Salary : $102,273.60 - $137,488.00 Annually
Location : Santa Ana, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 1936GE-1026-299 (O)
Department: OC Waste & Recycling
Opening Date: 10/06/2026
Closing Date: 10/14/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
CAREER DESCRIPTIONProject Manager (Construction/Landfill)Salary may be negotiable within the range listed above, based on position requirements and successful candidate's qualifications, subject to appropriate authorization.
OPEN TO THE PUBLICThis recruitment will establish an open eligible list that will be used to fill current and future Project Manager positions. The eligible list established may also be used to fill positions in similar and/or lower classifications throughout the County of Orange.
DEADLINE TO APPLYThis recruitment will be open for a minimum of five (5) business days and will close on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at 11:59 P.M. (PST).
THE OPPORTUNITYOCWR has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Project Manager supporting the Project Management Office (PMO) unit of the Compliance Support and Landfill Technology division. This Division focuses on improving efficiency, using advanced technologies, and streamlining processes to support safe and reliable operations. The PMO handles both capital and non-capital projects included in OCWR's Strategic Financial Plan and provides construction and project management services from start to finish. This position is stationed at the Prima Deshecha Landfill in the city of San Juan Capistrano and reports to the South Region's assigned Senior Project Manager.
The Project Manager job duties include but are not limited to:
- Independently managing a broad range of landfill related projects including horizonal infrastructure, maintenance and repair, operations, and capital projects
- Managing service contracts (landfill gas, liquids management, habitat maintenance, pest abatement, etc.), facilities maintenance and repair (paving, painting, fencing, HVAC, tenant improvement, etc.) and moderately technical and complex capital projects
- Managing all project phases that include initiating, planning, executing, monitoring, controlling, and closing, utilizing tools and techniques derived from the Project Management Book of Knowledge (PMBOK) developed by the Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Authoring scopes of work, request for proposals, contract task orders, agenda staff reports and contract agreements
- Drafting, negotiating, and executing different contracting vehicles that include Purchase Orders, Regional Cooperative Agreements, Job Order Contracts, Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Construction Manager at Risk, Landfill Service Contracts, A-E On-Call Contracts, Task Orders, and other Special Service Contracts
- Overseeing diverse project teams composed of internal clients, consultants, contractors, building departments, regulatory agencies, trade staff and contracted staff from a broad range of disciplines including architecture/engineering, construction management and specialty consultants
- Administers and manages design, construction, and maintenance contracts, change orders, time extensions and modifications of contract agreements, and monitors progress, recommends payments, and ensures contract compliance during warranty period
- Supporting the Department and Landfills to ensure compliance with legislative and environmental regulations specific to the solid waste industry, as well as ensuring permitting compliance with Federal, State and Local regulatory agencies, including permit application and variance submittals
- Overseeing complex landfill maintenance, repair, facilities and capital improvement design, planning, and construction projects
- Managing OCWR projects that range from small ($500K or under), medium ($500K - $2M), to large ($2M+)
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS & CORE COMPETENCIESThe ideal candidate has six (6) years of experience in project management including horizontal construction, capital improvement, and maintenance and repair projects.
In addition, the ideal candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of the following competencies:
Technical Expertise- Experience applying project management industry standards and practices in the areas of project planning, coordinating, budget management, scheduling and monitoring
- Knowledge and application of principles of architectural/engineering design and construction practices in multiple disciplines such as landfilling, architectural, civil, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical and heating, ventilating and air conditioning
- Knowledge of California Public Contracting Code (PCC), Uniform Building Codes (UBC), Cal-OSHA building construction regulations, Federal, State and local codes and regulations and other pertinent safety rules and regulations
- Experience with regulatory compliance enforced by the local, federal and state agencies such as CalRecycle, Local Enforcement Agency, California Regional Water Quality Control Board, South Coast Air Quality Management District, and Environmental Protection Agency
Analysis and Problem Solving- Ability to understand, interpret and enforce compliance with plans, specifications schedules and contract provisions
- Ability to recognize and anticipate problems of project scope, budget, schedule, plans and specifications and determine necessary changes
- Ability to research, evaluate, estimate, and accurately interpret and apply technical data and policy information to solve problems and/or make recommendations to management
- Ability to identify issues, choose the best option, and make timely decisions
Planning and Organization- Ability to plan and organize work effectively to ensure that assignments are on schedule, within budget and adhere to policy
- Ability to manage multiple projects with changing and competing priorities
Leadership Skills- Ability to manage project scope, schedule, and budget and provide recommendations as needed
- Ability to lead project team and coordinate with stakeholders from project concept to completion
- Ability to make well-informed and objective decisions by perceiving the impact and implications of the decisions in a professional ethical framework
Active Communication and Writing Skills- Ability to build consensus and negotiate with public and private parties
- Ability to clearly communicate expectations, tasks, plans, and schedules to stakeholders
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSPlease click for details on the Project Manager classification, including the physical, mental, environmental and working conditions.
