UTILITIES CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGER
(A MANAGEMENT, AT-WILL POSITION)

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, oversees, supervises, and coordinates the management of specific utility facilities construction projects within the Utilities Department; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Utilities / Construction & Engineering.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes responsibility for assigned services and activities related to the management of specific utility facilities construction projects within the Utilities Department including design, bid, construction, and related functions and professional contracts to ensure completion of projects within budgetary, regulatory, and time constraints.
• Coordinates the organization, staffing, and operational activities for the utility facilities construction program.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities; recommends and implements resulting policies and procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identifies resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for utility facilities construction services and activities; assigns work activities and projects including organizing and scheduling the work of professional and paraprofessional engineering staff and private contractors; monitors work flow; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Reviews the design of assigned utilities construction projects; directs the preparation and/or review of plans, specifications, estimates, and contracts for assigned projects.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel including contract employees; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned program budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments as necessary.
• Provides staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Utilities / Construction & Engineering; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to utility facilities construction programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Coordinates utility facilities construction activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies and organizations; resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Performs a variety of construction conflict resolution duties; resolves engineering problems in the construction phase; acts on behalf of the City in meeting with and resolving engineering problems with project contractors, private engineers, owners, and developers.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; may represent the City at Planning Commission meetings, City Council, or other public meetings; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of utility facilities construction.
• Responds to and resolves citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a utility facilities construction program.
• Principles and practices of construction management.
• Principles and practices used in the planning, design, and construction of utilities facilities.
• Contract administration principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including public contract law.
• Civil, structural, electrical, traffic, geotechnical, and mechanical engineering principles and practices.
• Accounting principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a utility facilities construction program.
• Supervise, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff and contractors.
• Select, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of program goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare and administer program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Prepare and review the preparation of plans and specifications including those for pump stations, treatment works, reservoirs, sanitary sewers, water lines, storm drains, and other utilities projects.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, construction management, construction technology or a related field.

Experience: Five years of responsible civil engineering experience related to area of construction management including two years of project management, administrative, and/or supervisory responsibility.

-OR-

Ten years of increasingly responsible experience in the area of construction, five of which must be in construction management including two years of project management, administrative, and/or supervisory responsibility. 

License or Certificate - Possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California or Construction Management Certificate is highly desirable. Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Field and standard office setting. FREQUENT exposure to extreme heat and humidity working outdoors and indoors in construction environments.  OCCASIONAL exposure to temperature swings from air conditioning to outdoor temperatures, exposure to extreme noise in construction environment, fumes and odors of process venting, dust from construction work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. INFREQUENT exposure to mechanical hazards in operating vehicles, radiation hazards possibly resulting from manufacturing or construction processes or facilities. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Overtime may occasionally be required to accommodate schedules. Work environment is informal, both team and autonomy oriented, having both routine and variable tasks, with variable pace and pressure. Work is performed in the office and in the field at construction sites, manufacturing facilities, commercial and industrial establishments.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in a field and office setting and operate office equipment. FREQUENT walking, standing, sitting, fine-finger dexterity to manipulate computer, operate and calibrate equipment. OCCASIONAL bending and stooping, squatting, pushing/pulling, twisting at waist, upward and downward flexion of neck, side-to-side turning of neck; lifting objects weighing up to 10 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 200 yards; lifting objects weighing 11-50 lbs. from below waist to waist level and transporting distances up to 200 yards with or without assistance; grasp and grip to lift and carry equipment; hand and arm strength and foot dexterity to operate automobile or light pickup. INFREQUENT crawling, climbing, reaching at and above shoulder height, kneeling, balancing above ground; lifting objects weighing 11-50 lbs. from chest level to above shoulders, with or without assistance.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: December 2010
JP/Department

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates