Construction Engineering Section Manager (Mgr 3)

City of Seattle • Seattle, WA

21d • Hybrid

About The Position

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Construction Engineering Section Manager (Mgr 3) to lead within the Construction Management Division. This role involves overseeing programs that support infrastructure projects, driving critical programs impacting infrastructure and employee safety, and guiding construction management approaches. The position is responsible for managing public work programs, supervising staff (Supervising Civil Engineers and Construction Program Managers), and ensuring consistent administration of project contracts during the construction phase. The manager will also serve as the construction program manager for various SPU capital improvement projects, capital asset protection and oversight programs, emergency contracting, and consultant on-call contracts. This role acts as the Construction Management subject matter expert during the design phase, is responsible for resourcing, training, and educating the Construction Engineering Section, and will develop standard operating procedures for administering public works contracts, implement organizational change, monitor construction engineering key performance indicators, and recommend updates to City Standards and Specifications. The team consists of professional engineers, certified construction management professionals, certified project management professionals, and specially certified inspection experts. SPU is a community-centered utility providing vital services including drinking water, drainage, wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost, with a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college/university with major coursework in engineering, accounting, business administration, construction management, public policy, or a related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in construction management, operations, administration, project management, or public policy.
• Two (2) years of experience supervising/managing staff.
• Combinations of appropriate education, training, certification and experience will be evaluated on an individual basis for comparability to the minimum education and experience requirements.
• Current Washington State Driver’s License or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Professional Civil Engineering experience emphasized in Construction Management.
• Experience with practicing, stamping, and sealing engineering documents with the professional engineer’s standard care and expertise as a professional engineer.
• Recent experience as a Resident Engineer (RE) for large, complex Public Works in several of the following areas: water, sewer/drainage, solid waste, stream or creek restoration, and/or low impact development projects.
• A proactive team member with good communication skills that gets ahead of issues.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work within the organizational framework of SPU Workplace Expectations including our values on Safety, Respect, Diversity, Trust, Humor, Productivity, Integrity, Innovation, Partnership and Accountability.
• Ability to communicate and work effectively within a multicultural workforce serving a diverse customer base.
• Understanding the CMAA or PMBOK body of knowledge.

Nice To Haves

• Registered with the State of Washington as a Professional Engineer (PE)
• Certified Construction Manager (CCM)
• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP)

Responsibilities

• Develop and administer a comprehensive construction management standard operating procedure for consistent, efficient, and effective execution.
• Implement change using organizational change management principles.
• Assist construction management subordinates in carrying out direct field inspection and administration of construction contracts to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, permits, and laws.
• Develop key performance indicators to monitor contract administration activities, including reviewing progress reports, processing payments, verifying quantities and costs, compiling documentation, and auditing as-built records.
• Develop guides and tools to efficiently determine Change Order entitlement and assist subordinates in negotiating change orders and supporting documentation.
• Develop guides and tools to validate subordinates are maintaining required field documentation and construction diaries.
• Coordinate work with other SPU divisions, City Departments, agencies, businesses, and communities.
• Act as a liaison between consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, or suppliers and the City.
• Develop guides, trainings, and tools for subordinates facilitating pre-submittal, pre-construction conferences, internal project team meetings, and construction meetings.
• Finalize responses to correspondence from the contractor, including letters, memos, requests for information, and field directives for contract changes greater than $250,000.
• Develop guides, trainings, and tools to ensure and enforce compliance with permit terms.
• Monitor, adhere to, and report on program budget constraints.
• Review and incorporate lessons learned into future design packages to mitigate Owner’s risk.
• Serve as a technical expert in construction engineering.
• Lead and resource manage construction programs, assigning Capital Improvement Projects including Green Stormwater Infrastructure, major pump stations, large pipeline projects, CIPP pipelining projects, Consent Decree combined sewer overflow facilities, solid waste transfer station improvement projects, and bridge and roadway improvement projects.
• Develop program scopes of work and manage consultant construction support contracts.
• Participate in the SPU Construction Management Leadership team to strategically implement Lean Process Improvements and Change Management.

Benefits

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment
• Generous benefits package
• Free Orca Pass
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities
• Vacation, holiday, and sick leave
• Medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager