Utility Project Manager

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation. It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position. For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month. Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

MINIMUM CLASS REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field, plus 4 years progressively responsible work experience in design, project management or construction management of capital improvement projects, including a minimum of 1 year supervisory level experience. Project Management Professional Certification is preferred.

LICENSES, REGISTRATION AND CERTIFICATE: Must possess and maintain a valid Washington State Driver’s License.

Job Summary

Under the general direction of the Wastewater Division Manager, coordinates activities with the Wastewater Utility Engineers; identifies, initiates, plans, manages, leads, and executes a variety of Wastewater Department projects; leading multiple capital improvement projects through all phases, from project conception through completion, according to project time lines and budgets; when not managing projects, may represent the City’s interest in dealing with consultants, contractors, other agencies, and the public; prepares reports; develops and monitors budgets; drives City vehicles; conducts on-site inspections; prepares cost analyses, rate studies, and State and Federal grant/loan applications.

Essential Functions

Construction Project Planning, Analysis, Design, and Management: Coordinates and directs staff “design concept teams” which explore treatment facility and collection system needs, reviews consultant documents, and mitigates facility operational impacts during construction.

Plans, schedules, and assigns work to professional and para-professional staff engaged in designing, inspecting, and surveying for construction projects and other engineering work. Reviews work of subordinates for adequacy and accuracy.

Coordinates and directs the consultant selection process, negotiates with and monitors consultants, contractors, and equipment purchase contracts, performance, and payments.

Responsible for compliance and coordination with various Federal, State and local agencies involved in the funding and permitting process.

Manages wastewater/stormwater collection and treatment rehabilitation, improvements, and expansion projects; coordinates preparation of applications for grant or loan funding; supervision and participation in environmental impact analyses; supervises construction project bids, contracts, designs, specifications, and consulting engineers; develops and controls project schedules and budgets; assists in preparing advanced three to five year planning programs including capital needs and funding sources.

Construction Management: Manages projects by coordinating activities with the Utility Engineers; acts as City’s representative on construction projects for the wastewater facility; reviews contractor documentation; prepares contractor agreements; represents City in meetings and negotiations with contractor and consultant during projects; monitors project progress and costs; reviews change orders and monthly pay requests; makes payment recommendations; monitors project budget; oversees project inspections. Plans, researches, and presents reports on project status. Prepares and presents project budget and progress reports.

Other Related Duties: Assists treatment facility and collection system maintenance staff with collection and organization of equipment data and work records, identifying problem areas and scheduling rehabilitative work. Assists with operations, maintenance, collections, and stormwater projects which are beyond staff’s work routine. Assists in the preparation of annual operating and capital improvement budgets; participates in the preparation of ordinances, resolutions, and other legal documents; prepares reports and graphics and assists in presentations at public hearings and City Council reviews; provides City interdepartmental engineering support as required; provides liaison to other public agencies, engineering consultants, public utilities and developers on major public improvement projects. Provides work direction and general office administration for all assigned subordinates; provides input to performance of staff assigned to projects; schedules employee leave; evaluates and disciplines employees, reviews timecards, processes accident reports, and participates in safety and training programs. Coordinates logistical requirements for projects, such as vehicles, office equipment, and construction inspection equipment.

Acts safely and responsibly when driving and/or operating vehicles to perform required duties. Work is performed in a variety of locations, including but not limited to, the wastewater treatment plant, lift stations, and construction/project sites, in a timely and efficient manner. Legally adheres to all traffic laws and regulations.

Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Major Worker Characteristics

Must have thorough knowledge of: wastewater civil engineering principles and practices; state and federal rules and laws regarding funding and management of local projects; public works design, construction and surveying materials and techniques; developments and computer applications in the utility field; supervision, organization and management principles.

Knowledge of: City/Federal/State policies, procedures, ordinances, rules and regulations including but not limited to knowledge of federal, state and local traffic laws, rules and regulations, with ability to drive safely and efficiently.

Ability to: manage wastewater improvement projects; prepare and administer budgets; assign and supervise the work of professional and para-professional staff; communicate and coordinate effectively with engineers; express ideas effectively orally and in writing; do research and prepare clear and concise technical reports; work effectively with property owners, contractors, public agencies, consultants, staff, and the general public.

Must be able to drive legally with precision, speed and safety. Ability to consistently work safely and in compliance with the federal, state and local regulations, laws, policies and standards; to recognize traffic hazards and other potential safety concerns; and to make sound decisions and actions while performing duties and/or operating vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Work is occasionally performed in an office environment while sitting at a desk or computer terminal for periods of time or while standing for a period of time. Constant use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/ keyboarding and other fine motor skill manipulation while driving, performing duties and operating on computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining balance. Occasional bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck. Occasional stooping/bending/ kneeling/crawling while performing duties. Constant use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. Work requires frequent driving/traveling to a variety of locations for work and to attend meetings. May work outside in all weather extremes and be exposed to insects, water, raw sewage, dirt, dust, construction debris, electrical hazards, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil, traffic and rough and uneven terrain. May work at heights, in confined spaces or awkward positions, remote locations or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS: May be exposed to raw sewage, toxic or unpleasant gasses, heights, chemicals, and unsanitary or slippery conditions. Work requires frequent driving to a variety of locations

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

To reflect our commitment to attract and retain the highest quality employees, the City of Yakima offers a competitive benefits package including but not limited to:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• FREE healthcare clinic!
• Life Insurance
• WA State Pension membership
• 457 Deferred compensation (employer contribution dependent upon union group)
• Generous vacation and sick leave accruals
• Additional supplemental benefit options.