PROJECT MANAGER I, II, SR OR PRINCIPAL

Job Summary: The Project Manager position will be filled as a I, II, Sr. or Principal level and therefore, the duties and responsibilities range from entry level assistance with planning and coordination of capital improvement projects to leading the City’s most complex capital improvement projects, including multi-phase infrastructure initiatives and projects with significant technical, regulatory, and public impact. Based on experience and qualifications of the successful incumbent, the duties will range from small-scale or lower complexity projects up to overseeing all phases of project delivery and ensuring alignment with City goals, applicable regulations, and industry best practices. Full job descriptions for each level available upon request.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Project Manager I: (Salary Range: $68,000 - $92,000)

· Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.

· Supports project lifecycle activities including needs assessment, scope development, contract negotiations and document reviews, consultant selection, cost estimation, design reviews, construction observation, and post-construction closeout.

· Coordinates with internal and external customers and stakeholders in support of assigned projects.

· Assists in reviewing contract drawings and “as-built” documents for completeness and accuracy.

· Participates in discussions with contractors, engineers, inspectors, consultants, and others to resolve project issues.

· Assists in performing construction inspections and routine field testing of construction materials.

· Participates in meetings and communicates project objectives.

· Reviews project reports and documentation.

· Prepares progress payment documents in accordance with contract terms.

· Maintains operational and maintenance records for projects.

· Conducts research, assists with reporting, and supports funding applications to advance capital and maintenance projects.

· Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery.

· Communicates clearly and professionally in written reports and presentations.

Project Manager II: ($80,988 - $98,986)

· Serves as the primary point of contact for assigned projects.

· Manages project lifecycle activities including needs assessment, scope development, contract negotiations and document reviews, consultant selection, cost estimation, design reviews, construction observation, and post-construction closeout.

· Coordinates with internal and external customers and stakeholders to ensure successful project execution.

· Reviews contract drawings, technical specifications, and “as-built” documents for completeness, accuracy, and compliance with applicable codes and standards.

· Leads discussions with contractors, engineers, inspectors, consultants, and others to resolve project issues and ensure adherence to project requirements.

· Performs or oversees construction inspections and field testing of construction materials to verify quality and compliance.

· Facilitates project meetings and communicates objectives, timelines, and expectations to all participants.

· Prepares and reviews project documentation, including reports, schedules, and progress updates.

· Prepares progress payment documents in accordance with contract terms.

· Maintains operational and maintenance records for projects.

· Conducts research, prepares reports, and contributes to funding applications to support capital and maintenance initiatives.

· Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other employees, consultants, contractors, and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery.

· Communicates clearly and professionally in written reports, presentations, and public forums.

Sr. Project Manager: ($84,000 - $108,000)

· Serves as the lead authority and primary point of contact for high-value, multi-phase capital improvement projects.

· Oversees all aspects of project lifecycle management, including feasibility analysis, scope definition, budgeting, consultant and contractor selection, contract negotiation, design coordination, construction oversight, and post-construction evaluation.

· Leads cross-functional teams and collaborates with internal departments, elected officials, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure alignment with municipal goals and public interests.

· Reviews and approves complex contract documents, technical specifications, and design submittals for accuracy, constructability, and compliance with applicable codes, standards, and funding requirements.

· Resolves escalated project challenges through strategic problem-solving and negotiation with contractors, engineers, inspectors, and consultants.

· Oversees field inspections and quality assurance activities, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, environmental regulations, and performance standards.

· Facilitates high-level project meetings and presentations, communicating objectives, risks, and progress to executive leadership and external partners.

· Prepares and reviews advanced project documentation, including financial reports, schedules, change orders, and performance metrics.

· Manages project budgets and funding sources, including grant administration, cost control strategies, and financial forecasting.

· Maintains comprehensive records and ensures proper documentation for audits, compliance reviews, and long-term asset management.

· Conducts research and contributes to policy development, funding strategies, and long-range planning efforts.

· Represents the municipality in public forums, stakeholder meetings, and interagency collaborations, communicating clearly and professionally.

Principal Project Manager: ($95,000 - $129,000)

· Leads all phases of project delivery, including feasibility analysis, scope development, budgeting, consultant and contractor selection, contract negotiation, design coordination, construction oversight, and post-construction evaluation.

· Navigates complex regulatory environments and ensures full compliance with local, state, and federal requirements, funding conditions, and environmental standards.

· Coordinates with internal departments, elected officials, external agencies, and community stakeholders to ensure project alignment with municipal goals and public interests.

· Resolves high-level project challenges through strategic problem-solving, negotiation, and collaboration with contractors, engineers, inspectors, and consultants.

· Oversees construction activities and quality assurance efforts, ensuring adherence to safety protocols, technical specifications, and performance standards.

· Facilitates project meetings and presentations, communicating objectives, risks, and progress to senior leadership and external partners.

· Manages project budgets and funding sources, cost control strategies, and financial forecasting for complex, multi-year projects.

· Reviews and approves advanced project documentation, including schedules, change orders, technical reports, and compliance records.

· Represents the City in high-profile forums, public meetings, and interagency collaborations, communicating clearly and professionally.

Qualifications:

All Levels:

· Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related area required. Must possess a valid South Dakota driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days from date of hire.

Project Manager I:

· Two years of relevant experience preferred.

Project Manager II:

· Two years of relevant experience required.

Sr. Project Manager:

· Four years of progressively responsible experience in project management required. Experience in municipal infrastructure, capital improvement programs, or public sector construction preferred.

· Professional license or certification preferred, such as Professional Engineer or Project Management Professional.

Principal Project Manager:

· Eight years of progressively responsible project management experience required. Experience in municipal infrastructure, capital improvement programs, or public sector construction preferred.

· Professional license or certification preferred, such as Professional Engineer or Project Management Professional.

· Demonstrated knowledge of structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems, as well as applicable building codes and standards.

· Knowledge of Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems preferred, including integration, operation, and coordination with infrastructure projects.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; moving mechanical parts; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; risk of electrical shock; risk of radiation and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet. The employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

Additional Information

Public Works