Fire Facility Project Specialist

Ventura County•Thousand Oaks, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for project management of both in-house and outsourced projects under $200,000. This includes running all aspects of a project from concept through design and permitting until completion of construction. Conceptual project responsibilities include working with Fire personnel to define a scope of work, preparing cost and timeline estimations, preparing project exhibits and requests for proposals (RFP). Project design and permitting responsibilities include assisting Fire administration staff for architect/engineer contract establishment, oversight of work and invoicing, ensuring deadlines are adhered to, and working with County and City agencies for planning and construction submittments and approvals. In addition, working with Fire purchasing staff to solicit quotes for equipment and establishing purchase orders. Construction responsibilities include the public bidding process, contractor selection, oversight of on-site activities, contractor and sub-contractor communication, reviewing and approving, in coordination with project architects/engineer, requests for information (RFIs), material submittals, contract change orders, and schedules, completing as-needed general site inspections, approving pay estimates, documenting progress and keeping department heads apprised of changes. Responsible for managing several projects at once, of varying complexity, differing themes/trades, multiple or single contractors, various levels of project completion, at multiple VCFD locations throughout the County. The Project Specialist would also assist the Fire Facilities Manager with aspects of multi-million-dollar projects like design and construction of new fire stations or training facilities. The position is roughly estimated at 50:50 ratio of office-to-field work.

Requirements

Considerable experience performing construction project management which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Completion of a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and two (2) years project management experience of construction projects with construction values over $25,000.
Must possess and maintain a current valid California driver's license.
Thorough to comprehensive knowledge of current principles of construction engineering and their application to engineering problems.
Comprehensive knowledge of one of the engineering disciplines, mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, etc. or architectural; modern methods, materials and equipment used in the construction of buildings, building remodels, sewer systems, air-conditioning systems, asphalt, concrete, fire/life/safety systems, climate control systems, security systems, and computer system application.
Working knowledge of common office environment software sufficient to produce required reports and other materials.
Skilled in common office software sufficient to produce required reports, exhibits and other materials.
Ability to prepare engineering studies, recommend solutions, prepare reports and make recommendations for the planning of work; write technical reports; manage and coordinate work of outside consultants and contractors; inspect plans and methods of construction; estimate cost of construction projects; use good engineering judgment in development, evaluation, selection, and implementation of both agency and contract resources to get the work done; practice effective customer service; manage a large workload while remaining flexible in response to project changes and deadlines; resolve conflicts and problems in a creative and positive way; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; develop and maintain productive, professional and respectful relationships with employees, management, and outside consultants and vendors; read, interpret and direct activities based on construction drawings and specifications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
Registration as a Professional Engineer.
Five (5) years of construction contract management experience (institutional, commercial, or industrial.
Experience managing projects with construction values up to $200,000.
Experience overseeing multiple contracts concurrently.
Strong project team communication and coordination skills
Working knowledge of contract management software and documentation
Proven ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously.
Solid technical foundation
Experience in institutional, commercial, and/or industrial construction environments
Experience navigating the County permitting process for construction and development projects.

Responsibilities

Plan, organize, coordinate and administer facilities design and complex construction engineering projects with various entities
Secure necessary permits which may include conditional use permits, environmental impact statements, and building permits
Communicate with customers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and presentations at Board meetings and/or Commission hearings
Obtain and evaluate proposal from contractors and other vendors on construction projects
Use Fire standards for job contracting procedures including appropriate software to document activities and progress
Ensure vendor/contractor compliance with all safety and code regulations
Provide other customer service and coordination as required
Arrange for contractors' access and on-site coordination to minimize disruptive impact while working at County/Fire facilities
Performs other related duties as required

Benefits

General Salary Increase – 3.5% effective December 20, 2026, and 3.5% effective December 19, 2027.
Educational Incentive – An educational incentive of 2.5% for completion of an associate's degree, 3.5% for completion of a bachelor's degree, OR 5% for completion of a graduate degree.
Bilingual Incentive – Depending upon operational necessity and certification of skill.
Annual Leave – 20 working days, increasing to 25 working days after 5 years of service.
Deferred Compensation – Eligible to participate in the County's 401(k) Shared Savings Plan and/or the Section 457 Plan. This position is eligible for up to a 3% match on your 401(k) contributions.
Health Plans – Full time employees are afforded a flexible credit allowance for purchasing medical, dental, and/or vision insurance from a group of authorized plans: Tier one for employee only is $667 per biweekly pay period.
Flexible Spending Accounts – Choice of participation in the Flexible Spending Accounts which increase spending power through reimbursement of pre-tax dollars for IRS approved dependent care and health care expenses.
Pension Plan – Both the County and employees contribute to the County's Retirement Plan and to Social Security. If eligible, reciprocity may be established with other public retirement systems, such as PERS .
Holidays – 12 paid days per year.
After hours on-call services on a rotating basis with other staff dedicated to fire facilities and will be compensated accordingly at union negotiated rates.