Water Treatment Project Manager

About the role

Woodard & Curran is an employee-owned engineering, science, and operations firm dedicated to clean water, a safe environment, healthy communities, and happy people. We foster an inclusive, collaborative culture that supports professional growth, flexibility, and meaningful work, empowering our employees to make a lasting impact on our clients, communities, and the planet. This O&M Project Manager position is integral to upholding that mission through direct leadership of critical water treatment operations. The role demands a proactive leader who owns the full spectrum of daily plant activities and long-term operational excellence for the City of Ft. Lauderdale. You will be responsible for safeguarding public health by ensuring all processes meet stringent compliance standards every single day. This position requires a steadfast commitment to safety, operational integrity, and continuous improvement in all facets of plant management. Success in this role will be measured by regulatory compliance, team development, and the efficient execution of all operational and capital projects.

Key facts

What you'll do

Coordinate daily operational activities and oversee the performance of the operations team serving the City of Ft. Lauderdale to ensure optimal plant performance.

Serve as a steward of the operations team, fostering development and ensuring all staff adhere to strict safety and operating procedures.

Implement and manage a comprehensive preventative maintenance system designed to achieve 100% regulatory compliance through daily process monitoring.

Act as the primary liaison for coordination and communication with operations staff, client representatives, contractors, and assigned engineering firms.

Oversee the effective system optimization and operation of water treatment processes in partnership with all project stakeholders.

Lead the implementation and management of an innovative asset management program to extend facility life and improve reliability.

Administer and drive the completion of all routine and capital repair, replacement, and rehabilitation projects within budget and on schedule.

Direct participation in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water and wastewater facilities, including the utilization of predictive maintenance systems and laboratory oversight.

Ensure safety is the highest priority by enforcing all Standard Operating Procedures and compliance with DOT, OSHA, Healthy and Safety regulations.

Respond to emergency situations, process upsets, equipment failures, force majeure events, and all alarm events with decisive action and adherence to emergency protocols.

Requirements

10 to 15 years' experience in managing complex water or wastewater treatment facilities including reuse, laboratory, and/or solids handling systems.

Possess a Florida Water treatment Operators License - Class A preferred to ensure regulatory competency and operational authority.

Ensure safety is the highest priority and that all SOPs are followed and DOT, OSHA, Healthy and Safety and other requirements are met without exception.

Conduct routine facility inspections and interact with regulators as required to maintain compliance and address any concerns proactively.

Demonstrate a collaborative and team leadership approach that empowers staff and builds a positive operational culture.

Experience hiring, supporting, supervising, and developing a staff of 10-15 employees through mentorship and structured guidance.

High school or equivalent, with a technical/vocational school background; a College degree preferred with focus in Environmental Areas to deepen technical knowledge.

Identify and participate in activities to support the local community, strengthening the relationship between the facility and the public.

Demonstrate financial acumen through the oversight of operating and capital budgets to ensure fiscal responsibility and resource optimization.

Active participation in recruiting efforts, including partnering with and supporting local wastewater/water school programs to build talent pipelines.

Direct participation in the operation, maintenance, and repair of water/wastewater facilities, ensuring all systems function reliably and efficiently.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interface effectively with diverse stakeholders and team members.

Oversight and utilization of Operations Database systems for process control, optimization, and regulatory reporting to maintain data integrity.

Proven track record with regulators and a solid understanding of regulations and reporting requirements to ensure seamless compliance.

Familiarity with computers and industry-specific software, including Excel, Word, HACH WIMS, and report generation tools for efficient data management.

Applicant must possess a valid Driver's License and maintain a good driving record for the responsibilities of the role.

Successful candidates will be required to complete an extensive pre-employment screening process as a condition of employment.

Practical notes

Work is performed in a safe and professional manner by following established safety, operating, and emergency response procedures. Our operators participate in an "on call" rotation for plant coverage outside normal workday hours and shifts may include weekends. In addition, operators will be required to respond to emergency situations and work in inclement weather as needed.

Schedule: Monday

Friday, 7.00am - 3.30pm. Will be required to respond to emergency or unpredicted situations.