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Senior Project Manager - Capital Projects

$126,348 - $153,576

Plus excellent benefits!

Apply by July 9, 2025. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. 

THE CITY

San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment.

With a population of approximately 60,000, San Rafael is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and an annual budget in fiscal year 2024-2025 of approximately $180 million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called “Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest assets, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. The Together San Rafael initiative is focused on modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Department of Public Works (PW) is committed to providing the highest standards of service delivery to its citizens as it works to build, maintain, and update the City’s civic infrastructure. Public Works is comprised of approximately 50 employees with a general budget of $33 million and a Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget that ranges between $15–$30 million depending on the City’s annual infrastructure needs.

Its mission is to ensure San Rafael’s infrastructure meets the needs of a vibrant and growing city through careful management of major improvements and the maintenance of the City’s assets. By hiring highly trained, dedicated, responsive, and service-oriented personnel, PW is actively making its mission a reality. 

Recently, the Department underwent a process of restructuring as management of all City engineers was placed under the Assistant Director for enhanced oversight, communication, and workflow.

The City has recently championed the Dean Allison Award internship program, which shepherds talented young graduates into local government and encourages engagement with the public sector of California. PW is also currently completing several exciting initiatives to improve transformation, accessibility, and maintenance of the City’s infrastructure while also adding recreation spaces for the public to enjoy. For an overview of the City of San Rafael’s upcoming Capital Improvement Projects, see this page for active and upcoming CIP projects. 

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate has a proven track record in completing projects, particularly in capital and municipal construction. Strong written and verbal communication skills, organizational abilities, and critical thinking are essential. They must manage all phases of multiple capital programs effectively, keeping contractors, collaborators, and partners on schedule. Key attributes include strong leadership, problem-solving, proactive planning, relationship-building, and budget awareness. A strong sense of customer service and the ability to solve complex challenges are necessary. As part of the Public Works Team and Measure P project team, they will deliver various capital improvements, including the new Albert Park Library and Community Center Project.

CORE COMPETNCIES

• Communication skills
• Strong attention to detail and exceptional organizational skills
• Collaborative
• Flexibility
• Strong time management skills
• Budget management
• Relationship-building

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to - view the full job spec HERE)

• Plans, organizes, directs and controls all parts of projects from concept through design, permitting, bidding, and construction to the closeout for a portfolio of complex capital improvement projects.
• Prepares and monitors project budgets, including support for obtaining funding.
• Coordinates work of a multi-disciplinary development team across organizational boundaries, including design architects and construction professionals.  
• Develops and maintains detailed project schedules and budgets, tracks expenditures, and recommends cost control strategies.
• Reviews and processes change orders, ensures quality control, and oversees contractor compliance with plans, specifications, and safety standards.
• Prepares reports, presentations, and communications to inform internal and external stakeholders, including City Council.
• Ensures that contractors are maintaining safe work sites and that the needs of the staff at each project are being protected.
• Coordinates final project closeout including punch list items, documentation, and transfer to operations.
• Manages consultant contracts and coordinates with engineers, architects, construction managers, and inspectors.
• Facilitates cross-departmental coordination and public outreach related to project scope, impacts, and progress. 
• Supports grant application processes and ensures compliance with local, state, and federal funding requirements.

UPCOMING PROJECTS

• Albert Park Main Library and Community Center Project
• City Hall Layout Assessment and long-term planning
• Citywide Buildings and Facilities Plan

Additional projects can be found in our Capital Improvement Program: https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/public-works-projects/

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Any combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge and abilities listed. 

• Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in construction management, project management, civil, structural or mechanical engineering, facilities planning, design management, architecture, business, economics, planning or a related field

AND

• Five years of progressively responsible experience in project management related to the area of assignment.

The required education is interchangeable with project management experience related to the area of assignment on a year-for-year basis up to a maximum of two years.

Possession of a master's degree in a field noted above, professional registration or licensure, or Project Management Institute (PMI) / Construction Management Institute (CMI). Either may be substituted for one year of required experience 

• Valid CA driver’s license required.  
• Registration as a licensed architect or engineer in the State of California is desirable.  
• Project Management Institute (PMI) / Construction Management Institute (CMI) certification is desired. 

