Job Description

Posting number: 26-132

Department: Public Works

Division: PW - Engineering Division

Job classification: Senior Project Manager

Posting type: Open

Categories: Engineering, Public Works, Community Development, Project Management, Program Management

Summary

The City of Pasadena’s Public Works Department is seeking an experienced and collaborative Senior Project Manager/Project Manager to oversee the design and construction of a variety of capital projects within the Civil Design Section. This role will manage projects from inception through completion, including planning, programming, public outreach, design, and construction phases. The selected candidate will handle multiple projects concurrently, each involving the management of consultants and contractors, as well as tracking budgets and schedules. This position requires close collaboration with the public, staff from various departments, and external stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in managing both the design and construction of a wide variety of competitively-bid capital projects, particularly in municipal building renovations and upgrades, ground-up public facility construction, and park and recreational facility improvements. Experience with capital programs involving projects such as structural rehabilitation of public facilities, accessibility upgrades, and modernization of aging civic buildings, as well as park and open space improvements and recreational amenities is desirable. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of delivering projects on time and within budget, while minimizing disruptions and impacts to public use of facilities and ongoing municipal operations.

Please note: Appointment will be made at either level based on experience and other qualifications.

Project Manager: $112,116.00 - $152,645.00 Annually

Senior Project Manager: $134,194.00 - $167,742.00 Annually

Please note: A cover letter MUST be submitted with the application in order to be considered. All applicants must also submit a resume.

This recruitment is open until filled with a first review of applications scheduled for March 26, 2026. Apply now!

Examples of duties

The major responsibilities of this position are listed below. For more detailed information, please review the job description.

Project Manager:

• Act as project and construction manager, overseeing the planning, design, and construction/repair of various capital projects, including municipal building renovations and upgrades, ground-up public facility construction, and park and recreational facility improvements;
• Work closely with staff from other City departments including Transportation, Fire, Police, Public Health, Planning & Community Development, and Parks, Recreation & Community Services to coordinate project efforts and ensure alignment across teams;
• Develop project budgets and schedules, and review plans, specifications, and estimates for construction projects;
• Manage professional consultant contracts, including developing Requests for Qualifications (RFQs) and Requests for Proposals (RFPs); negotiate contract terms, recommend award decisions, and oversee contract execution;
• Collaborate with City departments, external agencies, and the public on project coordination, approvals, and troubleshooting technical issues;
• Prepare bid packages, manage the bidding process, and award construction contracts;
• Negotiate change orders and ensure projects are completed on time and in line with specifications;
• Coordinate with consultants, contractors, finance professionals, and maintenance staff to ensure smooth project delivery from design to completion;
• Administer grant funding for projects and prepare required reports for local, state, and federal agencies, ensuring compliance with contract terms;
• Address citizen complaints related to projects and provide timely responses;
• Represent the department at public meetings, preparing and delivering presentations to build consensus and gain community support; ensure effective public participation throughout assigned projects;
• Review daily inspection reports and prepare periodic progress reports on contract status; track contractor performance and maintain records; conduct field inspections for complex assignments and perform final project reviews; and
• Prepare and present reports at City Council, commissions, and committee meetings.

Senior Project Manager:

In addition to the responsibilities outlined above, the Senior Project Manager is also responsible for the following tasks:

• Supervises, evaluates, schedules, and assigns work to both administrative and non-management employees; develops work plans and sets priorities;
• Completes constructability reviews and support to staff; and
• Oversees the development and implementation of capital programs related to municipal facilities, park improvements, and related public infrastructure.

Qualifications

COMPETENCIES

The following list represents the core competencies needed for success in this position:

• Action & Results Focus - Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment
• Self-Management – Showing personal organization, self-discipline, and dependability
• Informing - Proactively obtaining and sharing information
• Relationship Building - Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Project Management - Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
• Political and Organizational Savvy – Working skillfully with politics, procedures, and protocols across organizational levels and boundaries

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Project Manager:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, landscape architecture, construction management, or closely related field.
• Four years of progressively responsible experience in capital project and construction management involving public facilities, municipal building improvements, or park and recreational facility projects, with at least two years in a lead supervisory role.

Senior Project Manager:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, landscape architecture, construction management, or closely related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible experience in capital project and construction management involving public facilities, municipal building improvements, or park and recreational facility projects, with at least two years in a lead supervisory role.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection process will consist of any combination of application evaluation, written exam, oral panel interview, department interview and may be required to complete a brief soft-skills assessment during the selection process. The candidate assessment provides insight into core interpersonal skills, behavioral traits, and preferred work environment—helping us support your success in the role.

VACANCY INFORMATION

There is currently one full-time vacancy in the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department. The resulting eligibility list from this recruitment may be used to fill this vacancy and similar vacancies in the future.

Candidates selected for this position are subject to a one-year probationary work period.

Supplemental information

Must have or obtain a Class C California driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.