Sr. Project Manager – Water, Wastewater, and Reuse Master Planning

Freese and Nichols • Orlando, FL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Freese and Nichols is making a significant investment in Florida, with a major focus on comprehensive water planning. They are seeking a Sr. Master Planning Project Manager to join their team in Orlando, Jacksonville, or Tampa, Florida. This leadership role offers high visibility and the opportunity to grow a market, develop talent, and build a lasting professional legacy. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Florida leadership team and a national team of over 70 water, wastewater, and reuse master planning professionals. Key responsibilities include leading integrated water and master planning efforts for municipal and county utilities, and expanding the Florida planning presence through credibility, relationships, and strong project delivery. The role is critical due to rapid population growth and regulatory drivers in Florida, making comprehensive water planning essential for municipalities and counties. Florida is a strategic priority for the company, aiming to become a regional and national hub for Integrated Water Planning excellence. This position offers high career visibility, interfacing directly with division, practice, and national technical leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineering degree
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license with ability to practice in Florida (or obtain Florida licensure within 6 months)
• 8+ years of experience, including experience making independent decisions on engineering problems and methods
• Project management experience delivering hydraulic modeling and/or utility master planning work for water, wastewater, and reuse systems
• Ability to lead teams and manage scope, schedule, budget, and quality while maintaining clear client communication

Nice To Haves

• Established relationships and strong reputation with Florida municipal and county utility clients
• Experience leading integrated water planning efforts that combine planning, modeling, and phased capital program development
• Hands-on experience with hydraulic modeling tools (Autodesk, Bentley, and/or Aquanuity platforms)
• Experience integrating GIS data into planning and modeling workflows
• Experience supporting pursuits (RFQs/RFPs) and helping grow a planning program through strategic client engagement

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated water planning and master planning studies for municipal and county utilities across Florida (water, wastewater, and reuse), from kickoff through closeout.
• Serve as the client-facing project manager who brings credibility in RFQs and interviews, supported by a portfolio of comparable Florida planning work.
• Manage hydraulic modeling and planning technical workstreams that support master planning and utility design projects.
• Coordinate a cross-functional team of local and national technical experts (planning, funding, design, treatment, and more) to deliver the right solution at the right time.
• Build and maintain relationships that help grow the Florida planning work base, including participation in industry organizations and strategic client engagement.
• Support business development by shaping capture strategies, writing technical sections, and leading proposal development for integrated planning pursuits.
• Provide senior technical direction, mentor developing staff, and ensure quality, consistency, and on-time delivery across project teams.
• Communicate clearly with clients, stakeholders, and regulators, translating technical findings into actionable planning decisions.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package
• Paid overtime for salaried employees
• Annual bonus
• Access to company cabins in Red River, New Mexico and Banner Elk, North Carolina
• Flexible work environment with a hybrid schedule (up to 40% remote work)

What This Job Offers

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