BENEFITS

This position is a regular position of the City’s Unrepresented Mid-Management group and is eligible to receive benefits including but not limited to:

• MEDICAL | City group health coverage, with the City paying a fixed dollar amount toward the cost of the monthly insurance premium. Employee only: $950.00; Employee plus one: $1,900.00; Family: $2,400.00
• DENTAL AND VISION | Premium fully paid for employee plus eligible dependents.
• VACATION LEAVE | 15 days annually, increases after 5 years of service
• SICK LEAVE | 12 days annually
• ADMINISTRATIVE LEAVE | 10 days each calendar year, prorated if hired after the first of the year
• HOLIDAYS | 12 paid City holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE | Up to 5 days paid leave
• END OF LIFE CARE LEAVE | Up to 80 hours paid leave
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE (if eligible) | Up to 300 hours paid leave. Unrepresented Mid-Management employees also contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI)
• LIFE INSURANCE & AD&D | $300,000
• LONG TERM DISABILITY | 66.67% of salary, up to $7,500 per month
• RETIREMENT | Enrollment in the Marin County Retirement System (MCERA) pension plan, a defined benefit retirement program
  • Tier 2 - hired on or after 7/1/2011: 2% @ 55, Average of 3 highest years
  • Tier 3 PEPRA - hired on or after 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62, Average of 3 highest years
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION | City will contribute one percent (1.06%) of base pay into a City-provided deferred compensation plan
• GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT | Up to $198 per year
• BILINGUAL PAY (if eligible) | Up to $250 per month

• Do you love working outdoors?
• Are you looking for a career where every day is different but the organization is stable?
• Does the idea of inspecting roads, storm drains and sewers while working with the public, contractors, and, developers interest you?
• Do you work well with others and love the challenge of tough assignments?

Details:

• Regular full-time position, 9/80 work schedule with alternating Friday off
• Schedule includes occasionally working evenings, weekends, and holidays 
• Salary range: $31.64 - $40.35 hourly (based on qualifications)
• Plus an Excellent Benefits package, see details below
• For the full job description and minimum qualifications, click on the link below

Qualifications for consideration: 

• Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be: 
  • Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized and technical training in the building and construction trades.
  • Two years of responsible experience involving the construction and maintenance of public works or water facilities, depending on area of assignment.
  • Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The City of Pacifica is recruiting for a Assistant Plant Manager within the Department of Public Works Wastewater Division.  Under direction of the Wastewater Plant Operations Manager, the incumbent will plan, organize and manage the activities of the Wastewater Treatment System Division.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining and repairing the City’s infrastructure and wastewater treatment operations in an efficient and cost-effective manner while providing a high level of customer service and a safe work environment for city employees. The Department maintains wastewater infrastructures which includes wastewater collection system, pump stations, wastewater treatment plant, parks, playing fields and medians and keeps streets and trails clean and well-maintained. The Department also coordinates the tree program, cleans beaches and coordinates the City Beautification program.

The Public Works Department is organized into three divisions including Wastewater, Field Services and Engineering. The Wastewater Division is organized into two groups which includes the operation of the Calera Creek water treatment plant and management of the collection system. Field Services oversees the maintenance of city streets, parks, trees, vehicles and public facilities. The Engineering Division manages public infrastructure projects, transportation planning and maintenance and repair of the City’s infrastructure. The Public Works Department is supported by 56 full-time staff and the Wastewater Division has an annual operating budget of $18.5 million, along with a CIP appropriation of $ 5 million. The Assistant Plant Manager reports to the Wastewater Plant Operations Manager.

At the City of Pacifica, we are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. To us, equal opportunity employment is not just about compliance, it’s about who you are, how you can help our City and who you want to be. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and community members. 

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Plan, organize, administer, review and evaluate the work of technical and operational and maintenance staff directly and through subordinate levels of supervision.
• Administer the maintenance program at the treatment plant
• Monitor operations to assure that operating procedures are followed.
• Carry out division goals, objectives, work plans, reports, policies and procedures.
• Coordinate with City departments and State agencies to assure compliance with various regulations, industry standards, City policies, procedures and goals.
• Act as the Designated Operator-In-Charge as assigned in the absence of the Plant Manager
• May act as the Chief Plant Operator for the Calera Creek Water Recycling Plant with possession of current Grade IV Wastewater Treatment Plant Operators Certificate as issued by the California State Water Resources Control Board.
• Assist with regulatory agency reporting.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Conduct operational studies and special projects; gather information, evaluate alternatives, prepare and present reports and recommendations.
• Recommend and enforce safety measures and programs and ensures that assigned staff, consultants and contract employees conduct work in a safe manner in accordance with established procedures.
• Prepare requests for proposals for vendor, engineering, contractor and maintenance services; negotiate and administer contracts and authorized payments for services.
• Control the requisition of supplies, materials and equipment.
• Serve as the City’s alternate representative with all regulatory agencies, including the Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Air Quality Control Board and the State water Quality Control Board as needed.
• Serve as a Disaster Service Worker, as required.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required and other duties as assigned.

