Public Works Project Manager

City of Corvallis•City of Corvallis, OR

About The Position

The Public Works Project Manager manages assigned Public Works projects from inception to completion, including utility and transportation master plans. The role plans, organizes, manages, and participates in project work; monitors performance against goals and objectives; ensures project results; and leads efforts to build support. The Project Manager works with internal and external stakeholders, including City personnel and officials, property owners, colleagues, consultants, developers, the business community, other government organizations, and the public. This is a full-time, non-represented, Management Exempt position with a 12-month probationary period. The position includes management and supervision of assigned staff, responsibility for assigned project and budget areas, and representation of the City on projects. The employee must meet the qualifications and requirements in the position description.

Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
  • At least five years of professional experience managing complex public works projects, such as utility and transportation master plans.
  • Valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in Oregon, or registration in another state with the ability to obtain Oregon registration within six months of appointment.
  • Valid Oregon Driver’s License and ability to maintain it.
  • Knowledge of project planning and management principles.
  • Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing municipal utility and transportation systems, with advanced expertise in utility and transportation engineering.
  • Strong leadership and organizational skills.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, including public speaking; excellent interpersonal relations and conflict-resolution skills; problem-solving ability; and skill partnering with community members, groups, and contractors.
  • Ability to prepare, understand, and interpret contract documents; conduct technical research and prepare reports; and communicate technical requirements to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Ability to make presentations and respond effectively to audiences; organize and coordinate complex projects; analyze and solve complex problems; identify alternatives and consequences; and implement recommendations.
  • Ability to make independent decisions under established policies using initiative and professional judgment; work under time constraints; manage evolving situations and multiple tasks; and make frequent decisions.
  • Ability to evaluate, motivate, and supervise staff; prioritize support activities and work plans cost-effectively; negotiate agreements with contractors and the public; and maintain effective working relationships, including positive labor relations.
  • Ability to navigate complex interpersonal situations and use standard office equipment and technology, including multi-line phone systems, computers, word-processing, spreadsheet and database software, copy and fax machines, calculators, and an automobile or truck.
  • Ability to exercise independent judgment in an advanced role involving complex, diplomatic, diverse, and policy-level matters that may affect the organization and community.
  • Must not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.
  • Demonstrable commitment to sustainability and to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.

Responsibilities

  • Manage assigned Public Works projects, including consultant selection and management, budgets, schedules, work activities, and contract documents.
  • Lead utility and transportation master-planning projects and related fee development, such as System Development Charges.
  • Define project scope, stakeholders, team members, consultants, and appropriate staff involvement; identify project impacts and factors that may affect completion.
  • Set priorities and develop task lists, time estimates, cost-benefit analyses, work plans, and calendars to meet project goals.
  • Plan, organize, implement, and evaluate work activities; analyze alternative methods and processes and their resource requirements.
  • Coordinate City staff and consultants, including holding regular meetings to facilitate communication and work coordination.
  • Monitor project performance and provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure conformance with plans, objectives, and applicable codes.
  • Develop, manage, and monitor project budgets; review and recommend consultant progress payments and prepare contract change orders as appropriate.
  • Develop and implement policies, procedures, plans, and ordinances related to assigned projects.
  • Research and write grant applications, administer grant funds, and meet reporting requirements.
  • Research and review project records, regulations, and laws and apply them to project objectives; ensure proper maintenance of public project records.
  • Research and analyze issues, evaluate options, mediate disputes, troubleshoot problems, resolve conflicts, and develop plans with Department Management to address complex issues.
  • Represent and serve as a spokesperson for the City on assigned projects, and act as liaison among the City, consultants, the public, and public and private agencies.
  • Conduct public information and outreach campaigns as appropriate and respond courteously and promptly to citizens’ questions and comments.
  • Advise managers, Department Directors, the City Manager, and City Council on technical and policy issues; provide briefings, prepare project documentation, and give presentations.
  • Monitor and evaluate project activities in relation to division and department interests, and communicate regularly with stakeholders to coordinate interdepartmental work.
  • Keep the immediate supervisor and stakeholders informed about work progress, potential problems, and possible improvements.
  • Operate and drive a motor vehicle and/or truck safely and legally.
  • Participate in City emergency management activities as required; act ethically, maintain effective work relationships, follow City and Department policies, attend work and meetings on time, and perform other assigned duties.
  • Supervise assigned staff, including selection, coaching and mentoring, training, employee and labor relations, performance evaluation, succession planning, discipline, and termination.
  • Set staff goals and expectations, counsel employees as appropriate, and support employee engagement.
  • Manage assigned budget areas, establish and monitor financial measures, and use financial data to inform business decisions.
  • Promote and supervise a safe work environment, follow safety rules, and ensure staff compliance with applicable health and safety requirements.
  • Represent the City professionally and courteously in interactions with the public, community members, employees, and others.
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