Transportation Project Manager - Phase I

Benesch • Chicago, IL

12d

About The Position

Simply Put, A Great Place to Work Benesch is a growing, multi-disciplined planning, engineering, and professional services firm. We enhance infrastructure and communities across the country – creating spaces and providing connections in ways that make a difference. We pride ourselves on being nimble enough to remain responsive to client needs yet large enough to offer exceptional bench strength. As a member of our team, you’ll have an opportunity to draw from those resources when you need them and, likewise, contribute your expertise when you have something to share. At Benesch, we are looking for candidates with varied backgrounds and worldviews. We are committed to offering an inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and respected. Statistics show that women and underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a position if they don’t meet 100% of the qualifications. If this statement resonates with you, don’t be so hard on yourself—apply for the job! Transportation Project Manager (Phase I) - Chicago, IL Join our Chicago team as a highly motivated Project Manager. In this role, you will lead and manage preliminary engineering and environmental studies (Phase I), primarily in northeastern Illinois. As a Project Manager managing Phase I projects and planning studies, you will mentor junior associates, handle day-to-day client relations, and spearhead the development of innovative solutions for complex projects on behalf of public agencies. Additionally, you will contribute to strategic initiatives to drive growth within the planning and preliminary engineering group.

Requirements

• Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Urban Planning, or a related field.
• Licensed P.E. in Illinois; certification as a PTOE, AICP, or other specialty certification is a plus.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in planning or designing highways, local roads, arterials, collectors, and complete street multimodal facilities.
• Demonstrated expertise in transportation facility alternative analysis and design.
• Proficient in leading Phase I or planning projects for transportation improvements, including preliminary engineering and environmental documentation activities.
• Interface with clients and possess experience in public involvement and stakeholder coordination.
• Skilled in team management and mentoring, fee proposal generation, scope of service writing, RFP/RFQ interviews, and QA/QC management.
• Experience in preparing documentation in compliance with NEPA requirements (Categorical Exclusion or Environmental Assessment).
• Familiarity with traffic and safety assessments.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with PELs or Environmental Impact Statements is also advantageous.
• Knowledge of GIS and experience with multimodal planning and mobility studies is a bonus!

Responsibilities

• Participate in Business Development and Marketing, including networking, preparation of SOQs, proposals, and contracts.
• Research local/state regulations as they pertain to projects.
• Making presentations before elected officials and advisory boards, attending conferences, and participating in interviews.
• Prepare technical analysis within a variety of specialist areas such as corridor studies, interchange design and alternative analysis, multimodal planning and design, and feasibility studies, among others.
• Responsible for project management, including cost control, project budget control, and quality assurance/quality control.
• Direct and manage the budgeting and execution of projects including the supervision of assigned staff and subcontractors.

Benefits

• At Benesch, we prioritize the health and wellness of our employees, understanding that their well-being is crucial for both personal and professional success. We offer a range of benefits for eligible employees, including insurance, retirement plans, and wellness programs. Our Total Rewards package is designed to support a healthy lifestyle and can be customized to meet the needs of our employees and their families.
• Professional Development Opportunities for management and leadership development at all levels, including executive coaching and leadership development for Team Leaders, Group Managers, Division Managers, and Executive Leaders Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses Ongoing professional development through resources like Red Vector, LinkedIn Learning, technical team meetings, knowledge-sharing training sessions Personalized training and career development plans with your manager Funding for training, committee work, professional organization memberships, and licenses/certifications Support for active participation in professional organizations to foster leadership and community engagement
• Retirement Benefits Access to valuable retirement planning tools, education, and individual meetings with plan advisors at no charge Potential for Benesch to contribute up to 9% of your gross compensation to your retirement plan (5% profit-sharing contribution to your 401(k) plan, regardless of your own contributions & 80% match on your contributions, up to a maximum company contribution of 4%)
• Work/Life Balance Flexible work schedules and hours, including work-from-home options (dependent on the role) Generous Paid Time Benefits (PTB) that increase with your career Immediate use of annual PTB; no accrual needed with the ability to bundle time-off plans for extended vacations or life events Ten days of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or foster placement
• Employee Engagement At Benesch, we encourage our team members to extend their impact beyond their core responsibilities. Join our employee resource groups and committees to enhance your work-life balance and contribute to our community-focused initiatives. We support a variety of programs including community service, student scholarships, and matching gift opportunities, reflecting our commitment to a vibrant and diverse workplace.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level