Principal Construction Manager

Sound Transit•Seattle, WA

12h•$107,000 - $213,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Principal Construction Manager initially splits time between closeout of the Federal Way Link Extension and startup of the West Seattle Link Extension, eventually transitioning to support the West Seattle Link Extension full time. Under the direction of the Director of Construction Management, this role manages assigned areas within the Construction Management Division and construction projects involving Link Light Rail, Sounder Commuter Rail, and/or Bus Rapid Transit. The position represents the division during planning, design, and pre-construction; develops and implements project management systems and procedures for Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and/or GC/CM delivery; manages assigned staff and consultants; resolves construction, design, and facilities issues; coordinates with internal and external partners; and provides complex administrative support to agency project leadership. The role oversees construction management staff and project activities, provides direction on contract requirements and changes, manages construction management and design-build project management consultants, and participates in planning, design, and pre-construction work such as risk and constructability assessments, value engineering, and contracting strategy. It also contributes to budget development and monitoring, ensures compliance with applicable laws and agency policies, and promotes Sound Transit's core values, equity and inclusion, safety, and sustainability. Work is performed in a hybrid environment, with a minimum expectation of three days per week in the office. The position also requires frequent visits to active construction sites, stations, and facilities, including locations not served by transit. It includes on-call duties and occasional weekend or night shifts to respond to project and safety situations.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Five years of construction management experience including heavy civil, buildings, and underground structures experience, contract administration, and design management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Three years of leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience; transit or transportation experience is preferred.
Valid state driver's license.
Knowledge of civil engineering and construction management operations, services, and activities.
Advanced knowledge of project management, civil engineering, and construction management principles and practices for Design-Bid-Build and Design-Build delivery.
Knowledge of contract document production, coordination, administration, interpretation, and sections including General Conditions, Special Conditions, Division 1 Specifications, and Technical Specifications.
Knowledge of construction materials, equipment, labor, means and methods, safety, temporary structures, and risks.
Knowledge of contract negotiation and administration methods and techniques.
Knowledge of schedule development, analysis, and management.
Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations relating to transit construction and operations.
Knowledge of financial management, including budget preparation, expenditure tracking, variance identification, and revenue tracking.
Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities.
Knowledge of business correspondence and basic report preparation, English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods, and equipment, including computers and applications for word processing, spreadsheets, statistical databases, scheduling, and contract management.
Ability to use personal computer software to complete assigned work, analyze complex data, and prepare spreadsheets and reports.
Knowledge of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, vendors, outside agencies, community groups, and the public.
Ability to research, interpret, and administer policies and procedures consistently.
Ability to oversee and participate in managing a comprehensive civil engineering and construction management program with interrelated projects or complex functional areas.
Ability to negotiate and administer construction and engineering services contracts and third-party agreements.
Ability to develop and administer division or department goals, objectives, guidelines, policies, and procedures.
Ability to interpret and apply applicable federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
Skills in complaint resolution, critical and strategic problem solving, and responding effectively to inquiries orally and in writing.
Ability to develop and monitor departmental and program/project operating budgets, costs, and schedules.
Ability to supervise, lead, and delegate tasks and authority.
Ability to drive an agency vehicle to monitor construction and respond to emergent situations at any time of day within assigned projects and corridors.

Nice To Haves

Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of Washington.
Certification as a Certified Construction Manager issued by the Construction Management Certification Institute.
Certification as a Project Management Professional by the Project Management Institute.
Leadership, budgetary, planning, and workforce management experience in a transit or transportation environment.

Responsibilities

Plan, direct, coordinate, and review assigned staff work; assign activities and coordinate schedules, projects, and programs; provide feedback and evaluate performance.
Coach, train, and motivate staff; manage employee relations, workflow, performance, development plans, and corrective actions as appropriate.
Manage the work and performance of Project Coordinators, Construction Managers, and Deputy Construction Managers; visit sites to observe conditions, safety, security, construction, and incident response.
Provide overall construction management direction for assigned projects, including consistent interpretation and application of contract requirements and changes.
Manage Construction Management Consultant and/or Design-Build Project Management consultant activities, including scopes, tasks, staffing, qualifications, performance, lessons learned, document reviews, and contract administration and documentation.
Participate in and coordinate construction management activities during planning, design, and pre-construction, including risk assessments, constructability assessments, value engineering, and contracting method selection.
Resolve construction, design, and facilities issues associated with the design and construction of agency facilities.
Participate in development and administration of program and project budgets; forecast resource needs; document and monitor expenditures and cost estimates; review and approve expenditures; and implement adjustments.
Provide departmental and agency support, prepare and present reports and correspondence, participate in committees and professional meetings, and maintain awareness of relevant developments and practices.
Ensure consistent and effective application of processes, policies, and practices, and compliance with applicable laws, agency policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Model Sound Transit's core values and contribute to a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Follow applicable agency safety rules, regulations, and procedures.
Integrate sustainability into everyday business practices.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision plans with no cost for employee coverage; comprehensive coverage is available for eligible dependents, including a spouse or domestic partner.
Long-term disability and life insurance.
Employee Assistance Program.
401a retirement plan with a 12% Sound Transit match on a 10% employee contribution.
457b retirement plan with employee contributions up to the IRS maximum.
25 days of annual paid time off, with increases after four, eight, and twelve years of service; director-level employees and above accrue additional days.
12 paid holidays and up to two paid floating holidays per year.
Up to two paid volunteer days per year.
12 weeks of parental leave for new parents.
Pet insurance discount.
No-cost ORCA card for full-time employees.
Tuition reimbursement of up to $5,000 annually for approved expenses.
Inclusive reproductive health support services.
Opportunities for professional development, work-life balance, and colleague recognition.