Job Description

Posting number: 27-00220

Department: 005 Department of Administrative Services

Job classification: Construction/Design Engineer, Senior

Posting type: Open

Categories: Engineering

State Construction Project Manager (State Design & Construction Engineer Senior)

Build Iowa's Future

Every school, public safety facility, office building, laboratory, and state institution begins with thoughtful planning and exceptional project leadership. As a State Construction Project Manager, you'll oversee capital improvement projects that shape the infrastructure supporting millions of Iowans.

In this role, you'll serve as the State of Iowa's representative throughout every phase of a project's lifecycle- from initial concept through design, construction, and final closeout. You'll lead complex projects, collaborate with diverse stakeholders, and ensure taxpayer resources are invested wisely while delivering high-quality facilities that serve Iowans for decades to come.

If you're an experienced construction professional who enjoys solving complex challenges, managing multiple projects, and making a lasting impact through public service, we'd love to hear from you.

Why Join DAS?

The Iowa Department of Administrative Services (DAS) provides the essential services that allow state government to operate efficiently and effectively. Within DAS, the State Design & Construction team delivers capital improvement projects that support agencies across Iowa and improve the lives of those who rely on public facilities every day.

Our team manages a diverse portfolio of projects that range from renovations and infrastructure improvements to major new construction initiatives. Every project offers opportunities to collaborate with agency leaders, architects, engineers, contractors, and industry professionals while serving the people of Iowa.

At DAS, you'll find meaningful work, supportive colleagues, professional growth opportunities, and the ability to leave a lasting legacy through the projects you deliver.

What You'll Do

As the State Construction Project Manager, you'll serve as the State's designated representative and single point of accountability for assigned capital improvement projects. You'll independently manage approximately 25-35 concurrent projects while balancing scope, budget, schedule, quality, safety, and long-term value.

Responsibilities include:

Lead Capital Improvement Projects

• Manage projects from planning and design through construction, commissioning, occupancy, and closeout.
• Develop project scopes by evaluating facility conditions, operational needs, and long-term capital priorities.
• Establish project delivery strategies that align with agency goals, available funding, and procurement requirements.
• Ensure successful delivery while maintaining accountability for scope, budget, schedule, quality, and customer satisfaction.

Represent the State of Iowa

• Serve as the State's advocate throughout the entire project lifecycle.
• Balance cost, quality, schedule, operational needs, maintainability, and long-term value when making project decisions.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and timely communication to agency leadership and project stakeholders.

Manage Consultants and Construction Teams

• Lead procurement and selection of architects, engineers, construction managers, and specialty consultants.
• Oversee consultant performance throughout project delivery.
• Review design documents, coordinate multidisciplinary reviews, and resolve project issues.
• Hold construction managers and contractors accountable for quality, schedule, documentation, and contract compliance.

Administer Contracts and Project Finances

• Manage public procurement processes and construction contracts in accordance with Iowa law and State policies.
• Monitor project budgets and funding throughout each phase of delivery.
• Evaluate change orders, contractor payment applications, and project expenditures to ensure responsible stewardship of public funds.
• Recommend funding decisions and project priorities based on agency needs and available resources.

Manage Risk and Ensure Compliance

• Identify and mitigate project risks related to cost, schedule, quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with regulatory agencies and code officials to obtain required approvals.
• Ensure construction activities comply with contract documents, applicable codes, and State requirements.

Build Strong Partnerships

• Serve as the primary liaison between customer agencies, executive leadership, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
• Facilitate meetings, presentations, and executive briefings.
• Build collaborative relationships while resolving competing priorities and complex project challenges.

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader who combines strong technical construction knowledge with exceptional project management and communication skills. Successful candidates will demonstrate the ability to:

• Manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Make sound, independent decisions in fast-paced environments.
• Build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Negotiate contracts and resolve challenging project issues.
• Analyze financial impacts and manage project budgets.
• Communicate effectively with technical professionals, agency leadership, and executive stakeholders.
• Balance competing priorities while maintaining exceptional customer service.

Why You'll Love This Role

• Lead projects that have a lasting impact on communities across Iowa.
• Work with a diverse portfolio of facilities and construction projects.
• Collaborate with industry experts and leaders from agencies across state government.
• Exercise significant professional autonomy and decision-making authority.
• Help shape Iowa's public infrastructure for generations to come.

Benefits

At the State of Iowa, we're committed to supporting your career, your well-being, and your future. As a member of our team, you'll enjoy:

• Generous Paid Time Off– Vacation that rolls over annually, unlimited sick leave accrual, and nine paid holidays each year.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits– Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Retirement Security– Membership in the IPERS retirement system, plus optional deferred compensation plans.
• Flexible Spending Accounts– Medical and dependent care options to help you save.
• Life Insurance– Employer-paid life insurance coverage.
• Additional Support– Employee Assistance Program, wellness resources, and employee discount programs.

To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited four year college or university with major course work in architecture, or in civil, mechanical, architectural or a related engineering field, and experience equal to six years of full-time engineering work in the design and construction of buildings, utilities, earthwork, or related facilities and structures;

an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the equivalent of one year of full time work experience for each year of the required education to a maximum substitution of four years;

possession of a valid Professional Engineer license recognized by the Iowa board of Engineering Examiners and four years of the above described professional experience;

possession of a certificate of registration as a Professional Architect recognized by the Iowa Board of Architectural Examiners and four years of the above described professional experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.