What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff/ Sr. T&D Construction Manager position at Portland General Electric?
At PGE, our work involves dreaming about, planning for, and realizing a smarter, cleaner, more enduring Oregon neighborhood. Its core to our DNA and we haven’t stopped since we started in 1888. We energize lives, strengthen communities and drive advancements in energy that promote social, economic and environmental progress. We’re always on the lookout for people passionate about leading and being a part of teams that are advancing innovative clean energy solutions that are also affordable and accessible to all.
Summary:
Lead critical T&D (substation and/or line) construction projects that directly impact grid reliability, safety, and wildfire mitigation across Oregon. Portland General Electric (PGE) is seeking a dynamic Construction Manager to oversee complex transmission and distribution construction activities, ensuring projects are delivered safely, with the highest quality, on time, and within budget.
In this role, you will work predominantly on construction projects on our transmission and distribution system throughout the PGE service territory, requiring a strong working knowledge of the PGE system, technical design details, construction standards, and specifications. You will partner closely with our partners in Line and Substation Operations as well as other internal stakeholders, leveraging strong relationships to drive successful project outcomes. Experience with both greenfield and brownfield substation construction and/or complex transmission and distribution OH and UG line construction, along with a solid foundation in construction project management principles, is essential.
As a key member of the Construction Management team, you will lead contracted construction activities across PGE’s T&D organization while also supporting wildfire mitigation initiatives and broader PMO work. You will provide engineering and project-related support, including technical construction management, planning and design input for new or upgraded installations, and coordination across multiple asset classes.
You will also bring expertise in contract management, coordination, and inspection for construction and maintenance projects—ensuring compliance, managing risk, and driving accountability across contractors and project teams.
If you bring strong experience in construction management, contract negotiation, construction law, and safety programs—particularly within complex electric utility environments—we want to hear from you.
This position is open to two P-levels: Staff Transmission & Distribution Construction Manager (Grade 7 / P3 – Career Professional) and Senior Transmission & Distribution Construction Manager (Grade 8 / P4 – Specialist Professional). The level at which an offer is made will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.
Responsibilities – Staff Construction Manager (Grade 7 / P3)
Project Planning
Establishes project implementation plans for moderate to more complex substation, transmission and/or distribution construction and other major capital projects; prepares bid documents; conducts site visits; reviews and evaluates bid proposals; reviews contractor construction plans and safety, crane lifts and shoring plans; negotiates contract terms and makes recommendations for contract awards for the more complex projects; uses proven project management tools and systems.
Environmental Requirements
Coordinates permit/environmental requirements for moderate to more complex projects; provides updates to PGE’s Environmental Services.
Constructability
Integrates construction knowledge into the conceptual planning, design, construction and field operations of a project with the goal to achieve timely, accurate and cost-effective overall project objectives; reviews construction processes for moderate to more complex projects from start to finish during preconstruction phase; identifies obstacles before the project is built to reduce or prevent errors, delays and cost overruns.
Project Coordination
Manages multidiscipline construction activities with T&D management and engineering personnel and consultants for moderate to more complex projects; coordinates work activities with substation and line personnel to minimize risk to transmission and distribution (T&D) system operations; monitors project status to ensure schedule is maintained and completion is timely; tracks budget; assesses project performance; reports progress; identifies potential problems; evaluates effectiveness of project processes; ensures construction activities support system outage windows and operations priorities.
Contract Administration
For moderate to more complex projects, screens potential bidders on contracts, manages contracts as PGE representative, monitors contractors’ work and verifies materials and workmanship to ensure contract deliverables meet contract specifications; ensures compliance with permits; negotiates changes with contractor and prepares change orders; reviews and approves payment of invoices.
Safety Practices and Training
Assures project safety by establishing and maintaining effective communication between engineering and construction participants and by ensuring the use of safe working practices in accordance with company safety culture, safety programs and policies and relevant state and federal laws, regulations and requirements; provides safety training to contractors when necessary.
Claims and Issue Resolution
Identifies and resolves contractor performance issues or problems and contractor claims, including settling disputes with and among contractors and subcontractors.
Responsibilities – Senior Construction Manager (Grade 8 / P4)
Project Planning
Delineates the scope, budgeting, scheduling and resource and performance requirements for the most complex substation, transmission and/or distribution construction and other major capital projects; establishes project implementation plans; oversees preparation of bid documents, conduct of site visits, review and evaluation of bid proposals and review of contractor construction plans and safety, crane lifts and shoring plans; negotiates contract terms and makes recommendations for contract awards for the most complex projects; uses proven project management tools and systems.
Environmental Requirements
Oversees and ensures coordination of permit/environmental requirements for highly environmentally sensitive and the most complex projects; provides updates to PGE’s Environmental Services.
Constructability
Oversees and provides authoritative advice on integrating construction knowledge into the conceptual planning, design, construction and field operations of a project with the goal to achieve timely, accurate and cost-effective overall project objectives; reviews construction processes for the most complex projects from start to finish during preconstruction phase; identifies obstacles before the project is built to reduce or prevent errors, delays and cost overruns.
