward‑thinking ideas. We've inspired each other to discover thoughtful and creative solutions that look beyond the needs of today to the opportunities of tomorrow. The Project Director, Water/Wastewater Construction leads multidisciplinary teams in the successful delivery of high‑impact, complex infrastructure programs and projects. The role oversees the development and execution of Construction Management Plans, constructability reviews, QA/QC programs, and risk mitigation strategies across multiple delivery methods, including CM‑at‑Risk, design‑build, and design‑bid‑build. Accountable for financial results, staffing and resource planning, and multi‑year program and project execution. Typical projects include tunnels, water/wastewater facilities, pipelines, pump stations, and other critical infrastructure. The role includes planning 4–6 months ahead for operational execution and staff planning.

Responsibilities

• Provide project leadership and oversight for large‑scale, complex construction management and program management services across water, wastewater, environmental, and utility infrastructure.
• Serve as a project director for public agencies and utility clients on high‑risk, high‑value capital improvement programs.
• Establish and implement Construction Management Plans (CMPs) that define governance, roles, workflows, reporting structures, and escalation procedures for multi‑year programs.
• Guide program execution from preconstruction through construction, testing, commissioning, closeout, and transition to operations.
• Oversee constructability reviews and preconstruction services to identify and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, safety, environmental constraints, and regulatory compliance.
• Direct quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) programs, including integrated inspection and testing plans, third‑party testing coordination, and conformance verification.
• Lead development and enforcement of safety, environmental compliance, and site controls across construction activities.
• Provide project oversight for complex underground construction, including deep tunneling, large‑diameter pipelines, treatment facilities, pump stations, and major civil works.
• Act as an authority on resolution of complex RFIs, claims, change orders, and dispute negotiations to minimize owner risk and cost exposure.
• Lead diverse teams of mid‑level, first‑level leaders, and/or individual contributors.
• Coach, develop, and mentor leaders and staff.
• Manage staff performance, set individual performance goals, conduct performance reviews, and oversee performance improvement plans.
• Lead the delivery of strategic, high‑impact, multidisciplinary projects and programs, applying technical expertise as needed.
• Advocate for the use of AI and digital tools within the program or individual projects; use AI and digital tools to elevate the quality and speed of projects, double‑checking outputs, and ensuring information meets technical and ethical standards.
• Support and execute business development strategy, including expansion of existing clients and acquisition of new clients.
• Collaborate on major pursuits and position the firm to win high‑impact work.
• Traverse job sites having uneven terrain, slopes, confined spaces, or reinforced trenches.
• Move materials weighing up to 75 pounds periodically.
• Conduct visual assessments of task quality and job site safety.
• May remain in stationary position for extended periods.

Requirements

• College degree in related field, or equivalent experience.
• Professional engineer registration preferred.
• Typically 10–15+ years of experience related to profession, with at least 5 years leading others.
• Experience with large‑ and small‑scale water/wastewater facilities, tunnels, and utilities.
• Experience with alternative delivery such as CMAR and design‑build.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Suite Products (e.g., Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, OneDrive, etc.).
• May be required to work onsite at a WSB office, as needed, up to five days per week, as required by the project, client, or hiring manager.
• Travel or field visits may be required to support project needs or stakeholder collaboration.

About the company

WSB is a design and consulting firm specializing in Transportation, Community Planning, Environmental, Energy, Municipal, and Construction services. We provide solutions for the places, spaces and systems that support our lives. We offer services in more than 50 complementary areas across the nation.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• Company‑paid short‑ and long‑term disability
• 401(k) with match
• Paid time off
• Paid holidays
• Tuition reimbursement
• Opportunities for professional growth and development

Part‑time employees can participate in the 401(k) plan and applicable earned paid leave.