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for a qualified

Deputy Director of Public Works

Why Join our Department?

The City has a current vacancy for a Deputy Director of Public Works. The Public Works Department consists of several different Divisions, including the Administrative Division, Business Group, Wastewater Treatment Plant, Clean Water Program, Fleet and Facilities, Data Management, Field Maintenance, Regulatory Compliance, Capital Improvements Program, and Transportation (including Traffic Engineering, Right-of-Way/Private Development, and Transportation Planning) . The Public Works Department has two Deputy Directors for optimal performance and integration, who oversee different Divisions, and the two deputies work together to meet the needs of the community. Currently, the Director of Public Works oversees the Deputy Directors, Administrative Division, Business Group, and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Deputy Director on staff currently oversees the following divisions: Field Maintenance, Regulatory Compliance, Capital Improvements Program, and Transportation (including Traffic Engineering, Right-of-Way/Private Development, and Transportation Planning). Depending on the City’s operational needs as well as your skillset and experience, the City could adjust the responsibilities of the Deputy Directors within the Public Works Department.

When you join the Public Works Department, you will work among collaborative and energetic colleagues who share a passion for serving our San Mateo citizens and improving the community in which we live and work. Our team is comprised of individuals with diverse talents and experience in various fields. Collaboration, Innovation, Respect, Creativity, Transparency and Informed Risk-taking are attributes within the City’s mission, values and organizational principles that we are seeking in the candidates.

The City of San Mateo is a very progressive City that encourages staff and resident engagement to develop positive solutions that meet the demands of the community and regulatory landscape.

Here are some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

What You’ll Do

The Deputy Director of Public Works is responsible for directing and managing all programs within the Divisions for which they are responsible. This may include capital improvement program development and implementation, traffic engineering, private development review, regulatory compliance, solid waste management, operations and maintenance, asset and data management, construction management, fleet coordination, downtown coordination, and building maintenance; and the position may serve as the City Engineer and/or the Director of Public Works in their absence.

• Utilize your experience and skills to lead a number of divisions within the Public Works Department.
• Engage in a positive manner with City Council, Public Works Department staff, City Departments, and citizens.
• Lead and mentor a dedicated and talented staff featuring many emerging leaders.
• Analyze current processes and procedures to make system improvements for efficiency, updating standards, and improvements to the customer experience.
• Collaborating with other agencies and stakeholders to plan regional solutions on shared items of interest such as traffic and the City’s General Plan.
• Contribute to a collaborative and dynamic Public Works Leadership team.

The Deputy Director receives general direction from the Director of Public Works and exercises direct supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/Index/86.

The City of San Mateo Public Works Department is looking for an Engineering Technician I/II

Why Join our Department?

The Public Works Department is comprised of the Capital Improvement Program, Field Maintenance, Regulatory Compliance, Transportation, Clean Water Program, Data Management, Facilities/Fleet, and Wastewater Treatment Divisions. Each division is led by one of two Deputy Directors, who report to the Director of Public Works. The department is responsible for the City’s major capital projects and infrastructure including streets, street lights, traffic signals, publicly owned facilities, sewer and storm conveyance systems, wastewater treatment plant, pump stations, a major lagoon, dams, and levees; as well as solid waste and environmental programs.

The Public Works Department is committed to high performance standards, utilizing best practices relative to performance management and team-oriented approaches. Our mission is to enhance the community and its environment by providing sustainable stewardship and innovative approaches to Public Works services.

The Engineering Technician vacancy we currently have is in the Capital Improvement Program Division. While the Engineering Technician may perform other duties as assigned, including supporting the Transportation Division, the primary role will be managing resident service requests, drafting engineering plans, and performing field observations and analyses.

Look to some of the reasons why the City of San Mateo is a great place to work: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GTIzeSpc_g

What You’ll Do

The Engineering Technician I/II performs a variety of technical drafting, office and field engineering work. The position receives immediate supervision from higher engineering personnel.

