Program Manager - Applied Research, Water & Wastewater Systems
Listed on 2026-02-15
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IT/Tech
Data Science Manager, Data Analyst
Recruitment Category Type
Recruitment Category Type Standard
Functional Category
Functional Category Operational Reliability and Resilience
Grade
Grade EG.17
FLSA Status
FLSA Status Exempt
Requisition Number
Requisition Number 26-0150
Number of Vacancies
Number of Vacancies 1
Job Level
Job Level Non-Management
Job Code
Job Code N/A
Job Description Summary
Organization Name
Organization Name Innovation, Technology & Research
Reports to
Reports to Division Manager, Innovation, Technology, and Research
Full or Part Time
Full or Part Time Full Time
If Part Time how many hours per week
Regular or Temporary
Regular or Temporary Regular
Position End Date (if temporary)
Work Schedule
Monday – Friday
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Position Location
Position Location Laurel
Position Summary Information
General Summary
The Program Manager – Applied Research leads applied and emerging research programs that advance WSSC Water’s understanding and solutions to treatment processes, emerging issues, and future water sector challenges. This role drives innovation across water resources, water treatment, distribution systems, wastewater conveyance, and resource recovery processes to strengthen operational reliability, resilience, and efficiency.
Essential Functions
- Leads and oversees teams to plan and execute applied and emerging research initiatives—from project design and pilot testing to data interpretation and quality control
- Develops and implements research strategies and long-term priorities that ensure alignment with Smart One Water principles, WSSC Water’s strategic goals, regulatory requirements, and that drive industry-leading outcomes to enhance service delivery
- Researches and assesses emerging industry trends to anticipate gaps in subject matter expertise, identifies potential research opportunities, and develops the capabilities needed to address those gaps
- Oversees all research instrumentation, hardware, and software at a level sufficient to ensure proper maintenance and provide basic trouble shooting
- Builds and manages external research partnerships, oversees collaborative studies, and ensures efforts are aligned with WSSC Water’s operational priorities and delivers maximum value
- Serves as a technical liaison and strategic contributor, supporting regulatory coordination, knowledge sharing, benchmarking of emerging technologies, and innovation-focused planning and policy development
- Recruits, coordinates, and provides technical guidance and mentorship to interns, research fellows, contractors, and staff to support high-quality technical outcomes and professional development
- Provides input on performance and staffing decisions as appropriate
- Provides technical expertise and recommendations, and prepares high-quality reports and presentations to inform senior leadership, program teams, and external stakeholders through data-driven insights
- Develops the annual research portfolio and goals aligned with operational priorities, assessing project feasibility, resource needs, and availability of internal expertise
- Manages multiple concurrent research initiatives, overseeing schedules, budgets, quality control, and deliverables using established program management tools
- Establishes programmatic and contractual frameworks for research partnerships and coordinates space and logistical needs to support research activities
- Prepares and administers research and innovation grants; coordinates consultant and research team selection, contracting, and performance to ensure alignment with project goals, funding requirements, and Commission standards
- Develops and monitors research metrics, KPIs, and return-on-investment measures while ensuring compliance with WSSC Water standards, safety protocols, and regulatory requirements
Other Functions
- Serves as the acting division manager when designated
- Drives a vehicle to conduct WSSC Water business
- Performs other related duties as assigned
Work Environment And Physical Demands
Business casual office environment.
Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities
- Comprehensive understanding of water resources, water treatment, distribution systems, wastewater conveyance, and resource recovery processes
- Demonstrated ability to plan and manage…
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