Capital Improvement Project Manager

Performs skilled professional engineering and project management work planning, designing, inspecting and administering municipal infrastructure projects. Oversees all phases of capital projects; ensures regulatory and contractual compliance; coordinates with consultants, contractors, property owners, and regulatory agencies; and identifies, applies for, secures, and manages grant funding that supports capital improvement initiatives.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class performs professional construction plan review and engineering design work in the coordination and project management of the City’s capital improvement projects which may include roads, stormwater, sidewalks, water, and sewer. Work involves reviewing construction plans and submittals from consultants; meeting with contractors to review specifications and requirements; participating in pre-construction meetings; scoping the design of capital projects with consultants; assisting in the preparation of bid documents and advertising projects; acquiring easements, monitoring contracted projects through construction; participating in construction progress meetings; processing invoices and monitoring project budgets; processing change orders; and ensuring compliance with contracts, codes and regulations. Work requires knowledge of engineering design principles, procedures, estimating, and the methods and practices of project management. Work is performed under general supervision of the City Engineer and is evaluated through project outcomes, reporting accuracy, adherence to schedules and budgets, and compliance with regulatory standards.

In addition to these duties, the position is further distinguished by responsibility for identifying, applying for, securing, and administering grant funding that supports capital improvement initiatives; coordinating with internal departments and external agencies on grant requirements; and ensuring timely submission of required reports and reimbursement requests. The employee also supervises inspection staff and serves as a primary liaison with property owners, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies to resolve field issues and maintain project compliance.

Participates in identifying and prioritizing capital improvement projects; assists in developing the scope of proposed projects; issues request for qualifications for professional services; and assists in consultant selection. Contributes to long-range capital planning efforts and evaluates project needs based on infrastructure condition and regulatory requirements.

Participates in pre-construction meetings to review project specifications and requirements; meets with consultants and contractors to answer questions and review and explain construction requirements. Coordinates with regulatory agencies and internal departments to ensure project readiness and compliance.

Supervises staff engaged in infrastructure inspections. Provides direction to City and contract inspectors, reviews field documentation, and ensures accurate reporting of construction progress and compliance.

Prepares bid documents, RFQs and advertising projects; conducts pre-bid meetings and bid opening; assists in the selection of consultants. Ensures procurement activities follow applicable laws, policies, and funding requirements.

Assists with presentation of project contracts to the City Council for approval. 

Reviews plans, specifications, and estimates for proposed public infrastructure improvements; reviews design submittals from clients to ensure compliance with engineering standards.

Performs technical reviews for proposed construction work on capital improvement projects including the evaluation of streets, sewer, water, drainage, sidewalks, curbing and various other improvement projects to ensure compliance with City policies, standards, regulations, and ordinances.

Reviews plans and construction drawings for proper location of valves, hydrants, laterals, manholes, water and sewer lines, and other appurtenances; review plans for adherence to adopted engineering specifications.

Interprets construction plans and right-of-way plans for the public; explains how the project will affect individual property using plan, roadway and driveway profile. Communicates with property owners to address concerns and support easement acquisition.

Reviews technical engineering site development plans, specifications, profiles, and associated technical reports for public infrastructure improvement. 

Investigates and coordinates mitigation of construction problems with contractors and citizens to respond to issues of drainage, street construction, traffic flow and other construction-related issues. Resolves field conflicts and coordinates with inspectors to implement corrective actions.

Inspects construction work in progress and upon completion for adherence to approved plans and specifications; discusses project progress with field inspectors assigned to the project.

Identifies, develops and administers various grants; coordinates with grant recipient departments; tracks grant funds and ensures reporting compliance; works closely with granting and monitoring agencies. Prepares required reimbursement requests, monitoring reports, and documentation to ensure timely receipt of funds.

Participates in asset management programs. Supports data collection and condition assessment activities to inform capital planning.

Makes estimates of time, equipment, and materials costs for in-house and contracted projects.

Prepares and maintains a variety of work records, data reports, files, and field findings to assist with management decision making and regulatory compliance.

Backs up other staff as needed.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Considerable knowledge of water and sewer line construction techniques, processes, and materials, and the ability to determine whether design specifications are met.

Considerable knowledge of street, sidewalk and stormwater construction techniques, processes and materials, and the ability to determine whether design specifications are being met.

Considerable knowledge of engineering specifications and standards relating to water and sewer line, street, and storm drainage construction.

Considerable knowledge of project management methods, processes and potential delays.

Considerable knowledge of the application of information technology to the work including GIS, CAD, and others.

Considerable knowledge of related federal, state and local laws, regulations, policies and procedures.

Knowledge of City budgeting, purchasing and personnel policies.

Working knowledge of modern and effective supervisory principles and practices.

Skill in teamwork, customer service excellence, meeting facilitation and collaborative conflict resolution.

Ability to organize work for efficient processing, set and follow effective work priorities and meet established deadlines.

Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and blueprints and to compare them with various aspects of construction in progress.

Ability to detect errors in construction materials and projects.

Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, developers, construction workers, the general public, and other employees.

Ability to exercise tact and firmness in the enforcement of requirements.

Ability to prepare and maintain the necessary records and reports of the work performed.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in civil engineering, public or business administration and previous project management or engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Additional desirable experience includes managing municipal infrastructure projects; interpreting engineering plans and specifications; supervising inspection staff; and demonstrated experience in identifying, applying for, securing, and administering grants that support capital improvement initiatives.

Special Requirement

Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.

May require a certified Project Manager within time specified by City.

Fieldwork may require the ability to perform site inspections in varied outdoor conditions. State certification in water and/or wastewater systems is preferred, and the position must maintain compliance with all safety, physical, and environmental requirements associated with construction-site work.

Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of stooping, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, talking, and hearing. Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible of force constantly to move objects. Must possess the visual acuity to maintain records and reports, inspect work for quality of methods and materials, and use measuring devices.