Construction Manager

Salary : $90,944.88 - $110,807.40 Annually
Location : Ellensburg
Job Type: Full-Time
Department: Public Works
Opening Date: 10/09/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: Non-Union


Description


The Construction Manager inspects all types of right-of-way related work and assures that the work maintains a safe passageway for the motoring public and the construction personnel. This position supervises assigned staff and assists in the inspection of related work for various maintenance and construction projects of the Public Works Department. The Construction Manager works closely with the Deputy Director, Director/County Engineer, and County Surveyor to implement the annual construction program.

This position is open-until-filled with a first review after 10/23/2026. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible for optimal consideration.

Examples of Duties
Construction Management

• Manage county road and bridge construction contracts and supervise inspection, oversee survey crew schedules, coordinate testing, and compile monthly pay estimates.
• Coordinate with consultants for the design of road and bridge projects. Schedule the survey crew to pick up the required field information and provide assistance with the design requirements. Provide guidance in the preparation of plans and specifications of county public works projects.
• Manage the franchised systems in place within the County Right-of-Way. This includes new and current franchises within the county ROW. Assist in the development of new franchises.
• Coordinate with franchised utilities to work on their systems and ensure it will not conflict with any scheduled county work.
• Perform routine, detailed inspections of all bridges and culverts for deficiencies and required maintenance/repair.
• Maintain bridge filing system meeting state and federal requirements.
• Maintain road filing system meeting state and federal requirements.
• Seek funding for replacement and rehabilitation for deficient bridges from state and federal sources.
• Review and approve permits for performing work in the county right-of-way. The permits include road reconstruction, installation of irrigation structures, installation and extension of utilities and any other work that takes place in the county right-of-way.
• Provide detailed estimates for road and bridge projects for materials, equipment and manpower.
• Provide support to Public Works divisions during project development.
• Perform construction inspections of: Asphalt/Concrete/Pavement placements, bridges, roads, soils investigation, grading permits and other construction items.
• Supervise the construction inspection crew.
• Manage and administer any contracts as needed for the Public Works divisions.
• Manage all construction project documentation from design through project closeout.
• Responsible for all state construction audits maintaining the County's "Certified Agency" status.
• Manage county contracting records through Labor and Industries web portal.
• Manage the County's annual road striping program and associated contracts.
• Manage all construction activity at Bowers Field Airport.
• Manage all construction and maintenance activities of the Flood Control Zone District.

Staff Management

• Provide professional direction and support to all assigned staff.
• Assign and oversee daily and weekly work schedules, approve weekly timesheets and leave requests.
• Monitor employee work performance, productivity, safety practices, attendance, conduct, and ensure compliance with County and departmental policies and union contracts.
• Exercise independent judgement in resolving workplace staffing, performance, safety, and operational issues.
• Train and coach staff, develop and conduct performance evaluations with assigned staff, and initiate performance improvement and disciplinary actions in coordination with the Public Works Director.
• Participate in the hiring and onboarding of new staff.

OTHER FUNCTIONS:

• Responsible for budgeting, tracking and managing the costs associated with construction management, surveying and inspection.
• Maintain pavement marking records, compile yearly quantities and perform layouts for the field operations.
• Assist in the development of county needs assessments for transportation requirements.
• Work with environmental agencies to attain appropriate permits and approvals for environmentally sensitive projects.
• Assist the Deputy Director with "Special Projects" as needed.
• Present projects and programs to various audiences including the Board of County Commissioners and project stakeholders.
• Other department related duties as assigned.
• Coordinate and manage all testing data from certified testing laboratories.

This job description is a summary of the primary functions and expectations for this position. Additional department-related duties may be assigned as required.

