Underground Utility Project Manager

Job Title: Underground Utility Project Manager

Job Description

The Underground Utility Project Manager plans, coordinates, and delivers complex construction projects with a primary focus on underground piping systems, pump stations, and wastewater treatment facilities. This role oversees all phases of construction—from preconstruction planning through project closeout—ensuring work is completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in full compliance with regulatory, contractual, and quality standards. The position is ideal for a hands-on construction professional with strong leadership skills and deep experience in civil and water/wastewater infrastructure projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the full lifecycle of underground utility and wastewater construction projects, from initial planning and preconstruction through execution, commissioning, and closeout.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate all project activities related to large diameter underground pipe, pump stations, and associated civil and mechanical work.
• Develop, maintain, and manage project schedules using construction scheduling tools to ensure on-time delivery of milestones and overall project completion.
• Prepare, track, and manage project budgets, cost reports, and forecasts to ensure projects are delivered within financial targets.
• Review, interpret, and apply construction drawings, specifications, and contracts to guide field operations and ensure compliance with design and contractual requirements.
• Oversee the construction of underground utilities including water, sewer, and storm systems, as well as treatment plant structures and mechanical/process systems.
• Coordinate closely with field teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders to sequence work efficiently and resolve issues in a timely manner.
• Monitor construction progress, quality, and safety performance, and implement corrective actions as needed to maintain standards and schedules.
• Ensure all work complies with applicable codes, regulations, and industry standards, particularly in the water/wastewater and underground utility sectors.
• Lead project meetings, including progress updates, coordination sessions, and issue-resolution discussions with internal teams and external partners.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to minimize schedule delays, cost overruns, and quality or safety concerns.
• Support and mentor project team members, promoting strong communication, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Manage project documentation, including submittals, RFIs, change orders, and closeout packages, ensuring accurate records throughout the project lifecycle.
• Collaborate with owners, engineers, and inspectors to address design questions, field changes, and technical challenges as they arise.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of project management processes, tools, and best practices within the organization.

Essential Skills

• At least 5 years of construction project management experience, with a strong emphasis on large diameter underground pipe and pump stations.
• 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 to field operations and project decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to oversee complex underground construction and utility installations in active project environments.
• Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to direct and coordinate multidisciplinary project teams.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for interacting with field personnel, engineers, owners, and other stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills in a fast-paced construction environment.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working on municipal or industrial wastewater treatment facilities is highly desirable.
• OSHA 30, PMP, or similar professional certifications are preferred.
• Experience managing projects involving pumping stations, underground utilities, and underground construction.
• Experience with large diameter underground pipe installations and associated civil works.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, adapt to changing project conditions, and maintain focus on schedule and budget goals.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in documentation, reporting, and contract administration.

Work Environment

The role is based out of an office in Knoxville and involves periodic trips to project sites. The work environment combines office-based project planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination with on-site visits to active civil and underground utility construction projects. On site, you will interact with field crews, subcontractors, and inspectors in typical heavy civil construction conditions that may include varying weather, uneven terrain, and active equipment. Standard office technology and construction project management software are used daily to manage schedules, budgets, documentation, and communication. Travel to project locations is required periodically to monitor progress, support field operations, attend meetings, and ensure alignment between office planning and field execution.

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

The pay range for this position is $100000.00 - $120000.00/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.