Traveling Project Manager - Dam Construction

Job Description

Job Description

Responsible for leading the planning, execution, and delivery of dam construction and water infrastructure projects from notice to proceed through final closure. Ensures safe operations, regulatory compliance, cost and schedule control, and successful coordination between clients, field operations, engineers, and regulators.

Primary Responsibilities

Project Management & Execution

• Plan, manage, and execute dam construction and water infrastructure projects in accordance with contract documents, regulatory requirements, and company standards.
• Develop and maintain project execution plans, schedules, budgets, and staffing plans.
• Monitor project performance, proactively managing cost, schedule, risk, and quality.
• Lead daily, weekly, and monthly project coordination meetings.
• Manage subcontractors, vendors, and specialty contractors performing earthwork, concrete placement, grouting, and hydraulic structure construction.
• Ensure strict adherence to health, safety, and environmental (HSE) programs and site-specific safety plans.

Dam Construction & Water Infrastructure Scope Leadership

• Own all technical and operational aspects of dam construction and water infrastructure scope from mobilization through final site restoration, including:
• Concrete gravity, RCC, embankment, and rockfill dams
• Spillways, outlet works, intake structures, and stilling basins
• River diversion works, cofferdams, and dewatering systems
• Foundation excavation, grouting, seepage control, and cutoff walls
• Dam rehabilitation, grading, and final restoration systems
• Lead constructability reviews, sequencing strategies, and logistics planning for complex dam sites.
• Identify production efficiencies, alternative means and methods, and value-engineering opportunities.
• Track production quantities, unit costs, and productivity rates throughout project duration.
• Manage change events, including differing site conditions, regulatory changes, and scope growth.
• Establish, implement, and oversee the project Quality Control (QC) Plan in accordance with contract specifications, regulatory requirements, and company quality standards.
• Ensure all construction activities comply with approved drawings, specifications, inspection and test plans (ITPs), and applicable codes.
• Coordinate and manage thirdparty testing laboratories, special inspectors, and materials testing programs for earthwork, concrete, grout, aggregates, and embankment materials.
• Review and approve submittals, mix designs, method statements, inspection reports, and test results to verify conformance.

Regulatory, Environmental & Compliance Management

• Ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Coordinate closely with environmental consultants, laboratories, and regulators.
• Manage and/or support sampling programs, reporting requirements, and documentation.
• Support audits, inspections, and regulatory site visits.
• Maintain complete and accurate project records for environmental and contractual compliance.

Interface with Clients, Engineers & Internal Teams

• Serve as the primary point of contact for the owner, engineer, and key stakeholders.
• Lead progress meetings, cost reviews, and schedule updates with clients.
• Communicate project risks, constraints, and mitigation strategies clearly and proactively.
• Coordinate closely with estimating, preconstruction, procurement, safety, and field leadership teams.
• Support claims avoidance through clear documentation, communication, and issue resolution.

Cost Control, Reporting & Procurement

• Manage project budgets, forecasts, and cost-to-complete updates.
• Review and approve subcontractor invoices, pay applications, and change orders.
• Oversee procurement of major equipment, materials, and specialty services.
• Prepare monthly progress reports, cash flow projections, and executive summaries for leadership.

Turnover & Project Closeout

• Ensure clear communication of scope, assumptions, risks, and production targets.
• Manage substantial completion, demobilization, and final restoration activities.
• Deliver complete closeout documentation, including as-builts, environmental records, and final cost reports.

Deliverables

• Project execution plan, schedule, and budget.
• Safety and environmental compliance documentation.
• Monthly cost reports and progress updates.
• Change management documentation.
• Final project closeout package.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years project management experience in Heavy Civil Construction or Dam Construction.
• Proven experience as a Project Manager or similar role.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficiency with project management tools (Excel, Word, Primavera P6, Bluebeam or equivalent).

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management certification (PMP, PRINCE2, etc.).
• Experience working in cross-functional or matrix organizations.
• Industry-specific experience in dam construction or water infrastructure.
• Civil Engineering degree..

Key Skills

• Project planning & execution
• Stakeholder management
• Risk & change management
• Time and budget management

Reporting & Collaboration

• Reports to: Operations Manager (or equivalent).
• Coordinates directly with: Estimating, Preconstruction, Safety, Field Supervision, Procurement, and Executive Leadership.

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Heavy Civil Project Management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Project Management: 5 years (Preferred)
• Primavera P6: 5 years (Preferred)
• Dam construction: 5 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• PMP (Preferred)
• PRINCE2 Certification (Preferred)