Project Manager, Engineering & Construction

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority•Richmond, VA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is seeking a Project Manager for its Engineering & Construction Team. This role involves planning and executing existing projects and developing new ones, ensuring they are completed on schedule and within budget, while adhering to contractual obligations. The Project Manager will be responsible for developing proposal and procurement documents, participating in contract negotiations, and overseeing project delivery for the multi-billion-dollar Transforming Rail in Virginia program. Key skills for this position include strong project management, organizational, and planning abilities, knowledge of design and construction, the capacity to monitor deliverables against client criteria, and proficiency in managing business, technical, fiscal, and administrative functions. The role may also involve oversight of projects managed by Amtrak, CSXT, Norfolk Southern (NS), and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE). This is a full-time position that can be based in Alexandria or Richmond, Virginia, with a potential 15% geographical pay differential for those based in Northern Virginia.

Requirements

BS/BA degree in a related field
A minimum of 10 years of direct, relevant project management experience leading multi-million-dollar infrastructure Projects in the Transportation industry, preferably Rail Transit, Freight Rail, or Passenger Rail.
Experience with engineering and design activities for passenger rail projects and familiarity with railroad engineering principles related to track and station elements.
Experience managing contractors from procurement through contract close-out.
Solid understanding of heavy civil/structural engineering principles and construction practices, and experience applying them to achieve successful project outcomes.
Ability to read, interpret, and understand engineering drawings and specifications, including geotechnical, grading/drainage, trackwork, structures, electrical, signalization, stormwater management, and sediment/erosion control.
Ability to perform independent, detailed reviews of technical and engineering documents, including plans, specifications, submittmits, schedules, budgets, contract documents, and official correspondence, and respond to the same as appropriate.
Ability to conduct independent research into engineering-related matters, prepare reports, present findings, and make recommendations.
Ability to provide engineering and project management support on several projects simultaneously.
Ability to work collaboratively with a project team to achieve stated goals and objectives.
Knowledge of procurement methodology and experience developing the technical portions of procurement documents.
Proficiency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, Internet Explorer, MS Project, Bluebeam Revu, and other project management tools.
Ability to communicate verbally effectively and efficiently, and in writing, to support board meetings, public meetings, and internal management requirements.
Knowledge of federal, state, and local transportation policies, funding, and legislative and regulatory requirements related to freight and rail Projects, including 49 CFR, Subtitle B, Ch. II and AREMA guidelines.

Nice To Haves

Professional engineering license in Virginia or the ability to obtain one within six months of hire.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
Familiarity with MS SharePoint, Primavera P6 scheduling (or comparable system), and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software.
Direct experience leading the design and construction of passenger and commuter rail infrastructure.
Relevant design, construction, and operations experience with Class 1 railroads, specifically CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Corporation.
Active membership and participation in AREMA as a Committee Member on one or more of AREMA's technical committees or similar experience.

Responsibilities

Lead the oversight of all activities associated with projects throughout Virginia, which involves coordination with CSXT, NS, VRE, Amtrak, and Federal, State, and local entities, including right-of-way and utilities.
Establish and oversee contracts with project support (GEC) and engineering and construction contractors while assuming full responsibility for and managing the project's budget, schedule, quality, and safety.
Develop reports of project schedules and budgets and project updates/status reports for reporting to the Senior Director of Projects, the COO, and the CEO for VPRA as required.
Develop project scopes, fees, and schedules for design contracts.
Establish and maintain schedules and deadlines, holding self, stakeholders, and teams accountable to the set budgets and schedules.
Lead projects from planning, development, design, and construction, including construction management and quality, as well as project close-out and post-implementation phases.
Employ an understanding of rail and transit operations, including the environmental review process, to develop solutions with the support of the Director of Planning.
Ensure all project deliverables are complete and coordinated through quality reviews in compliance with VPRA's quality program.
Support VPRA's Mission and the Commonwealth at large via our Transforming Rail in Virginia Program.
Demonstrate a track record of success in leading and implementing similar railroad and transit projects with the following clientele: WMATA, VRE, Amtrak, Class 1 freight owners, and similar entities.
Review, monitor, and understand architectural design and operational information and present and review this information with staff, management, and stakeholders.