Project Manager

Construction Project Manager

Under direction of the Senior Project Manager, the Project Manager is responsible for all aspects of MTS Capital Projects from inception to completion. The job duties include project definition, scope development, cost estimating, scheduling, and managing performance of design consultants and construction contractors through all project phases. A key to successful projects at MTS is coordination with operations, maintenance, safety, and procurement departments, delivering the agreed scope on-time and on-budget. The Project Manager will provide oversight of design consultants, construction management consultants, construction contractors and, as needed, oversight to third-party managed construction projects related to the MTS system. Additionally, the Project Manager performs resident engineer functions for construction projects and manages Job Order Contract (JOC) activities.

Essential Functions

• Provides technical and engineering support in the area of project planning, design and construction of MTS Capital Projects, and other major capital projects.
• Reviews and coordinates with MTS stakeholders in the preparation, review, and approval of plans and specifications.
• Creates project independent cost estimates and tracks budgets for MTS capital projects for both design and construction.
• Reviews and negotiates consultant proposals, JOC proposals and assists the Procurement Department in the review of construction bids.
• Provides leadership and technical input for the multi-year MTS capital improvement program planning process.
• Assists maintenance and operations departments in planning for future capital projects and participates in the annual MTS capital project development process.
• Independently manages construction projects, contract administration, consultant contract administration and ensures the timely completion of each project and/or contract.
• Assists the Procurement Department in the packaging and solicitation of bids.
• Provides resident engineering and inspection services for MTS capital projects.
• Performs project acceptance with contractors and stakeholders.
• Completes project close-out.
• Manages work orders with on-call engineering and construction management firms.
• Creates and manages JOC work orders.

Duties May Include, But Are Not Limited To, The Following:

• Development and maintenance of Capital Projects Department Master Gantt Chart Schedule.
• When requested, assists maintenance and operations departments with urgent remediation of unexpected technical problems.
• Interfaces with SANDAG and other agencies on technical issues related to MTS operations and infrastructure.
• Participates in SANDAG-managed design reviews of MTS projects.
• Writes reports, board agenda items, and performs engineering analysis.
• Reviews and provides timely input to engineering design criteria revisions.
• Evaluates new technology and products that improve the efficiency of MTS operations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of or ability to learn MTS policies and regulations; ability to read, understand and apply MTS policies, regulations and union labor contracts; ability to write letters, memoranda and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct English; ability to speak clearly, distinctly and effectively in person-to-person or small group situations using tact and diplomacy; ability to coordinate and initiate actions necessary to implement decisions and delegate responsibilities to appropriate personnel; ability to establish and maintain priorities in order to complete assignments by deadlines without detailed instructions; skill in verifying the accuracy and completeness of forms and reports; knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel and the ability to learn and use other software that MTS might have or acquire; knowledge of project cost estimating and schedule development, contract administration of consultant, construction and procurement contracts, and principles of administration and supervision; knowledge of contract document preparation, including standard formats for RFPs. RFQs, IFB's and related documents.

Specialized Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to develop clear, complete and accurate engineering specifications, drawings and estimates within established timelines.
• Skill in identifying and discussing project problems, analyzing situations, recommending solutions and evaluating outcomes.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, within the organization and with outside agency representatives at all skill levels, position levels and backgrounds.
• Ability to interpret, review and approve design submittals, including drawings, descriptions and schematics.
• Skill in field and site inspections for problem investigation and contract compliance.
• Ability to solve complex technical problems with innovative solutions.
• Knowledge of and ability to understand light rail transit systems, facilities and operations.
• Knowledge of, or ability to learn, systems engineering related to traction power, wayside signaling, overhead catenary systems, communication system, closed-circuit television system, lighting, and facilities.
• Knowledge of engineering principles, theory and practices relating to design, specifications, writing and estimating.
• Knowledge of public works construction.
• Skill in developing detailed scopes of work for projects with respect to the design, bid, and build process.
• Ability to use project scheduling software such as Suretrack, Primavera and Microsoft Project.
• Ability to use estimating software such as Bluebeam, Onscreen and Heavybid.
• Ability to use database software such as SAP, Prolog, or others.

Physical Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to fulfill the physical demands of the job such as walking, stooping, sitting, bending, and reaching for overhead files and occasional lifting (must be able to lift up to 15 pounds); must be able to operate a motor vehicle and perform tasks involving manual dexterity, such as use of a computer and 10-key. Work may at times require more than 8 hours per day or require irregular hours to perform the essential duties of the position. Duties will be performed in an office type environment and may involve field work to monitor construction projects to exercise effective project oversight, inspection of work and compliance with project scope and specifications. May require travel to external agencies.

Experience/Education/Certificates/License(s)

Possess a bachelor's degree in civil, electrical, or a related engineering field from an accredited college or university. Requires a minimum of 8-10 years of increasingly responsible project management experience in heavy civil design and construction, preferably in the rail/bus transit field. Valid professional engineering license or engineer-in-training certification from the State of California is desired. Must possess and maintain a valid California driver's license.

General

Must satisfactorily pass all applicable examinations including, but not limited to, a pre-employment physical, drug screen and background check.

Salary Grade

The anticipated starting pay for this position is between $113,000 and $125,000. This range represents the expected starting salaries for new hires, typically within the lower to mid-portion of the overall salary range, which encompasses the full potential earnings for the role. Candidates with salary expectations outside the anticipated hiring range may reach out to the Talent Acquisition Specialist facilitating this recruitment for more information.

Salary offers are based on factors such as the knowledge, skills, abilities, and relevant experience of the successful candidate, while taking into account internal equity, budget constraints, and other market factors. This position is in salary grade #13, which as a minimum of $112,095 and a maximum of $159,079. Salary grades are typically adjusted annually to ensure they remain market competitive.

EEO is The Law - Equal Opportunity Employer Minorities/Women/Protected Veterans/Disabled

MTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an ongoing commitment to treat all people, including customers, co-workers and the public at large, with dignity and respect. As a public transportation agency, MTS is committed to providing an inclusive workplace that reflects the diverse communities in which we work and live.

MTS supports and promotes an environment that is free of discrimination and harassment. MTS recruits, hires, trains and promotes individuals without regard to race, color, sex, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, marital status, medical condition, pregnancy, physical or mental disability, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and military status, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law. MTS encourages veterans, military spouses and people from different backgrounds to apply for open positions for which they are interested. Additionally, MTS employees are encouraged to refer qualified candidates from all backgrounds and age groups. At MTS, we are committed to a fair and equitable workplace where everyone is a respected and valued member of the team.