Posted: 08-May-26
Location: Ottawa, Illinois
Type: Full Time
Required Education:
Additional Information:
Internal Number: 979319
J.F. Brennan Company is seeking a proven Marine Construction Project Manager to lead technically complex infrastructure projects performed on or overwater. This is not a commercial construction role. We are looking for an experienced professional with a strong background in deep foundations, bridge construction, barge terminals, dock structures, dam construction, and railroad infrastructure.
Our projects demand precision planning, marine logistics coordination, and hands-on leadership in challenging environments. The ideal candidate has successfully managed work from floating equipment, understands heavy civil risk management, and thrives in technically demanding marine settings.
Responsibilities
- Lead full lifecycle management of marine and heavy civil infrastructure projects executed on or overwater
- Develop and manage detailed project work plans, cost structures, baseline schedules, and recovery schedules
- Oversee deep foundation operations including pile driving (steel, concrete, timber), drilled shafts, cofferdams, and sheet piling systems
- Manage marine logistics including barges, cranes, floating equipment, specialty access systems, and sequencing of work over navigable waterways
- Direct coordination between field leadership, engineering teams, subcontractors, and owners
- Maintain strict financial control including forecasting, cost tracking, productivity analysis, change management, and monthly owner billing
- Prepare and negotiate change orders and contract modifications in accordance with public infrastructure contract requirements
- Review and approve submittals, shop drawings, lift plans, and engineered marine work plans
- Support pursuit efforts including bid reviews, quantity takeoffs, pricing strategy, and risk evaluation
- Interface with public agencies including DOTs, USACE, rail authorities, port authorities, and municipal owners
- Travel to active marine construction job sites up to 75% of the time as required
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related technical field
- Minimum 5+ years of project management experience in marine or heavy civil infrastructure (not commercial building construction)
- Demonstrated leadership experience managing projects involving:
- Bridge substructures and superstructures
- Dam rehabilitation
- Dock and barge terminal construction
- Railroad infrastructure and rail bridge work
- Deep foundation systems and pile-supported structures
- Strong working knowledge of marine construction methods including work from floating platforms and temporary work in water
- Experience managing public infrastructure contracts with complex specifications and regulatory requirements
- Advanced understanding of scheduling (Primavera P6 or MS Project), cost control, forecasting, and contract management
- Proven ability to lead field teams in high-risk, technically demanding marine environments
- Strong communication skills with the confidence to interface with owners, engineers, inspectors, and executive leadership
Who is Brennan?
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. (Brennan) is a 100-year-old, family-owned company that specializes in water-based environmental remediation and marine construction headquartered in La Crosse, WI that offers our employees growth, challenging work, empowerment, and meaningful work. Brennan is known for tackling complex maritime projects, providing unique solutions through teamwork and collaboration, and maintaining a family-orientated culture.
Why choose us?
- We are a company voted by our employees as a certified Great Place to Work®, and recognized by Fortune magazine as a Best Workplace in Construction.
- Our culture sets us apart. We strive to make our company the best possible place to work. We work hard to continue to build a culture in which every individual is important and the key to our success.
- Our focus on safety and quality is unmatched in the industry, and our ability to innovate has enabled us to succeed.
- We are a family-focused company and are determined to provide a rewarding career that offers above-average compensation.
- We offer an industry-leading benefits package. We are proud to offer our employees and their families group health, dental and vision insurance plans, 401(K) program with generous matching, annual bonus eligibility and profit-sharing program.
J.F. Brennan Company, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Compensation:
- The salary range varies based on experience and the level of project management responsibilities assigned. Candidates will be assessed during the interview process and aligned with a level that matches their skills and qualifications. Compensation typically ranges from $85,000 to $160,000 depending on experience, with additional opportunities for bonuses and benefits
Notice to Staffing Agencies
J.F. Brennan Company Inc. (“Brennan”) and its subsidiaries will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Brennan, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Brennan mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Brennan employees, or to Brennan’s resume database will be considered Brennan property. Brennan will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Brennan will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Brennan’s recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Brennan will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Brennan’s Chief Human Resources Officer or his/her designee. No other Brennan employee is authorized to bind Brennan to any agreement regarding the placement of candidate by Agencies.
