Construction Project Manager

Orange County Fire Authority, CA

$120K — $161K *
Real Estate & Construction
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, construction management, or related field.
  • Minimum five years of construction project management experience, including two years of supervisory experience.
  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License at the time of appointment.
  • Public works project experience is highly desired.
  • Knowledge of building codes and public procurement processes is a plus.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and manage capital improvement projects related to security infrastructure.
  • Oversee the research, design, permitting, and construction management of assigned projects.
  • Implement and administer policies related to engineering initiatives across the Authority.
  • Supervise professional and technical staff involved in construction projects.
  • Conduct detailed evaluations and provide recommendations for project improvements.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
  • Longevity pay increases based on years of service.
  • Monthly cash allotment for health care coverage under CalPERS Health Benefits Program.
  • Annual allocation for Optional Benefit Plan to cover health care costs.
  • Defined benefit retirement program under the Orange County Employees Retirement System.
Full Job Description
Salary : $120,577.60 - $161,574.40 Annually
Location : Headquarters - 1 Fire Authority Road, Irvine, CA 92602, CA
Job Type: FULL-TIME
Job Number: 2026-54-DS
Department: PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
Opening Date: 06/04/2026
Closing Date: 6/21/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

DESCRIPTION
The Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) is currently recruiting to fill one (1) vacancy for the position of Construction Project Manager, in the Property Management Department. This position will support and enhance security infrastructure. This recruitment will be used to fill the current vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future vacancies.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
  • Last day to apply: Sunday, June 21, 2026 at 11:59 pm
  • Oral Interview scheduled for the week of July 6, 2026
  • Selection Interview scheduled for the week of July 13, 2026

Please note that the above schedule may change due to the needs of the Authority. If there is a change to the schedule listed above, all candidates will be notified.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To view a full list of essential function, skills, and abilities, please use the link provided below to the Construction Project classification specification
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION (position requirements at application):

Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, construction management, or a related field.

EXPERIENCE (position requirements at application):

A minimum of five (5) years of responsible experience managing construction and/or civil engineering projects including at least two (2) years of supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License is required at time of appointment.
This classification is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program, which periodically provides Risk Management with the incumbent's Driver License records and status.
HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Public works project experience
  • Prior experience in public sector human resources and/or human resources within a unionized work environment is highly desirable. Examples of public sector includes:
    1. Cities
    2. Counties
    3. Public education institutions
    4. Special districts/authorities
    5. State and federal government
  • Experience providing general oversight and coordination of construction and/or civil engineering projects or contracts
  • Experience and ability to:
    1. Analyze problems
    2. Conduct studies
    3. Identify alternative solutions and project consequences of proposed solutions
    4. Implement approved recommendation
  • Experience reviewing and interpreting:
    1. Maps
    2. Plans
    3. Sketches
    4. Schematics
    5. Diagrams
    6. Blueprints
    7. Engineering drawings
  • Experience reviewing
    1. Construction schedules
    2. Progress reports
    3. Consumed materials
    4. Cost summary reports
  • Familiarity with pertinent building/construction laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
  • Familiarity with public agency procurement processes and procedures

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages capital improvement projects including the research, survey, design, permitting, and construction management of assigned projects; establishes and directs the implementation and administration of Authority-wide policies and programs related to engineering initiatives and administration throughout the Authority; provides complex and responsible support to the Construction and Facilities Division Manager in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Construction and Facilities Division Manager. Exercises direct and general supervision over professional and technical staff, as assigned.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a management classification responsible for developing, planning, and reviewing the capital improvement projects of the Logistics Department including research, survey, design, permitting, and construction management. Responsibilities include developing and implementing policies and procedures, budget administration, project evaluation, and management of staff for the assigned areas. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. This class is distinguished from Construction and Facilities Division Manager in that the latter has management responsibility for all functional areas of the Construction and Facilities Division including all rehabilitation, new construction, maintenance, and repair functions and activities of the Authority.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment:

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various Authority and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Standing in and walking between work areas is frequently required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, and reach to perform assigned duties, as well as push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
When assigned to a field environment:

Must possess mobility to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, bend, stoop, squat, crouch, and grasp; to climb and descend ladders, to operate varied hand and power tools and equipment; strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work, to work in confining spaces and around machines; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone or radio. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate above-mentioned tools and equipment. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 75 pounds, or heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and assistance from other staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees predominately work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous chemical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with members of the public or with staff under emotionally stressful conditions while interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
SELECTION PROCEDURE
INITIAL SELECTION REVIEW:

