Construction Project Manager

Position Overview

The Utilities Project Manager is responsible for the planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout of campus utility infrastructure projects, including but not limited to solar generation systems, electrical substations, and sewer lift stations.

The position reports to the University’s Representative across multiple concurrent projects, ensuring alignment with University of California policies, campus standards, and regulatory requirements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in capital project delivery, with utility or infrastructure experience
• Demonstrated experience managing design and construction phases
• Knowledge of:
• Utility infrastructure systems (electrical, wastewater, energy systems)
• Construction contracting and procurement processes
• Regulatory permitting processes

Key Responsibilities

1. Project Leadership & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end project delivery across all lifecycle phases: planning, design, procurement, construction, and closeout.
• Coordinate project delivery teams, including consultants, contractors, campus stakeholders, and regulatory agencies.
• Develop and maintain project execution strategies, schedules, budgets, and risk registers.
• Provide regular project status reporting to leadership and governance structures.

2. Design Review Process

• Manage the design process from concept through construction documents.
• Lead design reviews with campus stakeholders and technical groups.
• Ensure designs are compliant with:
• UC Facilities Manual
• Campus design standards
• Applicable codes and utility requirements
• Coordinate integration of utility systems with existing campus infrastructure.

3. Permitting & Regulatory Coordination

• Serve as primary liaison with Fire and Building Services (FABS) and other Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs).
• Lead permitting strategies and submission processes.
• Coordinate design responses to plan check comments and backchecks.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and operational requirements.

4. Procurement & Contracting

• Partner with Contract Administration to:
• Develop bid packages
• Support solicitation and evaluation processes
• Manage procurement schedules
• Support delivery under various contracting methods (e.g., design-bid-build, design-build).

5. Construction Oversight

• Support construction administration activities, recommending action to the University Representative for appropriate approvals.
• Monitor contractor performance, schedule adherence, and cost management.
• Coordinate construction activities impacting campus operations, including utility shutdowns and tie-ins.
• Ensure minimal disruption to campus systems and compliance with utility shutdown requirements.

6. Stakeholder Coordination & Communication

• Facilitate communication between project stakeholders, including:
• Campus leadership
• Facilities Management, Environmental Health & Safety, and other campus partners
• Utility providers
• External consultants and contractors
• Lead regular project meetings and ensure alignment across stakeholders.

7. Risk, Quality & Compliance Management

• Identify project risks and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) processes are followed.
• Maintain compliance with:
• UC policies
• State and local codes
• Environmental and safety requirements
• Support development and execution of project management plans, including risk and quality management plans

8. Project Controls & Documentation

• Maintain project documentation, primarily utilizing ProjectSight:
• Contracts
• Design documents
• RFIs, submittals, and change orders
• Track project performance using established project controls systems.
• Ensure accurate records for audit, reporting, and closeout.

Typical Project Types

• Utility-scale or campus-distributed solar PV systems
• Electrical infrastructure (substations, feeders, switchgear)
• Wastewater infrastructure (sewer lift stations, force mains)
• Campus utility extensions and system upgrades

Work Environment

• 4 Days a Week on Site Minimum.
• Combination of office-based work and active construction site engagement
• Requires site visits, field coordination, and participation in construction meetings