Project Manager – Water Distribution Assessment Program

The Project Manager - Valve & Hydrant Assessment Program (Civil Engineer III) serves as a specialized technical lead and owner's representative responsible for project managing a major municipal valve and hydrant assessment, inspection, and flow testing program for a key utility client. Acting on behalf of the client, this position directly oversees and manages the primary vendor/contractor executing field assessment activities.
 
Key responsibilities include rigorous submittal and invoice reviews, establishing operational workflows and asset assessment criteria, performing quality assurance on field data, and ensuring strict compliance with client specifications and safety protocols.

What you will do:

- Client Contract & Contractor Oversight : Serve as the primary Project Manager overseeing the third-party valve and hydrant assessment vendor, ensuring work is performed strictly within agreed scope, schedule, budget, and performance standards.

- Workflow & Assessment Criteria Development : Collaborate with client operations teams and the contractor to establish, refine, and enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs), assessment criteria, and field workflow guidelines for valve exercising, operational scoring, and hydrant flow testing.

- Submittal & Technical Document Review : Conduct comprehensive reviews of contractor submittals, field methodology plans, GIS/asset management updates, traffic control plans, and technical reporting for compliance with utility engineering standards.

- Invoice & Pay Application Authorization : Review and validate monthly pay applications, contractor invoices, itemized quantities, and milestone deliverables against field verification logs and quality control documentation.

- Quality Assurance & Field Audit Oversight : Perform routine field audits and quality assurance checks on vendor operations, verifying accuracy of valve/hydrant operational assessments, GPS mapping, condition scoring, and leak detection records.

- Data & GIS Integration Coordination : Ensure seamless integration of contractor field assessment data into the client's Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) and GIS enterprise databases.

- Stakeholder & Client Communication : Facilitate regular progress meetings, deliver monthly executive progress reports, track key performance indicators (KPIs), and address client operational inquiries or community concerns proactively.

- Risk Management & Safety Compliance : Monitor program risks, water quality/discoloration risks during valve operations, high-pressure zone isolations, & traffic management.

- Asset Condition Induction and CIP support : Partner with clients to evaluate program outcomes, leveraging asset condition insights to define priority Capital Improvement Project (CIP) needs and establish long-term asset management strategies.

Who you are:

- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related technical field from an ABET-accredited institution.

- 6–8 years of progressively responsible civil/water resources engineering experience.

- Minimum 3–5 years of direct experience managing or oversight of water utility infrastructure programs, specifically including distribution system appurtenances (valves, hydrants, water mains).

- Professional Engineer (PE) license required (District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia preferred, or ability to obtain).

- Water Distribution Appurtenances : In-depth technical knowledge of water distribution system components including gate valves, butterfly valves, pressure reducing valves (PRVs), backflow preventers, and fire hydrants.

- Contract & Vendor Management: Proven ability to manage specialized field contractors, negotiate task orders, review pay requests, and track deliverable quality.

- Utility Asset Management & CMMS : Familiarity with asset condition assessment frameworks, AWWA standards (e.g., M44 Distribution Valves, M17 Fire Hydrants), GIS spatial data tools, and CMMS software (e.g., Cityworks, Maximo).

- Project Management Proficiency : Strong skills in scheduling, scope control, risk mitigation, and budget tracking utilizing project management digital software.

- Communication & Interpersonal Skills : Exceptional oral and written communication skills to articulate technical findings, interface with utility leadership, and resolve contractor disputes efficiently.

At Milhouse, we’re more than just a place to work — we’re a place to grow, thrive, and be celebrated. Here’s how we invest in you:

- Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage – Reach out to learn how your deductible could be covered 100% through Garner Health !

- Company Sponsored Life Insurance and Short-Term Disability – We’ve got your back when life takes unexpected turns.

- Voluntary Coverages – Take control of your well-being with added coverage options.

- Discounted Gym Membership – Stay active with wellness options that support your fitness goals.

- Competitive Base Salary – Earn what you're worth in a performance-driven culture.

- 401(k) Retirement Plan – Build your future with confidence.

- Professional Development Incentives – Get rewarded for growing your skills — including bonuses for earning your P.E. License .

- Milhouse University (Cross-Functional Training) – Expand your expertise with internal training built to elevate your career and receive PDH credits for applicable training towards professional engineering licenses, etc..

- Employee Education & Development Program – Tuition assistance and learning opportunities to keep you moving forward.

- Generous PTO + Paid Holidays – Rest, recharge, and enjoy the moments that matter most.

- Paid Parental Leave – Bond with your new arrival — and yes, we’ll even cover a year of diapers!

- Extracurricular Sports Teams – Join our summer Volleyball and Softball squads for fun off the clock.

- Employee Recognition Program – Be celebrated for the impact you make.

- Employee Referral Bonus – Bring great people on board and get paid for it.

- Transit Benefits Program – Save on your daily commute.

- Charitable Events and Activities offered through non-profit affiliate – Milhouse Charities.

Milhouse is a pay transparency non-discrimination organization committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace. We ensure that all employees are compensated fairly and without bias, in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. In compliance with the Illinois Equal Pay Act, effective January 1, 2025, we include pay scales and benefits in all job postings and ensure that all promotion opportunities are communicated to current employees within 14 days of external postings. Additionally, we participate in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility and uphold compliance with federal requirements.

Here's a little information on Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc.:

Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. was founded in 2001 with the goal of building the best engineering company in the country. It was based on the belief that if we hired great people, fueled their passion while challenging them to excel, and maintained a laser focus on the needs of your clients, success would come- and so it has. Our portfolio of successful projects continues to grow, our family of highly satisfied clients continues to expand, and our staff just gets better and better.
 
We are a unique, Chicago-based firm whose collective passion, vision and expertise has led to phenomenal growth! With more than 500+ talented professionals and offices across the globe, Milhouse offers a dynamic work environment where there is no limit to what you can achieve if you are willing to go after it.
 
Our people are the cornerstone of our organization, and key to our success. Join a remarkably talented team that shares a passion for what they do and a vision for improving communities around the world through innovative engineering and construction. Click here to see who we are, and how our people drive our culture each & every day.
 
Click here to see all of our awards and how many times we've won Chicago’s 101 Best & Brightest Companies to Work For!

Important Notice to US Applicants
Milhouse Engineering and Construction, Inc. is an at-will employer.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The actual base pay depends upon many factors, such as education, experience, and skills. The base pay range is subject to change and may be modified in the future.
 
While we provide a range, we'd love to hear from you if you are in or outside of this range as we are always looking to cater roles to the Talent we find!