Lead Underground Utility Project Manager

Job Title: Lead Underground Utility Project Manager

Job Description

The Lead Underground Utility Project Manager oversees the full life cycle of complex construction projects with a primary focus on underground piping systems, pump stations, and water/wastewater treatment facilities. This role plans, coordinates, and executes projects from preconstruction through closeout, ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory and quality standards. The position requires a blend of hands-on field experience, strong leadership, and deep technical knowledge of civil and water/wastewater construction practices.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage all phases of construction projects focused on underground utilities, pump stations, and water/wastewater treatment facilities from inception through closeout.
• Develop and maintain project schedules using construction scheduling tools to ensure timely completion of all project milestones.
• Prepare, monitor, and control project budgets, tracking costs and implementing corrective actions to keep projects within financial targets.
• Oversee the installation and construction of underground utilities, including water, sewer, storm systems, and related treatment plant structures and mechanical/process systems.
• Review, interpret, and apply construction drawings, specifications, and contracts to guide field operations and ensure work complies with design and contractual requirements.
• Coordinate with internal teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and stakeholders to ensure efficient project execution and clear communication across all parties.
• Monitor field activities to ensure adherence to safety standards, quality requirements, and regulatory compliance throughout the project.
• Identify potential risks, issues, and conflicts early in the project and implement effective problem-solving strategies to keep work on track.
• Lead, mentor, and support project teams, including assistant project managers and field staff, to promote high performance and professional growth.
• Prepare and maintain project documentation, including reports, logs, and closeout materials, to ensure accurate records and smooth project turnover.
• Support planning, coordination, and control of multiple infrastructure projects across industries such as water/wastewater, mining, transportation, commercial and residential building, energy, tunneling, marine, and telecommunications as needed.

Essential Skills

• 10+ years of experience managing pump stations and water/wastewater plant construction projects.
• Proven experience managing civil, utility, or water/wastewater construction projects from start to finish.
• Strong knowledge of underground utilities, including water, sewer, and storm systems, as well as treatment plant structures and mechanical/process systems.
• Proficiency with construction scheduling, budgeting, and project management tools such as MS Project, Primavera, Procore, or similar platforms.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply construction drawings, specifications, and contracts in a construction management setting.
• Demonstrated experience as an experienced SR project manager in construction and construction management.
• 10–15 years of experience with underground pipe, utilities, pump stations, and water/wastewater plant construction.
• Willingness to work from or relocate to the Knoxville, TN office, as required for project oversight.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills suitable for managing complex infrastructure projects.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Experience working on municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities.
• OSHA 30 certification, PMP certification, or similar professional credentials.
• 3–4 years of experience as an assistant project manager on pump station and water/wastewater plant construction projects.
• Experience working within an interdisciplinary environment involving construction, mining, engineering, and project management.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with municipal, state, federal, and private clients on projects of varying size and complexity.

Work Environment

This position is based in an office environment in Knoxville, Tennessee, with periodic trips to project sites. Work involves regular collaboration with interdisciplinary teams across construction, mining, engineering, and management disciplines. The organization delivers infrastructure projects in sectors such as water/wastewater, mining, transportation, commercial and residential building, energy, tunneling, marine, and telecommunications. The work environment emphasizes high-quality project delivery, adherence to schedule and budget, and strong coordination from project inception to completion. Travel to active construction sites will be required to oversee field activities, interact with project teams, and ensure compliance with safety and quality standards.

This is a Permanent position based out of Knoxville, TN.

The pay range for this position is $130000.00 - $160000.00/yr.

PTO, Medical, Vision, Dental, Bonuses

This is a fully onsite position in Knoxville,TN.

This position is anticipated to close on Apr 24, 2026.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I is embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

Actalent is an equal opportunity employer.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services. For more than 40 years, we’ve helped visionary companies advance their goals. Headquartered in the United States, our teams span 150 offices across North America, EMEA, and APAC—with four delivery centers in India led by 1,000+ extraordinary employees who connect their passion with purpose every day.

Our Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai delivery centers are hubs of engineering expertise, with core capabilities in mechanical and electrical engineering, systems and software, and manufacturing engineering. Our teams deliver work across multiple industries including transportation, consumer and industrial products, and life sciences. We serve more than 4,500 clients, including many Fortune 500 brands. Learn more about how we can work together at actalentservices.com.