POSITION SUMMARY

The Special Projects Manager will provide daily oversight and project management functions related to special projects within TRA’s Southern Region. Immediate special projects may include but are not limited to TRA’s Lake Livingston Regional Public Golf Course, Wolf Creek Park Expansion, potentially reactivating the Port of Liberty, and other special projects. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 1. Develop, implement, and monitor projects to achieve the Authority's mission, strategic plan, and Board priorities. Conduct special studies, analyze complex information, and develop recommendations to implement initiatives.

2. Seeks and evaluates information from various sources, develops specialized reports, and assists with identifying, applying, and managing grants for special projects.

3. Prioritize, coordinate, and delegate activities based on TRA's policies and represent the Southern Region at Board meetings, public meetings, and regulatory agencies for special projects.

4. Evaluate vendor and professional services invoices, monitor expenditures, and recommend appropriate actions for compliance with policies. Prepare Request for Proposal agreements and assist with budget development.

5. Manage consultants and staff to ensure project deliverables are on time and within budget. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders including customers, government agencies, and public officials. Coordinate with TRA management and assist with special project commissioning and warranty activities in the Southern Region.

6. Manage special projects in the Southern Region, including project control systems, coordination, contract closeout, and construction/inspection oversight. Plan, schedule and attend all necessary meetings and coordinate third-party participation.

 7. Review documents and reports to ensure compliance with operational needs, budget requirements, and TRA policy. Identify potential issues and limit change orders. Perform design phase reviews and stay up-to-date on engineering developments and permits.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

This position does not regularly provide personnel management to any staff employees.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Development of project budgets, review and recommend professional service invoices and contractor pay applications of payment, recommend authorization of funds within professional services agreements as well as interlocal agreements with various agencies. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. Bachelor’s degree in engineering with civil, environmental, or other technical fields preferred. 

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of two years of project management and/or construction management related to water/wastewater or public works projects.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Texas Driver’s License. Licensure as a professional engineer or ability to acquire license preferred. Will consider Engineer-In-Training and/or PMP certification. 

KNOWLEDGE

(Information or facts that an employee must know to be able to perform the work)

Must generally be knowledgeable with civil/environmental engineering and construction principles as well as a general understanding of the water industry including raw and finished water, and hydraulics. Proficiency in standard office software products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) and must possess the ability to learn other engineering and project management software as needed. 

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

(developed capability to use or apply knowledge effectively or dexterity/coordination in the performance of physical tasks)

Effective communications, administrative, and management skills for multiple, concurrent projects combined with public relations ability. Oral and written communication and collaboration skills. 

GUIDANCE RECEIVED

Receives periodic supervision and uses guidelines/range of procedures.

Follows periodic direct instructions and guidelines, and uses policies and procedures that require some interpretation. Problems that cannot be addressed through an existing guideline, policy, or procedure are referred to a supervisor or a more senior position. Incumbents must exercise judgment about whether to escalate issues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position requires moderate physical exertion with lifting requirements of 10 pounds daily and occasional lifting from 10-50 pounds. Physical mobility is required to conduct site visits.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Duties are generally carried out in an office environment with periodic fieldwork required. This may include abnormal hours and stress in resolving problems, administering professional services and contractor contracts, and attending meetings. 

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

 Office equipment including personal computers, printers, calculators, copiers, and Authority vehicles.