Program Manager (Wastewater)
Oversee key wastewater operations, manage support crews, and drive capital upgrades. Solid salary, full benefits, and leadership opportunity for experienced program managers.
The Program Manager (Wastewater) role features a compelling annual salary of $80,172 to $155,734. This is a full-time position with strong, permanent job security. If you have a degree and at least four years of engineering or program management experience in water or wastewater, this position is well suited for you. The full benefits package includes health, dental, vision, and substantial leave time—making this even more attractive for professionals seeking long-term roles.
What Does a Program Manager (Wastewater) Do?
This role is all about hands-on oversight of utility operations. You’ll manage wet well cleaning, air release valve programs, and act as a liaison for grant support and regulatory compliance. Responsibilities involve working with capital upgrades, permit reviews, tracking Water Reclamation Facilities (WRF) performance, and leading a crew of nine plus an office support assistant.
Your work will span technical review, compliance documentation, managed aquifer recharge projects, and biosolids program direction. You’ll regularly interact with state and federal agencies, ensuring that all operations meet strict guidelines, and prepare reports on nutrient credits and other key metrics.
Pros: Key Benefits and Opportunities
Compensation stands out: the upper salary range is highly competitive for the field. The benefits package—health, dental, vision, pension, leave—adds significant value for employees. Having authority over a support team and capital projects offers the kind of leadership experience and career growth seasoned managers crave.
This position also provides the chance to innovate in water quality management, work on high-impact upgrades, and maintain compliance with leading environmental standards. Your ability to make a tangible difference—paired with job stability—makes this a strong choice for skilled professionals.
Cons: Potential Challenges
This position does carry heavy responsibility. Balancing oversight of multiple programs, teams, and regulatory paperwork can be demanding, especially during capital upgrades or tight compliance timelines. Creativity and adaptability are essential when unexpected technical issues or regulatory changes occur.
Another factor: the role requires strong leadership and communication skills to work with diverse crews and state/federal agencies. For those new to team leadership or without prior program management experience in utilities, there may be a steep learning curve.
Our Verdict
The Program Manager (Wastewater) position offers impressive pay, full benefits, and a chance to lead programs that matter. If you have the right mix of program management experience, engineering expertise, and a desire to mentor teams, you’ll find the rewards more than worthwhile. Highly recommended for career-focused managers ready to make a major impact in public utilities.