The Human Resources Department reviews all initial application materials to identify qualified applicants. Applicants meeting minimum qualifications will be invited to the first phase of the recruitment process. The OCFA reserves the right to refer only the better qualified applicants if the number of applicants is high. If the number of applicants is high, the review process may include a secondary screening (by a panel of job knowledge experts) of the applications and/or supplemental questionnaires in which the better qualified applicants are referred to the next phase of the recruitment process. Because recruitment processes vary, applicants are advised to thoroughly review the job announcement before submitting their online application materials.
TESTING:

Testing for this position or any other position may include, but is not limited to the following: written exam, practical exam, panel interview, physical ability test, assessment center, oral presentation, project assignment, etc. If a revision is made to a testing component during a recruitment process, the assigned recruiter will notify by email all affected applicants.
RECRUITMENT/SELECTION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS:

All recruitment/selection process and requirements will be held in accordance with the OCFA's Selection Rules, which are available for inspection in the Human Resources Department.
ELIGIBLE LIST:

The duration of an Eligible List for this recruitment is one (1) year, unless abolished by the Human Resources Director prior to the expiration.
WITHDRAWING FROM THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS:

If an applicant chooses to withdraw from this recruitment process, he/she is required to submit an email notification to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at requesting a withdrawal from the process. The email to the recruiter must include the applicant's current phone number.
QUESTIONS:

All questions regarding this position should be directed to Duke Steppe, Human Resources Manager at (714) 573-6807 or
NOTE:

The provisions of this publication do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision in this publication may be modified or revoked without notice.
Orange County Fire Authority Management Association (OCFAMA) Representation

This classification is represented by the OCFAMA. Please contact OCFAMA President for information about joining OCFAMA.

Base Salary Adjustments:
2.50% effective June 26, 2026

Annual Merit Review Program
Administrative Managers are eligible for performance salary increases from 2.75% to 5.5% annually based on their work performance and until they reach the top of their salary range. Please note, new managers and newly promoted managers must be assigned to their position prior to March 1 during the annual performance rating period (August 1 through July 31) to be eligible for their initial merit review. Administrative Managers who are at the maximum of their salary range at the time they receive their annual performance evaluation will receive a $500 contribution to their 401(a) deferred compensation account if they received a rating of at least "standard."

Medical Benefit
Administrative Managers have a choice of medical plans under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, and receive a monthly cash allotment to be applied toward health care coverage and other benefits. In addition to purchasing health care coverage, at their option, Administrative Managers may receive any or all remaining funds in cash or defer such funds to other benefits. The enrollment period for a new employee is sixty (60) days from the date of employment. The effective date of coverage will begin on the first day of the month following submission of the CalPERS Health Benefit Plan Enrollment Form.

In 2025, the monthly cash allotment is $2,597.52 per month, paid over 24 pay periods.
In 2026, the monthly cash allotment is $2,768.96 per month, paid over 24 pay periods.

Please visit for more information regarding the various plans offered under the CalPERS Health Benefits Program, as well as the current premium rates.

Dental, Orthodontia, and Vision Care
Dental, orthodontia, and vision insurance are provided, at no cost to the employee, for the employee and dependents. Coverage begins on the first of the month following date of hire or promotion.

Longevity Pay
Administrative Managers will receive longevity pay as a percentage of base salary as follows:
  • 1.50% at the beginning of the pay period that includes the commencement of their 5th year in any OCFAMA position.
  • 3.0% at the beginning of the pay period that includes the commencement of their 10th year in any OCFAMA position.
Optional Benefit Plan (OBP)
An annual allocation of $2,065 (pro-rated for mid-year hire/promotion date) will be provided to Administrative Managers to cover health care costs and other select benefits including:
  • Accidental death and dismemberment insurance
  • Medical Flexible Spending Account
  • Cash prorated each pay period or lump sum of cash at year end
OBP begins on the 1st day of the month following a 28-day waiting period.

Retirement
All regular OCFA employees are members of the Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS) - a defined benefit retirement program. Employees are enrolled in one of the following retirement formulas based on date of hire.

Legacy General Members: Employees hired on or after December 1, 2012, who establish reciprocitywith OCERS are enrolled in the 2.0% at age 55 retirement formula (Plan N). Employees pays their maximum employee contribution based on age of entry into OCERS (or reciprocal retirement system), including any increases to the maximum employee contribution as calculated by OCERS. The compensation limit for Legacy members in 2024 is $345,000.

New General Members (PEPRA): Employees hired on or after January 1, 2013, without reciprocity are enrolled in the

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