Minimum Qualifications

• AA degree in Engineering Science or related field.
• At least five (5) years' experience in each of the following:
  1. Organizational government, governmental budgeting, principles of construction management, and contract administration.
  2. Performing inspections of roads, bridges, and other construction.
  3. Supervising in a technical and/or engineering work environment.
  4. Using industry software, including but not limited to AutoCad, ArcView GIS, and Microsoft Office programs.
• A minimum of two (2) years of supervisory experience of construction personnel.
• First aid/CPR certification, or ability to obtain certification within the first six (6) months of hire at the employee's time and expense.
• Valid and active Washington State driver's license.
• A criminal history and background check will be performed on qualified applicants. Convictions may preclude candidates from employment in certain circumstances. Factors such as seriousness of the conduct, number of convictions, the place and manner in which the position will be performed, and any verifiable information related to the candidate's rehabilitation, good conduct, work experience, education, and training will be taken into consideration.

Supplemental Information
Work is performed in a standard office setting and in a variety of outdoor environments. Exposure to inclement weather including temperature extremes and windy/ dusty conditions will occur. Work may occasionally be performed in close proximity to moving mechanical parts and equipment that causes vibration. The noise level is usually loud in the field and moderately quiet in the office. Ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, twist, grasp, and reach with arms and legs. Must have ability to lift, push, pull, or move up to 50 lbs. and occasionally higher with assistance. Must be physically capable of moving about construction sites and traversing uneven and/or rugged terrain. Must have close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, depth perception, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to read printed materials, computer screens, and monitors. Must also have hearing and speech to communicate clearly in person, over the telephone, and by radio. Safety rules and regulations must be adhered to at all times; PPE must be worn when required for employee safety.
Travel throughout the County is required to perform many of the essential functions; occasional travel outside the County may be required to attend meetings, training, or other events. Must have the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in all types of weather and all levels of light. Regular and reliable attendance and punctuality are required and expected Monday - Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM; however, management positions are expected to work the number of hours required to complete the duties of the position, and may have to respond to emergency situations.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION:

Kittitas County provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential functions of the position, unless doing so would create an undue hardship or direct threat as defined by applicable law.
Kittitas County is an equal opportunity employer. This means that Kittitas County does not discriminate against any employee on the basis of protected class status. All employees will be recruited, selected, trained, promoted, compensated, and if appropriate, disciplined or terminated without regard to race, color, religion or creed, ethnicity, national origin, sex, age (over 40), marital status, pregnancy or maternity, sexual orientation or gender identity, veteran status, use of a guide or service animal, genetic information, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability (unless based on a bona fide occupational qualification).
Most permanent employees who at least 20 hours per week on a regular schedule are entitled to healthcare, retirement, and leave benefits, pro-rated to the scheduled hours of work.

HEALTHCARE BENEFITS
Eligible employees and their family members have access to medical, dental, and vision benefits. The base plans for these benefits are paid 100% by the County regardless of the number of family members enrolled. Plan buy-up options are available for a small cost via payroll deduction.

LIFE INSURANCE AND SUPPLEMENTAL PRODUCTS
Kittitas County offers access to a $12,000 basic life/accidental death and dismemberment insurance plan as well as a base long term disability plan through Mutual of Omaha as part of the core benefits program.

Supplemental products are available for eligible employees who choose to purchase them through AFLAC, Allstate, Colonial, and Mutual of Omaha. These products include:

• Supplemental life insurance
• Accidental death and dismemberment
• Disabilty insurance

LEAVE BENEFITS
Eligible County employees have access to a variety of leave programs. The amount of paid leave an employee may accrue and bank will vary between employee groups and collective bargaining agreements. Types of leave available include, but are not limited to:

• Legal holidays
• Personal holiday
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Bereavement Leave
• Military Leave
• Family & Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
• Paid Family & Medical Leave (PFML)

RETIREMENT BENEFITS
Most benefited employees are eligible to participate in the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan administered by the Department of Retirement Systems (DRS). Participation in the DRS retirement program is mandatory for all eligible employees. Both the employee and the County contribute to the plan at a rate set by the State legislature.

For more information regarding DRS you can visit their website at


Employees who want to save additional dollars for retirement may do so voluntarily by participating in a choice of 457 deferred compensation plans. A 457 plan allows employees to defer funds through payroll deduction, up to a maximum amount set each year by the IRS.
01


Please describe your experience managing road construction and bridge projects.
02


Please describe your experience working with federal, state and local regulatory permits.
Required Question