Job Summary

The Project Manager of Utilities will be a key member of the Ypsilanti Plant reporting directly to the General Manager. The successful candidate will have regular visibility and direct access to the Vice President of Project Management and the PMO.

The Utilities Project Manager will be responsible for overseeing, supervising and coordinating the management of specific utilities projects; will coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; and will provide highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the applicable management representative.

Duties & Responsibilities

The following duties are typical for this role. Incumbents may not perform all the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below, as applicable to business necessity or changes in business practices.

• Assumes responsibility for assigned services and activities related to the management of specific utilities projects, including budget development, design, bid, construction and related functions and professional contracts, to ensure completion of projects within budgetary, regulatory and time constraints.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies and priorities; and additionally, recommends and implements policies and procedures.
• Identifies opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures; identifies resource needs; reviews with appropriate management staff; and implements improvements.
• Directs, coordinates and reviews the work plan for utilities project activities; assigns work activities and projects, including organizing and scheduling the work of professional and paraprofessional engineering staff and private contractors; monitors work flow; reviews and elevates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Drives the capital projects in the annual program to completion to achieve scope, budget, and schedule targets.
• Coordinates with Procurement to delineate responsibilities for purchasing and bidding activities.
• Manage the Ypsilanti annual sustaining CAPEX maintenance projects for CenTrio and Eastern Michigan University (EMU) per the terms of the Concession Agreement.
• Work as part of a collaborative team with EMU staff to develop successful projects that meet the needs of both CenTrio and EMU.
• Reviews the design of assigned utilities projects; directs the preparation and/or review of plans, specifications, estimates, Authorization for Expenditures (AFE's), contracts, and internal and executive reporting for assigned projects.
• Participates in the development and administration of assigned program budget; forecasts funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; and monitors and approves expenditures; recommends adjustments, as necessary.
• Provides staff assistance to management; conducts a variety of studies and investigations; develops and recommends modifications to utility facility programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
• Coordinates utility project activities with those of other divisions and outside agencies, organizations, and utility franchises; resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Performs a variety of applicable, project conflict resolution duties; resolves engineering problems in the construction phase; acts on behalf of the client/representative in meeting with and resolving engineering problems with project contractors, private engineers, owners, and developers.
• May serve as a representative on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees, planning and other public meetings; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field.
• May respond to and resolve citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

Skills & Qualifications

• Be a self-starter that enjoys working in a fast-paced environment.
• Have a strong commitment to deadlines and team.
• Be process oriented with a high sense of ownership in their work.
• Possess a high degree of intellectual curiosity.
• Have an engineering foundation and a superior project management background.
• Be highly analytical with great attention to detail.
• Be collaborative in a team environment.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of education and experience that would enable one to effectively perform the essential functions of the job. Typically, valid predictors would include:

• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in chemical, mechanical or electrical engineering, construction management, construction technology or a related field; AND, a minimum of five (5) years of experience, including two (2) years of project management, administrative and/or supervisory responsibility

Position-Specific Knowledge & Experience:

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a utility facilities program, as well as applicable principles and practices of utilities program management.
• Principles and practices used in the planning, design and relocation of utilities facilities.
• Contract administration principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including public contract law.
• Civil, structural, electrical, traffic, geotechnical, and mechanical engineering principles and practices.
• Estimating principles and practices.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance management.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively leading and managing a project team.
• Proven ability to prepare and administer program budgets, and prepare cost estimates, and concise and accurate administrative and financial reports.
• Ability to effectively interpret and apply applicable federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations.
• Able to prepare and review the preparation of plans and specifications.
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing Microsoft Office applications (emphasis on Word, Excel, Project), Internet and E-mail, as necessary to meet the requirements of the job.
• Ability to read and understand utility drawings and as built drawings on MicroStation, AutoCAD or other relevant applications.
• Exceptional written and interpersonal communication skills; proven negotiation and consensus-building skills a must. Able to effectively address internal and external customer concerns.
• Commitment to following all applicable company and client policies, procedures and work rules, and model appropriate actions and behaviors.

The Business has a consistent and dedicated focus on a proactive safety culture. HSE is the responsibility of everyone in the organization. Your accountability for HSE also includes:

• Promote, ensure, and maintain a safe and healthy environment for your fellow workers and yourself so that everyone goes home injury-free,
• Work in compliance with the provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Industrial Regulations, Environmental Protection Act and Regulations and HSE policies, programs, and procedures,
• Review the safety plans of any contractors hired to work on a CenTrio project and verify that the contractors are following the accepted safety plan.
• Responsible for identifying and reporting workplace HSE hazards and concerns to your supervisor immediately and providing solutions (if aware of any) to address these concerns as requested, and
• Immediate reporting of all work-related injuries/illness to your supervisor

Conditions of Employment:

• Successful completion of Criminal Background Check and Drug Test
• Valid Michigan State Drivers License
• CenTrio strives to create a culture of health and wellness. As of December 1, 2021, and consistent with applicable state law, CenTrio will decline to hire individuals who use nicotine products. (WASHINGTON, COLORADO, MICHIGAN and TEXAS ONLY)

DISCLAIMER

The preceding position description is intended to provide the general nature and level of work to be performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to be a detailed description of the position or be interpreted as a comprehensive listing of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required for this position.