Fire Facility Project Specialist

THE POSITION

Under general supervision, this position is responsible for project management of both in-house and outsourced projects under $200,000. This includes running all aspects of a project from concept through design and permitting until completion of construction.

• Conceptual project responsibilities include working with Fire personnel to define a scope of work, preparing cost and timeline estimations, preparing project exhibits and requests for proposals (RFP). 
• Project design and permitting responsibilities include assisting Fire administration staff for architect/engineer contract establishment, oversight of work and invoicing, ensuring deadlines are adhered to, and working with County and City agencies for planning and construction submittals and approvals. In addition, working with Fire purchasing staff to solicit quotes for equipment and establishing purchase orders. 
• Construction responsibilities include the public bidding process, contractor selection, oversight of on-site activities, contractor and sub-contractor communication, reviewing and approving, in coordination with project architects/engineer, requests for information (RFIs), material submittals, contract change orders, and schedules, completing as-needed general site inspections, approving pay estimates, documenting progress and keeping department heads apprised of changes.

Responsible for managing several projects at once, of varying complexity, differing themes/trades, multiple or single contractors, various levels of project completion, at multiple VCFD locations throughout the County. Examples of such projects are: adding a new detached fitness building to a station, completing a bathroom remodel at a different station, landscaping a fire station site with drought tolerant plantings, adding perimeter privacy fencing to an existing support facility, erecting a communications tower, replacement of aging HVAC equipment at a station, a fire station roof replacement or upsizing a station generator.

The Project Specialist would also assist the Fire Facilities Manager with aspects of multi-million-dollar projects like design and construction of new fire stations or training facilities. The position is roughly estimated at 50:50 ratio of office-to-field work.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong project team communication and coordination skills, working knowledge of contract management software and documentation, and proven ability to manage multiple contracts simultaneously. They will possess a solid technical foundation, experience in institutional, commercial, and/or industrial construction environments, and experience navigating the County permitting process for construction and development projects.

DESIRED

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or a related field.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer.
• Five (5) years of construction contract management experience (institutional, commercial, or industrial.
• Experience managing projects with construction values up to $200,000.
• Experience overseeing multiple contracts concurrently.

PAYROLL TITLE: Facility Project Specialist

Facility Project Specialist is represented by the Ventura Employees Association (VEA) and is not eligible for overtime compensation.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE

Opening Date: Thursday, June 18, 2026

Closing Date: Friday, July 10, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

Application Review: Tentatively scheduled for the week of July 13th

Duties may include but are not limited to the following:

• Plan, organize, coordinate and administer facilities design and complex construction engineering projects with various entities;
• Secure necessary permits which may include conditional use permits, environmental impact statements, and building permits;
• Communicate with customers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and presentations at Board meetings and/or Commission hearings;
• Obtain and evaluate proposal from contractors and other vendors on construction projects;
• Use Fire standards for job contracting procedures including appropriate software to document activities and progress;
• Ensure vendor/contractor compliance with all safety and code regulations;
• Provide other customer service and coordination as required;
• Arrange for contractors' access and on-site coordination to minimize disruptive impact while working at County/Fire facilities;
• Performs other related duties as required.
  

These are entrance requirements to the examination process and assure neither continuance in the process nor placement on an eligible list.

EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE

Considerable experience performing construction project management which has led to the acquisition of the required knowledge, skills and abilities. The required knowledge, skills and abilities can also be obtained by completion of a Bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field and two (2) years project management experience of construction projects with construction values over $25,000.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• The position is required to participate in after hours on-call services on a rotating basis with other staff dedicated to fire facilities and will be compensated accordingly at union negotiated rates.
• Must possess and maintain a current valid California driver's license.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES

Thorough to comprehensive knowledge of current principles of construction engineering and their application to engineering problems. Comprehensive knowledge of one of the engineering disciplines, mechanical, electrical, civil, structural, etc. or architectural; modern methods, materials and equipment used in the construction of buildings, building remodels, sewer systems, air-conditioning systems, asphalt, concrete, fire/life/safety systems, climate control systems, security systems, and computer system application. Working knowledge of common office environment software sufficient to produce required reports and other materials.

Skilled in common office software sufficient to produce required reports, exhibits and other materials.

Ability to prepare engineering studies, recommend solutions, prepare reports and make recommendations for the planning of work; write technical reports; manage and coordinate work of outside consultants and contractors; inspect plans and methods of construction; estimate cost of construction projects; use good engineering judgment in development, evaluation, selection, and implementation of both agency and contract resources to get the work done; practice effective customer service; manage a large workload while remaining flexible in response to project changes and deadlines; resolve conflicts and problems in a creative and positive way; communicate effectively both verbally and in writing; develop and maintain productive, professional and respectful relationships with employees, management, and outside consultants and vendors; read, interpret and direct activities based on construction drawings and specifications.

FINAL FILING DATE:  Your application must be received by County of Ventura Human Resources no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026.

To apply online, please refer to our website at http://www.venturacounty.gov/jobs. If you prefer to fill out a paper application form, please call (805) 654-5129 for application materials and submit them to County of Ventura Human Resources, 800 South Victoria Avenue, L-1970, Ventura, CA 93009.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

The County of Ventura is an equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religious creed, sex (includes pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and related medical conditions), and sexual orientation.

For further information about this recruitment, please contact Jeff Weaver by e-mail at Jeff.Weaver@venturacounty.gov.