CPW Professional Engineer I / Regional Project Manager (Grand Junction, CO)

State of Colorado•Grand Junction, CO

About The Position

Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is hiring a licensed professional engineer for its Northwest Region Capital and Trails unit. The unit manages capital and trail development across the region, which includes 13 State Parks and more than 90 State Wildlife Areas. The position oversees capital development and infrastructure projects on CPW-owned lands, ranging from approximately $5,000 to $1,000,000 or more. The role may prepare engineering designs and make field adjustments during construction to ensure work meets engineering standards and codes. The engineer manages projects through preliminary investigations, planning, surveying, alternatives analysis, cost analysis, engineering calculations, design and construction drawings, specifications, contract and bid documents, and selection and oversight of design consultants. Construction management duties include contract administration, compliance and quality assurance, contract modifications, contractor payments and claims, disputes, terminations, and contract closeout. The position serves as CPW’s fully authorized project representative, communicates with regional and central stakeholders, and may inspect and stamp as-built drawings as a licensed professional engineer. The role also prepares project budgets, uses state accounting and purchasing systems to procure materials and initiate bids and contracts, maintains project and audit records, and updates CPW’s capital database. It provides technical guidance on proposed projects and participates in the capital request process by developing estimates and helping determine project requirements and alternatives. Statewide travel for construction-site visits and field surveys is required, approximately 3 to 10 times per month. The position is exempt from Colorado residency requirements.

Requirements

Current, valid Professional Engineer licensure from the Colorado State Board of Licensure for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Professional Land Surveyors, or the ability to attain it within 90 days.
Maintain a valid driver's license if operating a State vehicle.
Strong analytical, inductive, and deductive reasoning.
Troubleshooting, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills, with keen attention to detail.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build a collaborative environment.
Customer-service mindset and respectful conduct.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Proactive, self-motivated, and able to take initiative.
Ability to prioritize and manage a large volume of workload.
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to and appreciation for diverse viewpoints and different communication and work styles in a multicultural and intergenerational environment.
Enthusiastic, energetic, optimistic, and positive attitude.
Adaptability and openness to change and new ideas.
Ability to work as a team member and proactively support teammates’ success.

Nice To Haves

Current or former State experience relevant to the position.
Current or former Colorado Parks & Wildlife work or volunteer experience.
Knowledge of construction engineering principles, theories, and concepts.
Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and contract specifications.
Ability to apply engineering sciences and mathematics to analyze projects or programs with engineering components.
Ability to decipher the relationship between general requirements and covenants for capital construction.
Ability to negotiate cost differences with contractors.
Experience conducting surveys.
Experience with budget management.
Experience with property or facility maintenance and/or construction of dam structures, buildings, utilities, roads, or other structures.
Experience with hydraulics or water resources projects.
Experience with aquatic habitat restoration.

Responsibilities

Oversee multiple capital development, infrastructure, design, and construction projects and contracts on CPW-owned lands.
Serve as CPW’s fully authorized representative for assigned projects and ensure contractor performance and compliance with plans, contract specifications, codes, regulations, environmental requirements, and procurement rules.
Conduct preliminary investigations, project planning, surveying, alternatives analysis, cost analysis, engineering calculations, and development of designs, construction drawings, specifications, and contract and bid documents.
Select, contract with, and oversee design consultants.
Prepare engineering designs when needed and make sound engineering judgments and field adjustments during construction.
Inspect construction, provide construction quality assurance, and, as a licensed professional engineer, stamp and sign as-built drawings.
Manage construction contracts, including modifications, contractor payment processing, claims and disputes, terminations, and closeout.
Design and administer purchase order and invoice work.
Communicate and coordinate with field managers, property technicians, park staff, regional management, central capital staff, and other regional project managers.
Prepare detailed project budget spreadsheets and use state accounting and purchasing systems to procure materials and initiate bids and contracts.
Maintain detailed records of invoices, work performed, inspections, project updates, and documentation on state network drives for audit and historical purposes.
Apply state fiscal rules and contracting requirements and ensure bidders, contractors, and internal stakeholders understand applicable requirements.
Provide engineering technical guidance on proposed projects and participate in the capital request process by providing estimates and expertise.
Determine project requirements and desired functions and discuss possible alternatives with field staff.
Travel statewide to construction sites and conduct field surveys, approximately 3 to 10 times per month.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical and dental plans.
Flexible retirement plans, including PERA Defined Benefit or Defined Contribution plans, and pre-tax and Roth 401(k) and 457 plans.
Paid life insurance.
Short- and long-term disability coverage.
Employee wellness programs.
Flexible Spending Accounts.
Health Savings Accounts.
11 paid holidays per year, plus vacation and sick leave.
Flexible work schedule options and remote-work options.
Career advancement opportunities throughout the State system.
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.