Project Manager

Job Title: Project Manager

Location: Sarasota, FL to Houston, TX with extensive travel

Reports to: President

Compensation Range: $160,000 - $200,000 annually (depending on location, experience, skills, and qualifications)

Other Compensation: Eligible for discretionary bonus

Benefits: Comprehensive package including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) with company match, paid time off and travel opportunities

The Ceres Commitment

Ceres Environmental Services is a leader in crisis management, rapid response, and disaster recovery, committed to rebuilding stronger, safer communities. Founded in 1976, Ceres has secured more than $3.4 billion in government-funded contracts, reflecting decades of trust in bringing hope during times of need.

We specialize in emergency response, environmental services, planning, and consulting, including debris removal, blue roofs, logistics, debris management, demolition, recycling, forest management, and coastal and marine restoration. As a licensed general contractor, we offer unparalleled expertise to restore stability where it’s needed most.

Driven by Purpose, Powered by People

At Ceres, we believe you’re more than just an employee; you’re part of a team with a purpose and a meaningful mission. Whether in management, field operations, or behind the scenes, every team member plays a vital role in restoring hope, helping communities recover and rebuild.

We value initiative, respect diversity, and give our people the freedom to lead. We offer competitive pay, travel opportunities, and a culture built on resilience and teamwork.

If you show up with compassion, share the commitment, react with urgency, and deliver solutions, you’ll fit right in. We don’t just respond to challenges; we rise to them.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking a senior-level Project Manager who operates as a strategic business leader with full accountability for end-to-end delivery of large-scale horizontal construction and disaster recovery projects. This role goes beyond execution, requiring ownership from project initiation and mobilization through financial closeout, ensuring successful outcomes across operations, financial performance, client satisfaction, and risk management.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in construction (e.g., site work, infrastructure, debris management, environmental and civil projects) and a proven ability to manage complex, multi-site programs concurrently. This individual will lead Superintendents and cross-functional teams while maintaining direct accountability for project P&L, forecasting accuracy, and margin performance.

This is a high-impact leadership role requiring the ability to operate at both the executive and field levels—translating contract requirements into actionable plans, influencing stakeholders, and driving results in dynamic, high-pressure environments.

What You Will Do

• Lead full lifecycle project delivery from pre-construction planning and mobilization through execution and closeout

• Oversee large-scale civil construction projects, ensuring alignment across scope, schedule, and cost

• Maintain full P&L ownership, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and margin optimization

• Develop and execute detailed project execution strategies, schedules, and resource plans

• Effectively manage personnel, and equipment resources, ensuring project execution across multiple concurrent projects

• Serve as the primary client interface, including government agencies, ensuring performance, reporting, and relationship management

• Drive financial discipline and reporting, partnering closely with finance to ensure accuracy and accountability

• Ensure compliance with contract terms, guidelines, regulatory requirements, and safety standards

• Identify, assess, and mitigate project risks across operational, financial, and contractual dimensions

• Oversee subcontractor strategy, negotiations, and performance management

• Analyze production data and KPIs to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency
• Serve as a strategic leader across all operational teams.

• Lead project closeout activities, including financial reconciliation, lessons learned, and performance evaluation

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering

• 12+ years of progressive experience in delivering projects in diverse environments, including open channels (rivers/canals), civil construction, infrastructure, disaster recovery, or related industries.

• 5+ years leading large-scale projects and managing multiple teams (including Superintendents or equivalent leaders) in a corporate construction or engineering environment with P&L accountability.

• Proven experience managing construction or civil/infrastructure projects, including levee construction, dredging projects, CDBG-funded projects or other large-scale civil construction assignments.

• Demonstrated success with full P&L ownership, including budgeting, forecasting, and margin accountability

• Strong leadership presence with the ability to influence at executive, client, and field levels

• Experience managing government contracts and regulatory compliance

• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously in fast-paced, high-pressure environments

• Strong financial acumen and data-driven decision-making capability

• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

• Willingness to travel extensively and deploy on short notice

Preferred Qualifications

• PMP, certification or equivalent

• OSHA 30, HAZWOPER, or other safety certifications

• Experience managing multi-million to billion-dollar programs or portfolios

What to Expect

This is a hands-on leadership role for a senior construction professional who thrives in high-accountability, fast-paced environments. As Project Manager, you will serve as the operational and financial leader for large-scale civil construction and disaster recovery projects, with responsibility for project execution, client satisfaction, safety performance, team leadership, and profitability.

You will lead Superintendents and cross-functional teams across multiple concurrent projects, balancing field operations with executive-level decision-making. Success in this role requires strong business acumen, the ability to manage complex government-funded projects, and a willingness to travel and deploy as project demands arise. Candidates who excel in dynamic environments, enjoy solving complex challenges, and take ownership of delivering results from mobilization through closeout will be well-positioned for success.

Physical Requirements and Environment

• Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodation

• Ability to work in adverse weather and field conditions, including extreme environments

• Willingness to wear required PPE at all times when on-site

Why Join Ceres?

At Ceres, you won’t just have a job, you’ll have a mission.

We offer:

• A collaborative, mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement.
• The chance to make a lasting difference for communities across the U.S.

Ceres Environmental is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to age, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, religion, disability status, or protected veteran status.

Work Authorization

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Ceres does not sponsor employment‑based visas for this position unless stated otherwise.

E-Verify: We comply with Federal law by verifying employment eligibility.