Project Manager (Wastewater Operations)

City of Houston • Houston, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Project Manager (Wastewater Operations) provides independent, routine operational oversight and internal compliance auditing of the City of Houston’s wastewater treatment system, which includes 38 wastewater treatment plants and 365 lift stations. The role functions as an internal compliance inspector to help ensure facilities operate safely, consistently, and efficiently, in accordance with applicable TCEQ requirements, wastewater permits, City policies, operating procedures, and industry standards.

This primarily field-based position requires daily facility visits and hands-on inspections across the system. Inspections assess plant operations, operator performance, maintenance practices, documentation, housekeeping, equipment condition, process control, sampling and monitoring, and overall compliance. The employee independently identifies, documents, and communicates actual or potential non-compliance, operational deficiencies, permit concerns, procedural violations, and other conditions that could affect regulatory compliance or plant performance. The role prepares non-compliance reports and inspection records and tracks corrective actions through completion.

The position provides an independent check-and-balance between plant operations and management, helping identify issues before they become regulatory violations and promoting accountability across facilities. The employee must be comfortable questioning practices that do not meet requirements, documenting deficiencies objectively, and holding personnel accountable for timely corrective action while maintaining professional, collaborative relationships. Regular travel between facilities and independent work in varied field environments are required.

This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier II Level. It is a safety-impact position subject to random drug testing. Candidates must be able to pass a criminal background check and obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Landscape Architecture, Project Management, or a closely related field based on the position's responsibilities.
• Considerable knowledge of design or construction.
• Four years of experience in construction, construction inspection, design, landscape design, geotechnical, environmental, or a closely related field.
• Directly related professional architectural, construction, or landscape design experience may substitute for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis.
• Ability to conduct daily facility inspections independently and work safely in and around wastewater treatment plants and lift stations.
• Ability to travel regularly between facilities.
• Ability to stoop, bend, climb, walk, and lift items weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Ability to follow applicable safety procedures and personal protective equipment requirements.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check and obtain and maintain federally mandated security clearances where required.

Nice To Haves

• Five years of progressively responsible, hands-on experience in wastewater treatment plant operations, regulatory compliance, and facility inspections.
• Valid TCEQ Class C occupational license in wastewater treatment.
• Extensive experience working with plant stakeholders, including operators, supervisors, management, contractors, engineers, and customers.
• Strong knowledge of TCEQ requirements, wastewater permits, operational standards, recordkeeping, sampling, reporting, and regulatory compliance.
• Ability to identify operational deficiencies, document findings, communicate corrective actions, and work with plant personnel to ensure timely correction.
• Strong communication, documentation, organizational, investigative, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively as part of a team.
• Valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston policy on driving (AP 2-2).

Responsibilities

• Provide independent operational oversight and internal compliance auditing of wastewater treatment plants and lift stations.
• Conduct daily, hands-on field visits and routine inspections of wastewater facilities.
• Evaluate operations, operator performance, maintenance, records, housekeeping, equipment condition, process control, sampling, monitoring, and compliance.
• Identify and document actual or potential non-compliance, operational deficiencies, permit concerns, procedural violations, and other risks to regulatory compliance or plant performance.
• Communicate inspection findings and prepare non-compliance reports and other inspection documentation.
• Track corrective actions through completion and hold personnel accountable for timely correction of deficiencies.
• Review facility practices for consistency with TCEQ requirements, wastewater permits, City policies, operating procedures, and industry standards.
• Work with plant personnel and stakeholders while maintaining professional and collaborative working relationships.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level