Project Manager I

Distinguishing Characteristics:  

The Project Manager I role primarily manages all phases of moderately complex civil/construction projects at the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA), including Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN). Operating within the Project Management Office (PMO), the position adheres to established project management standards, processes, and governance. Under minimal supervision and administrative direction, the Project Manager I responsibilities include preparing, reviewing, and approving designs, plans, specifications, and contract documents; coordinating consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders; resolving construction contract disputes; and rendering final inspection and approval of completed work. This role also ensures compliance with federal and state agency regulations and supports emergency response readiness using Incident Command System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols. 

Essential Functions:   

The following functions and all other functions not included in this job description are to be performed in the best interests and for the greater good of TAA.  

• Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals. 

• Serve as project manager for assigned civil/construction projects to deliver design goals, schedules, budgets, plans, and specifications in a timely and cost effective manner. 

• Align to PMO governance and framework; manage project schedules, risks/issues, and documentation within PMO systems. 

• Track budgets and expenditures; assist with scope negotiations and change order documentation for contractors and consultants. 

• Coordinate with contractors, specialty design consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure quality standards and design changes are implemented and documented. 

• Support design and constructability reviews; assist with inspections, punch lists, and acceptance activities. 

• Maintain current, accurate records for all assigned projects; prepare routine reports and respond to inquiries from TAA team members and tenants. 

• Collaborate with architects, consultants, maintenance staff, IT, and other technical teams throughout project lifecycle. 

• Ensure compliance with TAA property use rules, air traffic and safety regulations, and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) grant requirements. 

• Coordinate with FAA, ADOT, City of Tucson, or Pima County staff as needed for successful project implementation. 

• Support public safety and operational response during emergencies; maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all communications. 

• Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize ICS/ NIMS protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after action emergency de briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders. 

The above listed functions are not necessarily all the essential functions.  Job duties and functions may be expanded or reduced by management based on future changing needs and job requirements.

Position Requirements:   

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four year college/university with major coursework in Engineering, Construction Management, or Architecture, or equivalent experience. 

• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is strongly preferred. 

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience managing design and construction projects. 

• Experience and background with design and construction of civil (airfield and landside) infrastructure projects is preferred. 

• TAA will consider any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to demonstrate aptitude for the position. 

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

Knowledge of: 

• Fundamental project management principles and life cycle phases. 

• Basic scope, schedule, cost, risk, and change management concepts. 

• Standard project documentation, reporting, and record keeping practices. 

• Organizational policies and procedures applicable to assigned projects. 

Skilled in: 

• Planning, coordinating, and tracking project tasks, deliverables, and milestones. 

• Maintaining project schedules, documentation, and status updates. 

• Communicating effectively with team members, vendors, stakeholders, and leadership. 

• Organizing work, managing time effectively, and following established processes. 

• Working collaboratively in a fast paced, deadline driven environment. 

Ability to: 

Environmental Requirements 

• Work primarily in a temperature-controlled administrative office setting with periodic fieldwork throughout airport facilities. 

• At times, work in high noise environments and extreme weather conditions. 

• Be available to work extended or nontraditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on call coverage as required for operational or emergency needs. 

Mental Requirements 

• Perform work with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound judgment in fast paced, high stress environments with competing deadlines and multiple priorities. 

• Exercise independent judgment and initiative with minimal supervision; take timely action on work issues requiring immediate resolution and escalate matters appropriately when necessary. 

• Remain focused, composed, and decisive under stressful or emergency conditions. 

• Prioritize responsibilities to balance short term demands with long term organizational objectives. 

• Prepare and deliver clear written reports, briefings, presentations, and recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders. 

Physical Requirements 

• Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, using telephone, radio, cellular, and other communication devices, including in high noise environments. 

• Read, write, and speak the English language fluently and professionally. 

• Distinguish colors under all lighting conditions, including red, green, and yellow airfield markings, lighting, signage, and emergency signal systems. 

• Meet sensory and physical requirements necessary to safely perform job duties in an active airport environment. 

General 

• Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with internal staff, tenants, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies. 

• Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, ensuring information is shared strictly on a “need to know” basis. 

• Engage in cross training, self-improvement, and continuous learning, including on the job development and formal education or certification as applicable. 

• Seek feedback from leadership and peers to improve performance and professional effectiveness. 

Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements 

• Possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License. 

• Meet and maintain authorization to operate airport vehicles within designated Air Operations Areas (AOA). 

• Obtain and maintain Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) access. 

• Complete required NIMS/ICS training (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800) within specified timeframes. 

• Obtain and maintain any additional professional or project management certifications as required by policy or position. 

• Will serve at the pleasure of the President/CEO and is not covered under the TAA appeals process. 

• As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response, and must respond to airport incidents, as requested/required. 

Salary : $71,195 - $108,394