Construction Project Manager

City of Palm Desert, CA

$106K — $123K *
Real Estate & Construction
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5-7 years of experience in construction project management or related field
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, public administration, or a related field
  • Thorough knowledge of construction project management principles
  • Expertise in contract administration and negotiation
  • Experience with project budgeting and scheduling methodologies (CPM)
  • Ability to interpret and enforce compliance with relevant regulations
  • Proficient in modern office technologies and project management software

Responsibilities

  • Manage the planning and delivery of construction phases for municipal Capital Improvement Projects (CIP)
  • Oversee coordination among consultants, contractors, and stakeholders throughout project lifecycles
  • Conduct field inspections to ensure compliance with plans and regulations
  • Develop and monitor project schedules, risks, and budget forecasts
  • Evaluate contractor performance and track construction quality and progress
  • Prepare detailed project documentation, including reports and correspondence
  • Represent the City in negotiations and public meetings regarding project execution

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Generous paid time off policies
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Supportive work environment focused on continuous improvement
Full Job Description
Salary: $106,621.00 - $123,448.00 Annually
Location : 73510 Fred Waring, Palm Desert, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number:
Department: CAPITAL PROJECTS
Opening Date: 07/28/2026
Closing Date: 8/11/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Definition
**Initial review of applications starts on 8/4/2026**

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages the delivery of the construction phase of the City's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects, including public facilities, transportation, utilities, parks, drainage, and other municipal infrastructure improvements;; coordinates projects and activities with other City divisions, developers, and outside agencies; conducts field inspections of City facilities and City-maintained areas; In addition, may serve as the City's representative throughout project planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout, providing technical expertise in project delivery, contract administration, cost estimating, scheduling, constructability, value engineering, and risk management. Coordinates consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, City departments, and stakeholders to ensure projects are completed safely, on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with approved plans, specifications, applicable laws, and City standards; provides highly responsible staff assistance in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISE
Receives supervision from the Director of Capital Projects or assigned supervisor. Does not directly or indirectly supervise other employees.
Class Characteristics
This is a journey-level professional class. Incumbents are responsible for developing, managing, and administering assigned projects from planning to construction, including responsibility for project accounting/budget and day-to-day operations. Responsibilities require comprehensive knowledge of construction project management principles and the practices of construction, architecture, and engineering. Incumbents must have the ability to schedule inspection activities, execute various administrative tasks, and monitor the work of contractors. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

Examples of Typical Job Functions
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the rights to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
  • Serves as construction project manager and the City's representative for capital improvement projects, overseeing and coordinating consultants, contractors, and stakeholders during planning, design, procurement, bid document and specification preparation, construction, commissioning, and project implementation; recommends awards of contracts; performs construction management.
  • Assists in the preparation and review of bid documents, requests for proposals (RFPs), contracts, and specifications; participates in consultant selection, procurement activities, contract negotiations, and contract administration, including review of contractor submittals, Requests for Information (RFIs), change orders, pay applications, and project documentation.
  • Plans, directs, and coordinates project work plans; collaborates with consultants, contractors, utility agencies, regulatory agencies, City staff, and stakeholders to identify and resolve issues; coordinates projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and approves consultant submittals; evaluates work methods, construction sequencing, project delivery strategies, and constructability to support efficient project implementation.
  • Develops and implements plan check reviews and field inspections to ensure compliance with City standards, approved plans, specifications, contract requirements, environmental approvals, permits, and applicable laws, codes, regulations, and safe practices; coordinates and participates in project team meetings and monitors progress of projects and disbursements of payments.
  • Inspects, tracks, and evaluates contractor performance, construction quality, schedules and progress according to industry standards; coordinates utility relocations, permitting, testing, inspections, commissioning, and project closeout activities; recommends corrective actions as necessary.
  • Participates in the development and administration of the program budget of the assigned area; monitors approved budget, approves expenditures, forecasts additional funds needed for project implementation, and recommends adjustments as necessary.
  • Prepares, monitors, and analyzes project schedules, including Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules where applicable; identifies project risks, evaluates schedule impacts, develops mitigation strategies, and coordinates implementation of assigned projects through completion.
  • Performs and monitors inspections during all phases of projects for conformance with approved plans, specifications, contract provisions, environmental approvals, and safe work practices in accordance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Represents the City in negotiating and coordinating with consultants, contractors, utility providers, regulatory agencies, other jurisdictions, stakeholders, and external agencies involved in capital improvement project execution; responds to project-related issues and represents the City at meetings and public presentations as required
  • Identifies funding sources for future projects; prepares and submits grant applications; evaluates and maintains project records; prepares technical reports, correspondence, presentations, and statistical reports regarding project status, program effectiveness, and project performance
  • Evaluates and maintains records on the status of projects; prepares reports and correspondence concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as needed.
  • Recommends modifications to projects, policies, and procedures, and construction management practices to improve delivery, operational effectiveness, and continuous improvement as appropriate.
  • Attends and participates in professional group meetings and training programs; stays abreast of new trends and innovations, laws, regulations, and best practices in the fields of construction project management, capital improvement projects, public works contracting, and project delivery.
  • Performs related duties as assigned.


