Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
Salary: $120,000-$150,000 + Performance Bonus & Profit Sharing
Schedule: Approximately 70% Office / 30% Field
A well-established heavy civil construction company is seeking an experienced Project Manager / Estimator to join its team in San Luis Obispo, CA. This is a hands-on role supporting public infrastructure projects throughout California's Central Coast.
The company specializes in heavy civil construction and performs a wide range of work in-house, including roads, highways, bridges, grading, paving, underground utilities, drainage, retaining walls, and structural concrete.
This position is ideal for a Project Manager who understands the demands of Caltrans and public works construction and wants a role where they can have a direct impact on project execution, cost control, and overall project success.
What You'll Do
- Manage and coordinate active heavy civil construction projects, typically overseeing approximately two projects at a time.
- Coordinate owners, subcontractors, field crews, and project stakeholders.
- Conduct weekly job-site visits based on project needs and project phase.
- Lead project and scheduling coordination meetings.
- Oversee grading, asphalt, paving, underground utilities, drainage, retaining walls, and related civil scopes.
- Coordinate bridge crews and support structural concrete operations.
- Track project costs and maintain accurate monthly billings.
- Support contract negotiations and purchase order management.
- Price and manage change orders throughout the life of the project.
- Work closely with estimators to support project pricing and cost control.
- Manage project closeout while assisting with planning for upcoming work.
- Move seamlessly between estimating, project management, field coordination, and project administration.
What We're Looking For
- 5+ years of heavy civil Project Management experience
- 3-5 years of estimating experience
- 3-4+ years of Caltrans experience; 5+ years preferred
- Public works construction experience
- Experience with asphalt, grading, paving, and underground utilities
- P6 Scheduling experience
- Strong understanding of California public works construction
- Ability to manage both field operations and office-based project responsibilities
- Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills
- Construction Management or Engineering degree preferred
- HCSS Heavy Job and/or Heavy Bid experience is a plus
An experienced APM with strong Caltrans and heavy civil experience who is ready to step into a Project Manager role may also be considered.
Compensation & Benefits
- $120,000-$150,000 base salary, depending on experience
- Performance bonus and profit-sharing opportunities
- Blue Shield PPO healthcare
- 100% company-paid medical coverage for employees and families
- Dental and vision coverage
- 401(k) with company contribution
- PTO that increases with tenure
- 5 sick days
- Paid public works holidays
- Pickup truck and fuel card available for experienced employees
- Primarily home every night with limited overnight travel
- Approximately 70% office / 30% field
This is an opportunity to take real ownership of projects and see the direct impact of your decisions from estimating through completion. You'll work alongside an experienced team in a hands-on environment where people wear multiple hats, collaborate closely, and have a voice in how projects are executed.
For the right person, this role offers the opportunity to become a key member of the organization, take on increasing responsibility, and build toward a long-term senior leadership role while working on meaningful public infrastructure projects throughout the Central Coast.
