Utilities Project Manager

The Utilities Project Manager plays a vital role in shaping the future of the Town of Erie’s infrastructure by overseeing a diverse range of Utility related projects that enhance and support our growing community. Working under well-established guidelines and developing the expertise to independently manage responsibilities, this position provides an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Under the general supervision of the Director of Utilities, the Project Manager will take the lead in coordinating and managing a variety of projects, from smaller-scale initiatives to large and complex capital improvement projects that improve the Town’s utilities systems. In this role, the Project Manager will not only ensure successful project execution but also provide high-level administrative support to department leadership, contributing to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Utilities Department.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, collaborative professional with a passion for infrastructure development, project coordination, and municipal operations, offering the chance to work in a dynamic and rewarding environment. All staff are expected to adhere to the Town’s mission, vision and values of TRUE.

Pay Ranges:

Work Location:  Town Hall - 645 Holbrook Street, Erie CO 80516

• This position is eligible to work remotely two days a week and required to work in-office three days.
• This position may be assigned to work at other facilities within the Town as needed.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential

• Perform project management work by initiating, managing, coordinating and directing projects, programs, and capital projects for the Town and Facilities department. Oversee the preparation of RFPs, RFQs, CIPs and other pre-bid materials, project construction documents, construction specifications, cost estimates, bid documents, bid invitations, contract selection procedures, and contract award.

• Consult with management in order to develop project plans and goals, scope of work, schedules, and project work plans including time frames, funding limitations, contract costs, risk factors, and allocation of available resources.
• Work independently with contractors and consultants, manage projects, identify project participants, maintain project documents, establish agendas, set timelines, monitor and report on the progress of assigned projects ensuring project is on-time, on-target, and on-budget. Manage the selection of consultants and contractors for projects. Review submitted information for completeness and adherence to bid specifications.
• Coordinate internal and external project reviews with Town departments, outside agencies, affected community and business organizations, and/or other stakeholders.
• This position works closely with a variety of regulatory agencies, a working knowledge of the regulations of State and Federal agencies such as Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is necessary.
• Coordinate/lead land and easement acquisition efforts.
• Coordinate field construction issues to include change orders, requests for information, architect's special instructions, and other modifications to the plans and specifications.
• Act as point person or technical lead at certain facilities and/or projects as needed.
• Spend approximately 30% of work time in the field, conducting site visits, monitoring project progress, coordinating with contractors, and ensuring compliance with project specifications and safety standards.
• Take on special project assignments as needed.

Administrative and Customer Service

• Promptly and positively respond to customer inquiries and concerns, and provide current status of updates throughout project to completion.

• Manage all financial activities associated with projects and capital projects and communicate closely with Department Director and Managers. Include overall cost and expense management, project cost accounting and internal cost allocations.
• Perform high level administrative duties on behalf of the Department Manager. Handle difficult and/or technical correspondence including contracts and legal documents; maintain accurate records, reports, financial reports, and statistical reports. May require coordination to post project information and various updates to the Town or Department websites.
• Establish and maintain traditional and electronic record keeping systems and comply with all record retention policies of the Town.

Safety

• Performs a variety of duties that requires considerable knowledge and education of the use and wear of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures and ensures staff are trained in and follow all safety protocols.

CORE COMPETENCIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Effectively communicates by actively listening and sharing relevant information with co- workers, supervisor(s), contractors, consultants, engineers, internal and external customers.

• Interacts effectively with others to establish and maintain smooth working relations.
• Works effectively with internal and external customers to satisfy service and product expectations.
• Work behaviors demonstrate responsible, positive, and professional conduct, and contribute to the overall goals and objectives of the Town and the department.
• Is skilled in job-specific knowledge which is necessary to provide the appropriate quantity and quality of work in a timely and efficient manner.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED) required.
• An Associate’s degree in business management, engineering sciences, construction management or a related field.

A combination of education and experience may be considered.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in Project Management
• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
• Experience with complex small- and large-scale projects including a combination of water and sewer utility projects, electrical, mechanical and plumbing.
• Experience managing projects with Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, 480+ Volt power and instrumentation.
• Experience in conducting inspections and utilizing various inspection methods.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and achieve Town goals.
• Demonstrated ability and initiative to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Experience collaborating and partnering with internal and external partners.
• Coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, or related field is preferred.

