Salary : $130,456.00 - $158,546.00 Annually
Location : Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-006
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 04/14/2026

Description
Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project Manager

Annual Salary: $130,456.28 - $158,546.00 (DOQ) plus Excellent Benefits Package and
Application Deadline: April 30, 2026
The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea is recruiting for a highly motivated and skilled Capital Improvement (CIP) Project Manager with strong experience in planning, organizing, and directing all phases of complex capital improvement projects, from start (planning and design) to finish (construction), including building renovations, infrastructure upgrades, parks, streets, sidewalks, storm drains, shoreline structures etc. Be a part of the team that shapes one of California's most iconic coastal communities!

This position requires at least three (3) years of managing both the design and construction phases of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects in a municipal agency. Candidates must be self-motivated, problem solvers, capable of managing complex projects, and be ready to "hit the ground running" with a multi-million-dollar CIP program.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is an expert in all phases of CIP from planning and budgeting, consultant design management, and have a proven track record in construction management and inspection. The CIP Program Manager will work independently to manage all CIP project types from building renovations, streets, parks, and utilities so strong analytical problem solving and project management skills are a must. You have strong experience navigating the complexities of public works, managing consultants, overseeing contracts, and providing technical reports to executives and council members. You thrive in environments that require independent judgment, strategic planning, and firm, fair management of contractors.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Strong CIP Expertise: Prospective candidates must demonstrate extensive Capital Improvement Programming experience, including managing "Five-Year CIP" documents, identifying infrastructure needs, developing complex project estimates, managing budgets, bidding process and final inspections.

• Contract Administration: Manage consultant and contractor selection processes, oversee contract management, and approve construction amendments/change orders.
• Budget & Schedule Oversight: Develop and monitor project budgets, ensure projects stay within budget and prepare cost estimates.
• Stakeholder Communication: Serve as the liaison between the City, consultants, contractors, and the public, including preparing reports.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure projects comply with federal, state, and local codes, including ADA requirements and environmental regulations (CEQA/NEPA).
• Site Inspection: Conduct field visits to construction sites to inspect progress, verify quality, and troubleshoot problems.

Examples of Duties

What you will do:

• Perform condition assessments of public infrastructure and buildings, identify, prioritize, and recommend projects with cost estimates for funding in the 5-year Capital Improvement Program.
• Prepare requests for qualifications and requests for proposals for professional consultant services, evaluate qualifications and proposals, lead selection committees, prepare and negotiate scope of work, fees, and schedules for professional services agreements, and process amendments.
• Conduct field investigations, evaluate project feasibility, and check survey maps, geotechnical reports, design studies, calculations, traffic control plans, and right-of-way information.
• Check and recommend for approval construction drawings, and special conditions and technical specifications for infrastructure and building renovation projects. Process project for environmental, building, and other permits.
• Assemble bid and construction contract documents. Administer the public bidding process, conduct pre-bid meetings, issue addenda, and review bid proposals.
• Provide construction management and field inspection services to ensure compliance with plans and specifications, check submittals and progress payments, manage schedules and budgets, and ensure public safety.
• Coordinate projects with design consultants, utility representatives, adjacent property owners, businesses, and other agencies and City departments.
• Represent the City effectively in meetings with commissions, community groups, professional organizations, other agencies, and the public.
• Prepare and present City Council and Commission agenda reports for all phases of projects.
• Conduct public meetings regarding CIP projects. Issue surveys, compile data, and make recommendations.
• Develop master plans, engineering reports, standard details, and plan notes.

Typical Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, construction management, public administration, or a related field.
• Experience: A minimum of three years of experience in public works, engineering project management, or construction management, including contract administration, plan review, and coordination of funding sources.
• License(s): Possession of a valid Class "C" California driver's license with a satisfactory driving record. Possession of a valid State of California Professional Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineer and/or Architecture license is highly desirable.

Key Skills & Expertise

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local regulations governing public works projects
• Familiarity with CEQA/NEPA processes and public funding requirements
• Strong budgeting, scheduling, and contract management skills
• Ability to interpret engineering plans and technical documents
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY
To be considered for this career opportunity, you must submit a complete online application at , and answers to the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a complete online application. Incomplete applications and/or supplemental questionnaire will be rejected. Applications will be screened in relation to the criteria in this job announcement. Applicants with the most relevant qualification will be invited to interview.
Potential candidates from outside California (Monterey County region) are strongly encouraged to research the cost of housing and overall cost of living in the area before applying.

At-Will Benefits:

• Insurance: Participation in CalPERS medical plans; City-paid basic Dental and Vision coverage for employee and dependents; City-paid LTD, life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance coverage. City covers 85% of the medical plan premium cost for employee and dependents.
• Retirement: Covered by the CalPERS retirement system based on eligibility and enrollment history.
• Deferred Compensation Plan: City contributes $100.00 monthly on behalf of employees (currently through CalPERS/Voya).
• Vacation Leave Accrual: 1- 4 years of service = 80 hours per year; 5 -10 years of service = 120 hours per year; 11 - 14 years of service = 160 hours per year; 15 years of service and over = 176 hours per year.
• Management Leave: 96 hours per fiscal year that is use or lose.
• Sick Leave Accrual: 8 hours per month
• Holidays: 12 paid holidays per year
• And more!

01

Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as a part of the application screening and selection process. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. Do you agree to answer each supplemental question truthfully and that your responses can be verified from information included within the application?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a valid Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of California and in what discipline and when does it expire? Upload a copy of your PE license. Write N/A if you are not a licensed PE.
03

How many years of Municipal CIP experience do you have with responsibilities with building renovations, infrastructure upgrades, parks, streets, sidewalks, storm drains, etc. infrastructure, security, and support?

• 0 years to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 or more years

04

Briefly describe your experience managing consultant and contractor selection process for CIP projects. Write N/A if you do not have experience.
05

Describe the most complex CIP project you have managed from inception to close-out. Include the total project budget, your specific role, and how you ensured it was completed on time. Write N/A if you do not have experience.
06

Based on the salary range for this position and your qualifications and experience, what is your salary expectation?
Required Question