Project Manager

Salary : $97,406.40 - $130,540.80 Annually
Location : 411 Main Street, Chico, CA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-00502
Department: Public Works Engineering
Opening Date: 11/09/2026
Closing Date: 1/3/2027 11:59 PM Pacific

Position Information

This recruitment is to fill one vacancy within the Public Works - Engineering Division.

Union: This position is covered by the Chico Management Employees (CME) labor group.

Job Description
DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages a variety of public works capital improvement projects and administrative activities; prepares and/or participates in the preparation and review of preliminary and final engineering plans, cost estimates, cost analysis studies, specifications, and schedules; quality controls engineering designs performed by consulting engineers for the City; coordinates projects and activities with other City departments, developers, and outside agencies; conducts field inspections of City facilities and City-maintained areas; provides highly responsible staff assistance to management in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from management personnel. May exercise direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the advanced journey level classification in the Engineering Division responsible for developing, managing, and administering assigned capital improvement and related projects from planning to construction, including project accounting and budgeting. Incumbents regularly work on tasks which are varied and complex, requiring considerable discretion and independent judgment. Positions in the classification rely on experience and judgment to perform assigned duties. Assignments are given with general guidelines and incumbents are responsible for establishing objectives, timelines, and methods to complete assignments. Work is typically reviewed upon completion for soundness, appropriateness, and conformity to policy and requirements.

EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Serves as project manager for a wide variety of public works and other capital improvement projects, including but not limited to, construction administration, traffic studies, and master plan developments.
• Prepares and/or participates in the preparation and review of preliminary and final engineering plans, cost estimates, cost analysis studies, specifications, and schedules for public works projects including roads, sewers, water systems, and storm drain projects.
• Prepares and administers contracts for a variety of engineering consulting services including planning, environmental review, and design; determines scope of projects; prepares requests for proposals; conducts pre-bid and pre-construction conferences; provides input into the consultant selection process; directs the work of contracted service providers.
• Provides coordination, guidance, and oversight for all project phases including planning, construction, and close-out; ensures projects are completed in accordance with City standards.
• Assists in the preparation and review of bid documents, requests for proposals, and contracts; assists in the bid process for services and materials related to various projects; participates in the selection of contract services; negotiates contracts.
• Participates in the development and administration of project budgets of the assigned area; monitors approved budget, approves expenditures, forecasts additional funds needed for project implementation, and recommends adjustments, as necessary.
• Prepares and monitors project schedules and coordinates implementation of assigned projects through completion.
• Supervises inspections during all phases of construction for conformance with approved plans, specifications, contract provisions, environmental approvals, and safe work practices in accordance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Oversees development of and updates City's various infrastructure programs including Pavement Management Program and sewer and storm drain master plans.
• Investigates field problems affecting property owners, contractors, and maintenance operations; responds to citizen inquiries and complaints; provides information to the public at the front counter in person, via telephone, or other means of communication regarding grading, encroachment permits, right-of-way and property line information, utility information, slope stability and improvement plan check, and payment processes.
• Represents the City in negotiating and conferring with consultants, other jurisdictions, external agencies, and others involved in project execution.
• 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 as appropriate.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of construction project management and capital improvement projects.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of leadership;
• Civil and structural engineering principles, techniques, policies, and procedures;
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports;
• Principles and practices of capital improvement program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration;
• Principles and practices of project management;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility;
• Principles and modern techniques and equipment used in the design, construction, and maintenance of streets and utilities infrastructure;
• Contract management practices in a public agency setting;
• Land development principles and associated documentation such as property legal descriptions and subdivision maps;
• Construction management principles and practices, including the strengths of material, properties, and uses of construction materials;
• Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work;
• General principles of risk management related to engineering project design and construction;
• Principles and practices of technical report and business correspondence preparation;
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the engineering, development, and construction fields;
• Recordkeeping principles and procedures;
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols;
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff;
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar;
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Prepare, conduct, and evaluate engineering studies; research, analyze, and summarize data; perform accurate engineering calculations and cost estimates;
• Interpret and explain design criteria, policies, ordinances, and procedures;
• Review and assess studies or reports prepared by consultants or developers to evaluate their compliance with project specifications and requirements;
• Oversee the work of construction inspection and/or design staff;
• Ensure materials used in City construction projects are of the quality and quantity specified in contracts.
• Prepare, analyze, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, specifications, and other contract documents, and determine conformance with applicable laws and standards;
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner, including written reports;
• Develop and administer contracts for professional services and construction in a public agency setting.
• Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision;
• Prepare clear, concise, and accurate technical reports, drawings, maps, notes, correspondence, and other written materials;
• Investigate field conditions for project feasibility and/or issues which arise during the construction process;
• Read and interpret maps, plans, sketches, schematics, diagrams, and blueprints;
• Make engineering design computations and check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations and individuals;
• Direct the work of contract consultants;
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, recordkeeping, and tracking systems;
• Make sound, independent decisions within established policy and procedural guidelines;
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed;
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines;
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks;
  • Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax;
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience:

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:

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

Experience:

• Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in managing, planning, and designing public facilities or infrastructure projects, and/or involvement in construction management for public projects.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, to be maintained throughout employment.

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; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be 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 occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaginga weight of 25 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

Environmental CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
Additional Information

The City of Chico is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitudes, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a PASSION for public service. Having the best employees provides the best service to the community.

APPLICATIONS ARE ONLY ACCEPTED ONLINE, THROUGH THE NEOGOV/GOVERNMENTJOBS.COM SYSTEM.