Project Coordination
Manages multidiscipline construction activities with T&D management and engineering personnel and consultants for the most complex projects; coordinates work activities with substation and line personnel to minimize risk to transmission and distribution (T&D) system operations; monitors project status to ensure schedule is maintained and completion is timely; tracks budget; assesses project performance; reports progress; identifies potential problems; evaluates effectiveness of project processes; ensures construction activities support system outage windows and operations priorities; provides training, oversight and coordination of internal and external inspection resources.
Contract Administration
For the most complex projects, screens potential bidders on contracts, manages contracts as PGE representative, monitors contractors’ work and verifies materials and workmanship to ensure contract deliverables meet contract specifications; ensures compliance with permits; negotiates changes with contractor and prepares change orders; reviews and approves payment of invoices.
Safety Practices and Training
Assures project safety by establishing and maintaining effective communication between engineering and construction participants and by ensuring the use of safe working practices in accordance with company safety culture, safety programs and policies and relevant state and federal laws, regulations and requirements; designs and provides safety training to contractors when necessary.
Claims and Issue Resolution
Develops effective communications and mechanisms for resolving conflicts; identifies and resolves contractor performance issues or problems and contractor claims, including settling disputes with and among contractors and subcontractors.
Education / Experience / Certifications
Education
Requires a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or other related field or equivalent experience.
Experience
Proficiency by level:
T&D design, construction and maintenance practices
Procurement and contract administration
Project controls and estimates
Heavy civil construction materials and processes
Safety laws, regulations and company safety programs
Construction project management tools and systems
General Competencies
Proficiency by level:
Conflict management
Decision-making
Diplomacy
Negotiation
Organization and prioritization
Problem-solving
Project management
Communication skills
Physical, Schedule/Attendance, and Cognitive Demands
The following requirements apply to both P-levels of this position.
Physical Capabilities
Office
Plant
Field
Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.
Summary:
Lead critical T&D (substation and/or line) construction projects that directly impact grid reliability, safety, and wildfire mitigation across Oregon. Portland General Electric (PGE) is seeking a dynamic Construction Manager to oversee complex transmission and distribution construction activities, ensuring projects are delivered safely, with the highest quality, on time, and within budget.
In this role, you will work predominantly on construction projects on our transmission and distribution system throughout the PGE service territory, requiring a strong working knowledge of the PGE system, technical design details, construction standards, and specifications. You will partner closely with our partners in Line and Substation Operations as well as other internal stakeholders, leveraging strong relationships to drive successful project outcomes. Experience with both greenfield and brownfield substation construction and/or complex transmission and distribution OH and UG line construction, along with a solid foundation in construction project management principles, is essential.
As a key member of the Construction Management team, you will lead contracted construction activities across PGE’s T&D organization while also supporting wildfire mitigation initiatives and broader PMO work. You will provide engineering and project-related support, including technical construction management, planning and design input for new or upgraded installations, and coordination across multiple asset classes.
You will also bring expertise in contract management, coordination, and inspection for construction and maintenance projects—ensuring compliance, managing risk, and driving accountability across contractors and project teams.
If you bring strong experience in construction management, contract negotiation, construction law, and safety programs—particularly within complex electric utility environments—we want to hear from you.
This position is open to two P-levels: Staff Transmission & Distribution Construction Manager (Grade 7 / P3 – Career Professional) and Senior Transmission & Distribution Construction Manager (Grade 8 / P4 – Specialist Professional). The level at which an offer is made will be determined based on the selected candidate’s qualifications, skills, and experience.
Responsibilities – Staff Construction Manager (Grade 7 / P3)
Project Planning
Establishes project implementation plans for moderate to more complex substation, transmission and/or distribution construction and other major capital projects; prepares bid documents; conducts site visits; reviews and evaluates bid proposals; reviews contractor construction plans and safety, crane lifts and shoring plans; negotiates contract terms and makes recommendations for contract awards for the more complex projects; uses proven project management tools and systems.
Environmental Requirements
Coordinates permit/environmental requirements for moderate to more complex projects; provides updates to PGE’s Environmental Services.
Constructability
Integrates construction knowledge into the conceptual planning, design, construction and field operations of a project with the goal to achieve timely, accurate and cost-effective overall project objectives; reviews construction processes for moderate to more complex projects from start to finish during preconstruction phase; identifies obstacles before the project is built to reduce or prevent errors, delays and cost overruns.
Project Coordination
Manages multidiscipline construction activities with T&D management and engineering personnel and consultants for moderate to more complex projects; coordinates work activities with substation and line personnel to minimize risk to transmission and distribution (T&D) system operations; monitors project status to ensure schedule is maintained and completion is timely; tracks budget; assesses project performance; reports progress; identifies potential problems; evaluates effectiveness of project processes; ensures construction activities support system outage windows and operations priorities.