CERTIFICATES/LICENSES/REGISTRATIONS

• Valid Driver’s License and satisfactory driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Knowledge of: procedures, policies, rules and regulations governing administrative functions, and current office procedures and practices. Working knowledge of facility management, building codes, health and safety regulations, construction methods and techniques and project management. Computer literacy, especially in word processing, project management and database/spreadsheet programs.

Skills in: how to follow written and verbal instructions and communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other agencies and members of the public. Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle confidential issues with tact and discretion. Ability to prepare and maintain reports and records, other business correspondence and procedure manuals. Ability to prioritize multiple projects. Ability to exercise initiative and to make sound independent judgments. Ability to read electronic and paper plans and translate business objectives and needs to problem-solving deliverables. Ability to negotiate with vendors. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public. Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume. Ability to apply concepts of basic algebra and geometry. Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables. Ability to work safely in all environments including adverse weather conditions and hazardous environments and support the culture of workplace safety at all times. Skill to replace receptacles and switches, light fixtures, electrical panel and perform preventive maintenance services on equipment and panels. Skill with: automatic generators, lighting control, relays and automation, etc. Skill in effective time management.

Environmental Factors:

This position requires work both indoors and outdoors, split roughly 50/50. Outdoor work is conducted on active construction sites and within industrial facilities, exposing the incumbent to varying weather conditions, uneven terrain, potential traffic hazards, and occasional exposure to chemicals, fumes, dust, and gasses. Additionally, the role necessitates occasional entry into confined spaces for short durations and regular local travel, with out-of-town travel for training and meetings one to two times per month.

Physical Factors:                                                                                                                                          

This position will spend significant portions of the day sitting and standing, with approximately two hours of walking required per day. The role involves repetitive motion tasks, such as typing and using office equipment, for up to four or more hours daily. Climbing ladders and stairs at facilities and within storage tanks is required, and the position involves working at heights up to 50 feet on roofs and storage tanks. Grasping and lifting objects, including field equipment up to 40 pounds is necessary, as is occasional bending, kneeling, and stooping. This role requires the ability to hear various sounds, including those from moving vehicles and heavy equipment, and to possess visual acuity for both close-up and distance vision, as well as depth perception.

Town of Erie Benefits: 

The Town of Erie offers a comprehensive benefit package and pays a major portion of the employee premium to make these benefits more affordable for you. Coverage of these benefits begin the 1st of the month following date of hire for benefited employees regularly working an average of 30 hours per week. Each year you will have the option of changing your elections through open enrollment. To learn more, review the benefits webpage. 

Designated full time employees are eligible for the following benefits: 

• Robust Medical, Dental and Vision plans including spouse, domestic partner and family coverage options 
• Supplemental Accident, Critical Illness and Hospital Plans  
• Voluntary Life/AD&D 
• Employer paid Basic Life/AD&D 
• Employer paid Short and Long Term Disability 
• Diagnosis and infertility treatment options via Cigna plans 
• Employer paid Employee Assistance Program 
• Robust extended sick leave and family sick leave program 
• Up to 48 hours of Colorado Sick Leave - 1 hour earned for every 30 hours worked in a pay period 
• 3.5 Weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year (increases with years of service) 
• 40 hours of pre-loaded Paid Time Off (PTO) to each new employee upon hire 
• Fifteen (15) Paid Holidays 
• Twenty-Four (24) Hours of Paid Volunteer Leave 
• Up to 12 weeks of paid Parental Leave for bonding with a new child 
• Option to sell back PTO after two years of continuous employment 
• 457 Retirement Plan, with a 5% employer match and immediate 100% vesting in your deferral contributions AND employer contributions 
• Education reimbursement up to $2,000 per year 
• Individual free membership to the Erie Community Center and steep discounts on couple or family memberships.  
• Half-off charging at town-owned EV charging stations 
• Pet Insurance 
• Employee Discount Program through Benefits Hub 
• Eligible for discount Dell Computer program  
• Onsite/virtual trainings for growth and development opportunities 

 We are a Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)-qualified employer! 

EEOC Statement: 

The Town is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity in any term, condition or privilege of employment. Applicants, employees and former employees are protected from employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history), veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law.  This prohibition includes unlawful harassment or discrimination based on any of these protected classes.  Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct, which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating a severe, intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This provision applies to all employees, including directors, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as residents, members of all boards and task force groups, contractors, vendors, consultants, etc.