Qualifications
Knowledge of:
  • Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, including the California Public Contract Code, prevailing wage requirements, environmental permitting requirements, and City policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
  • Principles and practices of project construction management, including project planning, goal setting, scheduling, the development of objectives, work planning and organization, budgeting, purchasing, procurement, contract administration, contractor management, quality assurance and quality control, risk management, project closeout, and evaluation.
  • Principles and practices of planning, engineering, and public works construction, including the design, construction, maintenance, and delivery requirements of municipal capital improvement projects; construction means and methods; constructability reviews; value engineering; construction cost estimating; scheduling principles, including Critical Path Method (CPM); and alternative project delivery methods
  • Principles and practices of contract negotiation, claims management, change order administration, consultant management, project documentation, records management, and funding and budgeting for Capital Improvement Programs.
  • Methods and techniques for the development of presentations, contract negotiations, business correspondence, and information distribution; research and reporting methods, techniques, and procedures.
  • Current principles, trends, best practices, and emerging technologies in construction management, public works, engineering, and capital project delivery.
  • Capital Improvement Program budgeting and funding practices.
  • Records management principles and practices.
  • Modern office practices, procedures, technology, and computer equipment and applications.
  • English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation.
  • Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
  • Principles and practices of alternative project delivery methods, including Design-Bid-Build and Progressive Design-Build.

Ability to:
  • Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, contract requirements, and applicable construction standards.
  • Research, design, prepare, review, and evaluate plans, specifications, contracts, schedules, cost estimates, and other technical documents for accuracy, constructability, and conformance with accepted engineering standards, compliance with appropriate laws, codes, regulations, and community needs.
  • Examine engineering plans, specifications, designs, cost estimates, legal descriptions, and construction schedules for a variety of capital improvement construction projects.
  • Develop, administer, and monitor professional service and construction contracts in a public agency setting, including contractor performance, contract compliance, change orders, claims, and project documentation.
  • Manage multiple capital improvement projects simultaneously; conduct project planning; evaluate alternatives; identify project risks; make sound recommendations; monitor project budgets and schedules; and prepare technical reports and presentations.
  • Analyze contractor means and methods, construction sequencing, Critical Path Method (CPM) schedules, schedule impacts, and project risks to support successful project delivery.
  • Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, develop and present recommendations, and negotiate effective solutions to project, contract, and construction related issues.
  • Monitor and direct the work of contractors, consultants, and other project participants to ensure compliance with project requirements, schedules, budgets, quality standards, and safety requirements

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at City of Palm Desert, CA

More Real Estate & Construction Jobs

Find similar Construction Project Manager jobs: