Meet Kevin Dahl

What started on the snowy slopes of Keystone, Colorado, became the launchpad for a career rooted in curiosity, resilience and a commitment to making a meaningful impact. 

Over the past two decades, Kevin has become a trusted leader in the operations, management and engineering of water and wastewater treatment systems for public agencies and industries — known for his technical expertise, empathetic leadership and operational excellence. From Connecticut to Michigan, he has overseen complex design-build-operate transitions, advanced treatment technologies and managed regional systems, all while championing transparency and collaboration at every step.

A career built on curiosity and commitment

Kevin began his academic journey at Boston University as a mechanical engineering major, but a year off skiing and working in Keystone, Colorado, gave him time to reflect and recalibrate. He transferred to the University of Connecticut with renewed purpose, earning a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering with a focus on water resources and a master’s degree in environmental engineering. A pivotal graduate course and mentorship from industry legend Glen Daigger sparked a passion for wastewater treatment. 

Kevin joined Jacobs in 1999 and has since held many roles — from managing collections and capital projects to serving as assistant project manager and beyond. By 2004, he was leading wastewater operations in Norwalk, Connecticut, applying his engineering background to real-world challenges like fecal regrowth and algae control. He later took on complex project management roles in West Haven, Connecticut; Hoboken, New Jersey; and Woonsocket, Rhode Island, where he led a design-build-operate project that required quickly mastering every inch of the facility to be successful. 

Transition leadership

Eventually, Kevin was promoted to regional manager and led the successful transition of nearly a dozen utility operations and maintenance (O&M) projects across the region. Notable efforts included a rapid deployment in Westerly, Rhode Island, with just three days’ notice and a large-scale startup in Wilmington, Delaware, during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

He oversaw smooth transitions from previous contract operators and municipal teams, including Waterbury’s wastewater operations, maintaining minimal disruption for staff, clients and the communities served. Kevin also played a key role in onboarding new staff into Jacobs’ operational framework — providing comprehensive training, instilling company culture and fostering alignment from day one.

Leading with vision

Today, Kevin serves as vice president of operations for the U.S. East and Canada for Jacobs’ Operations Management and Facilities Services practice. He oversees a diverse portfolio of municipal operations in the region — including major projects in Wilmington, Delaware; Waterbury, Connecticut; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Baltimore, Maryland; South Huron Valley, Michigan; San Marcos, Texas; Pembroke Pines and The Villages, Florida; and Jackson, Mississippi. 

With responsibility for over a thousand craft, union and salaried staff, Kevin drives excellence in safety, regulatory compliance, financial performance and maintenance. His leadership also expands to capital planning, strategic growth initiatives and building strong, lasting client relationships — all with a focus on delivering resilient, future-ready infrastructure. 

Kevin’s commitment to being the premier O&M service provider fuels a high-performance culture rooted in connection and a “work hard, play hard” spirit. He empowers teams with the relationships and resources they need to succeed. 

Passion for purpose

For Kevin, water and wastewater operations isn’t just a career. He’s drawn to the industry’s complexity, its far-reaching impact and the dedicated people who keep it running. He thrives on the challenge of integrating disciplines and embraces emerging technologies and innovative solutions to drive meaningful change for clients and communities.

Looking to the future, Kevin is focused on building a resilient workforce. With a growing shortage of skilled operators on the horizon, he’s passionate about inspiring the next generation to see the value, versatility and purpose in this essential work. He’s personally recruited engineering interns through vendor and professional networks, placing them in hands-on roles at facilities. 

Life beyond Jacobs

When he’s not leading operations or walking treatment plants, Kevin enjoys life in Monroe with his wife, kids and friends. He’s an avid tennis player and also enjoys darts, shuffleboard, boating, skiing and traveling.