Public Works Project Manager

City of Corvallis Public Works
The goal of the Public Works Department is to support and enhance the quality of life for community members by delivering responsive and efficient services to all neighborhoods and to maintain reliable and cost-effective public works facilities and systems in a manner that emphasizes customer satisfaction and good stewardship of natural, fiscal, and staff resources. 

About the Position
The Public Works Project Manager manages all phases of assigned Public Works projects, including utility and transportation master plans, from inception to completion. Plan, organize, manage and participate in the work of staff engaged in developing, implementing and administering Public Works projects. Plan and monitor performance against project goals and objectives and ensure project results. Lead and participate in efforts to build project support. Participate with internal and external project stakeholders, including City personnel, City elected and appointed officials, property owners, colleagues, co-workers, consultants, developers, the business community, other governmental organizations and the general public.  

Full-Time, non-represented, Management Exempt position
12-month probationary period

Must meet all qualifications and requirements as listed in the position description.


Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Manage all aspects of assigned Public Works projects, including, but not limited to, consultant selection and management, budget development and management, project schedules and work activities, and contract document development and management.
• Lead the City’s utility and transportation master planning projects and related fee development, such as System Development Charges.
• Define the scope of the assigned project including stakeholders, team members, consultants, and assure the appropriate levels and function of staff are involved. Define the impact of project and events that may impact the completion of the project. Set project priorities, and develop project task lists, time estimates and cost benefit analyses to meet project goals and objectives.
• Develop project work plans and calendar; plan, organize, implement and evaluate work activities to meet overall project goals; analyze alternative methods or processes to meet project and service delivery goals including resource requirements.
• Manage project activities for City staff and consultants, including conducting regular meetings to facilitate efficient communication and coordination of work efforts between City staff and consultants. Monitor performance against project goals and objectives to ensure positive project results. Provide quality assurance and quality control to ensure conformance with plans, objectives and applicable codes.
• Develop, manage, and monitor the budget for assigned project budget areas.  Review and recommend payment for consultant(s) progress payments, and prepare contract change orders for project funding as appropriate.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, plans and ordinances related to assigned projects.
• Research and write grant applications in support of current and future programs, and administer grant funds and reporting requirements. 
• Research and review records, regulations and laws pertaining to projects assigned, and apply them as appropriate to achieve project objectives. Ensure proper maintenance of public records pertaining to projects assigned. 
• Research and analyze issues, evaluate options, mediate disputes, troubleshoot problems and resolve conflicts related to the assigned project. Develop plans with Department Management Team to resolve complex issues.
• Perform a variety of public relations functions for the City, including, but not limited to, serving as the City’s representative and spokesperson on assigned projects and serving as liaison between the City, consultants, the public and other private and public agencies. Conduct public information and outreach campaigns on projects, as appropriate. Respond to citizens’ questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.
• Inform and advise managers, Department Directors, the City Manager and City Council on key technical and policy issues related to assigned projects. Provide briefings; prepare technical project reports, letters, memorandums and other documentation; give presentations on key project issues. Monitor and evaluate project activities and objectives considering other division and department interests. Communicate and coordinate regularly with stakeholders to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental activities.
• Keep immediate supervisor and other stakeholders accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
• Operate and drive a motor vehicle and/or truck safely and legally.

It is the responsibility of all City of Corvallis employees to:

• Participate in the Emergency Management program including planning, classes, training sessions, exercises and emergency events as required. 
• Act ethically and honestly; apply ethical standards of behavior to daily work activities and interactions. Build confidence in the City through own actions. 
• Maintain effective work relationships.
• Adhere to all City and Department policies.
• Arrive to work, meetings, and other work-related functions on time and maintain regular job attendance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Duties – This is a management position which includes the following duties:

• Effectively supervise assigned staff. Perform personnel duties such as selection, coaching/mentoring, training, employee/labor relations, evaluating performance, succession planning, discipline and termination. Create and maintain an effective work environment by communicating goals and expectations for staff performance, counseling employees as appropriate, and supporting employee engagement efforts. 
• Develop, manage, and monitor the budget for assigned budget area. Establish and monitor appropriate department financial measures. Interpret and use financial data to make informed business decisions.
• Effectively promote and supervise a safe work environment. Comply with all safety rules and perform work is a safe manner. Ensure staff maintains a safe working environment in compliance with Federal, State, and City health and safety guidelines and regulations. 
• Represent the City of Corvallis by responding to the public, community members, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner. Regard everyone, internal and external, as a customer and delivers the best service possible in a respectful and patient manner.
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Qualifying Education/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and at least five years of professional experience managing complex public works projects, such as utility and transportation masterplans. 

Desired Qualifications

• None

Certifications / Licenses

• Possession of a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Oregon, or possession of said registration from another state with the ability to obtain the Oregon certificate of registration within 6 months of appointment. 
• Possession of and the ability to maintain a valid Oregon Driver’s License.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities
Knowledge of:  project planning and management principles; applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies governing municipal utility and transportation systems, with advanced expertise in utility and transportation engineering.

Skill in:  strong leadership and organization; written and oral communication including public speaking; excellent interpersonal relations and conflict resolution; problem-solving and partnering with community members, groups and contractors.

Ability to:  prepare, understand, and interpret contract documents; perform technical research and prepare reports; communicate technical requirements to both technical and non-technical audiences; make presentations and respond effectively to audiences; organize and coordinate complex projects; analyze and solve complex problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations; make independent decisions in accordance with established policies using initiative and professional judgment; work under time constraints, manage evolving situations, perform multiple tasks effectively, and make frequent decisions; evaluate, motivate, and supervise staff; prioritize support activities and work plans in a cost-effective manner; negotiate agreements with contractors and the public; maintain effective working relationships, including positive labor relations; successfully navigate complex interpersonal situations; use standard office equipment and technology, including multi-line phone systems, personal computers with word processing, spreadsheet, and database software, copy and fax machines, calculators, and automobile or truck.

In Addition:  position responsibilities are at an advanced level, are characterized by the level of complexity, diplomacy and diversity of tasks including policy-level issues that may impact the organization and the community and involve the consistent use of independent judgment in dealing with assigned area of responsibility; the employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace; have demonstrable commitment to sustainability; and have demonstrable commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion.

Ability to pass a pre-employment background and/or criminal history check.

Qualified applicants must submit an online application located on the City of Corvallis website (click on “Apply” above). Position is open until filled. Applications must be received by 8:00 AM on Friday, November 20, 2026 to be considered with the first review. Applicants are encouraged to include a cover letter and resume with the online application; however, resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed online application.  Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted/considered.