Contract Administration
For moderate to more complex projects, screens potential bidders on contracts, manages contracts as PGE representative, monitors contractors’ work and verifies materials and workmanship to ensure contract deliverables meet contract specifications; ensures compliance with permits; negotiates changes with contractor and prepares change orders; reviews and approves payment of invoices.
Safety Practices and Training
Assures project safety by establishing and maintaining effective communication between engineering and construction participants and by ensuring the use of safe working practices in accordance with company safety culture, safety programs and policies and relevant state and federal laws, regulations and requirements; provides safety training to contractors when necessary.
Claims and Issue Resolution
Identifies and resolves contractor performance issues or problems and contractor claims, including settling disputes with and among contractors and subcontractors.
Responsibilities – Senior Construction Manager (Grade 8 / P4)
Project Planning
Delineates the scope, budgeting, scheduling and resource and performance requirements for the most complex substation, transmission and/or distribution construction and other major capital projects; establishes project implementation plans; oversees preparation of bid documents, conduct of site visits, review and evaluation of bid proposals and review of contractor construction plans and safety, crane lifts and shoring plans; negotiates contract terms and makes recommendations for contract awards for the most complex projects; uses proven project management tools and systems.
Environmental Requirements
Oversees and ensures coordination of permit/environmental requirements for highly environmentally sensitive and the most complex projects; provides updates to PGE’s Environmental Services.
Constructability
Oversees and provides authoritative advice on integrating construction knowledge into the conceptual planning, design, construction and field operations of a project with the goal to achieve timely, accurate and cost-effective overall project objectives; reviews construction processes for the most complex projects from start to finish during preconstruction phase; identifies obstacles before the project is built to reduce or prevent errors, delays and cost overruns.
Project Coordination
Manages multidiscipline construction activities with T&D management and engineering personnel and consultants for the most complex projects; coordinates work activities with substation and line personnel to minimize risk to transmission and distribution (T&D) system operations; monitors project status to ensure schedule is maintained and completion is timely; tracks budget; assesses project performance; reports progress; identifies potential problems; evaluates effectiveness of project processes; ensures construction activities support system outage windows and operations priorities; provides training, oversight and coordination of internal and external inspection resources.
Contract Administration
For the most complex projects, screens potential bidders on contracts, manages contracts as PGE representative, monitors contractors’ work and verifies materials and workmanship to ensure contract deliverables meet contract specifications; ensures compliance with permits; negotiates changes with contractor and prepares change orders; reviews and approves payment of invoices.
Safety Practices and Training
Assures project safety by establishing and maintaining effective communication between engineering and construction participants and by ensuring the use of safe working practices in accordance with company safety culture, safety programs and policies and relevant state and federal laws, regulations and requirements; designs and provides safety training to contractors when necessary.
Claims and Issue Resolution
Develops effective communications and mechanisms for resolving conflicts; identifies and resolves contractor performance issues or problems and contractor claims, including settling disputes with and among contractors and subcontractors.
Education / Experience / Certifications
Education
Requires a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering or other related field or equivalent experience.
Experience
- P3: Typically five or more years of experience in construction management, project management, engineering or related field
- P4: Typically eight or more years of experience in construction management, project management, engineering or related field
- Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferred
- Requires valid drivers license
Proficiency by level:
- P3: Intermediate
- P4: Advanced
T&D design, construction and maintenance practices
Procurement and contract administration
Project controls and estimates
Heavy civil construction materials and processes
Safety laws, regulations and company safety programs
Construction project management tools and systems
General Competencies
Proficiency by level:
- P3: Intermediate
- P4: Advanced
Conflict management
Decision-making
Diplomacy
Negotiation
Organization and prioritization
Problem-solving
Project management
Communication skills
Physical, Schedule/Attendance, and Cognitive Demands
The following requirements apply to both P-levels of this position.
Physical Capabilities
- Driving/travel/commute: Daily within service territory - Frequently (at least once a week or more)
- Driving/travel/commute: Overnight inside/outside the service territory - Occasionally (one to two times a month or less)
- Computer use (use computer regularly for entire work shift)
- Lifting/pushing/pulling: Up to 50 lbs.
- Carrying: Up to 10 lbs.
- Unstable surfaces requiring balance (i.e., moving equipment, boats) (check all that apply):
- Elevated areas (i.e., catwalks, roofs and high buildings)
- Confined spaces
- Walking distances and surfaces (long distances and over rough, uneven or rocky surfaces)
- Stairs (over 10 steps)
- Ladders (over 10 rungs)
Office
Plant
Field
Actual total compensation, including a performance based incentive bonus, is commensurate with experience, skills, qualifications, education, training, and internal equity.
PGE believes in rewarding dedicated performance. We provide a total rewards package that is designed to reward your contributions to the company, and, at the same time, support your well-being and professional development, both now and into the future. To find out more, click here.