NOTE: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the
RECRUITMENT PROCESSHuman Resource Services (HRS) will screen all application materials to identify qualified applicants. After screening, qualified applicants will be referred to the next step and notified of all further procedures applicable to their status in the competition.
Application Screening (Refer/Non-Refer)Applications and supplemental responses will be screened for qualifications that are highly desirable and most needed to successfully perform the duties of this job. Only those applicants that meet the qualifications as listed in the job bulletin will be referred to the next step.
Application Appraisal Panel | AAP (Weighted 100%)An Application Appraisal Panel (AAP) of job knowledge experts will thoroughly screen and evaluate the application, and supplemental questionnaire for job knowledge, competencies, and related experience described above. Only the most qualified candidates will move forward to the next step in the recruitment process or will be placed on the eligible list.
Eligible ListOnce the assessment has been completed, HRS will establish an eligible list of candidates. Candidates placed on the eligible list may be referred to a selection interview to be considered for present and future vacancies.
Based on the County's needs, the selection procedures listed above may be modified. All candidates will be notified of any changes in the selection procedures.Veterans Employment PreferenceThe County is committed to providing a mechanism to give preferential consideration in the employment process to veterans and their eligible spouses and will provide eligible participants the opportunity to receive interviews in the selection process for employment and paid internship openings. Please click to review the policy.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEMAIL NOTIFICATION Email is the primary form of notification during the recruitment process. Please ensure your correct email address is included in our application and use only one email account.
NOTE: User accounts are established for one person only and should not be shared with another person. Multiple applications with multiple users may jeopardize your status in the recruitment process for any positions for which you apply. Candidates will be notified regarding their status as the recruitment proceeds via email through the GovernmentJobs.com site. Please check your email folders, including spam/junk folders, and/or accept emails ending with "governmentjobs.com" and "ocgov.com." If your email address should change, please update your profile at
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSClick for additional Frequently Asked Questions.
For specific information pertaining to this recruitment, please contact John Ducksonat
(714) 834-4655 or email at .
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INSTRUCTIONS: The information you provide will be used to evaluate your qualification for the position. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completing these questions. If you have no experience, write "no experience" for the appropriate question. Responses of "See Work History" or copy and paste of work experience are not a qualifying response and will not be accepted in lieu of required information. By selecting yes below, you acknowledge that you have read and understand this application requirement.
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Please select from the following options which best describes your background and education (as outlined in the minimum qualifications). PLEASE NOTE: If you are using education or a certification to substitute for experience, you must provide a legible copy of your diploma or unofficial transcript. Please attach the supporting documentation to your application. Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S.).
- Two (2) or more years of experience as an Associate Project Manager with the County of Orange
- One (1) or more years of experience as an Associate Project Manager with the County of Orange and a bachelor's degree in a related field
- Four (4) or more years of project management experience and a bachelor's degree or higher in a related field
- Six (6) or more years of project management experience
- N/A
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Based on your response to question #2, if you are substituting relevant education for the required experience as defined in the Project Manager minimum qualifications, you are acknowledging that you attached a copy of your degree or unofficial transcripts to your application. Please Note: Foreign degrees require an evaluation of U.S. equivalency by an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Services (N.A.C.E.S).
- Yes, my diploma and/or unofficial transcripts have been attached.
- No, I am not using education as a substitution for my experience.
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Please select any credentials, certificates, or licenses that you currently possess. The options below are preferred but not required for this position.
- Professional Project Manager (PMP) certification issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI)
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification issued by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
- Civil Engineer (CE) license issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
- Engin