The Engineering Technician I/II position is flexibly staffed based on experience and may be filled at either level. Depending upon assignment, duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Locate utilities, easements, property lines and other information on plans.
• Prepare topographical plan and profile maps of property and pertinent features from survey notes and legal descriptions.
• Check parcel maps, subdivisions and various other drawings.
• Participate in the preparation, filing, and retrieval of a variety of engineering maps, documents and records.
• Ink, pencil, trace and letter charts, graphs, maps, plans and other drawings; prepare miscellaneous illustrative materials such as charts and graphs on blueprint machine; monitor blueprint machine and blueprint paper supply.
• Prepare final drawings of existing improvements, rights-of-way, and other utilities using field notes, maps and photographs; check calculations used in designs and estimates.
• Fully utilize the computerized work systems in accordance with workflow processes.
• Assist in measuring accurate distances to be used in the determination of locations of boundaries, easements, improvements, structures and topographic features; keep notes on measurements made.
• Write technical specifications for various maintenance contracts; inspect work on maintenance contracts; verify quantities for payment on maintenance contracts.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public concerning engineering activities; issue permits and accept permit fees over the counter; answer questions related to maintenance projects as applicable.
• Make and check mathematical calculations related to surveying and basic engineering.
• Inspect streets, sidewalks, sewers, drains and other public works areas for maintenance needs; prepare cost estimates of labor, materials equipment necessary for maintenance projects; assist in developing work schedules.
• Prepare and maintain production and related records regarding maintenance activities.
• Maintain various technical files and departmental logs.
• Manage and respond to resident service requests.

For a complete list of duties, reference our job specifications at www.cityofsanmateo.org

Definition

Under immediate supervision, learns and performs inspection of public works street, highway, bridge and tract right of way construction projects; performs related duties as required.

Class Characteristics

This entry-level classification in the Construction Inspector series reports to a Senior Civil Engineer through a Construction Coordinator in the Construction Inspection Section of the Public Works Engineering Division. It is characterized by the responsibility to learn and to inspect public works construction projects for compliance with codes and specifications. Incumbents' assignments, objectives and work methods are specified; issues of fact are referred to the supervisor; review of work is ongoing and responsibility for achieving work objectives rests with a supervisor. Incumbents' work will gradually be done on a more independent basis subject to occasional review in progress through questions/problems and consultation with the supervisor and the section head. It is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Construction Inspector by the latter's technical expertise, performance of fully qualified journey level work with a minimum of supervision, and responsibility to provide training and technical expertise to Construction Inspector incumbents.

 

Essential Functions

• Reviews construction plans, specifications, encroachment permits, and other plans affecting assigned projects.
• Participates in meetings to discuss construction details and resolves issues with contractors and other agencies.
• Conducts on-site inspections of construction materials, grade elevations, underground facilities, construction safety precautions, minor concrete structures, street light installations, traffic signal installations, traffic control devices, and erosion and siltation control installations to determine compliance with contract plans and specifications, and with city and other governmental regulations.
• Makes field measurements.
• Ensures conformance with applicable safety standards and regulations.
• Assists in coordinating materials testing.
• Identifies problems.
• Monitors the correction of project deficiencies.
• Identifies and recommends approval of necessary contract and/or plan adjustments to accommodate field conditions.
• Maintains daily diary and field records of material and quantities used.
• Calculates and recommends formal approval of appropriate progress payments to contractors for work completed.
• Investigates citizen complaints related to encroachment and/or grading violations.

Marginal Functions

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of: Surveying and construction staking (grade-setting) practices; standard construction practices including specifications, methods, materials and equipment; mathematics through plane geometry and trigonometry; methods and techniques of materials testing; soil types and characteristics; standard specifications and construction details book (both City and State); construction safety standards; OSHA and CalTrans Traffic Control Devices Manual; traffic safety.

Skill in: Driving an automobile on paved and unpaved surfaces; operating surveying equipment; and preparing field sketches.

Ability to: Evaluate quality of construction and construction materials; determine safety implications of construction techniques; perform mathematical calculations through plane geometry and trigonometry; read blueprints; read public works construction and topography maps and grading plans; determine and verify elevations using hand level and calculator; communicate effectively with individuals from a variety of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds both orally and in writing; resolve inter-personal conflicts; identify problems, evaluate alternatives and arrive at logical decisions; read and interpret complex regulations and technical documents, including plans and specifications; understand and use standard engineering and hand held tools used in Public Works Construction Inspection; learn city encroachment and underground ordinances.

Incumbents must possess the physical and mental capacity to work under the conditions described in this document and to perform the duties required by their assigned position.

Education/Experience

Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary to satisfactory job performance would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and skills would be: Graduation from high school and four years experience in a field related to street/highway construction; 60 semester units of college education in engineering, construction techniques and methodologies or building inspection may be substituted for two years experience in construction.

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