Project Management Specialist

Project Management Specialist

The Oklahoma Water Resources Board is a state agency responsible for overseeing the complex mission of managing, monitoring, planning for, and financing the state's water resources and infrastructure towards reliable future supplies that support strong communities, commerce, and the environment. The agency is seeking a full-time Groundwater Monitoring Specialist to join our family of professionals in delivering exceptional services and expertise to Oklahomans.

Position: Project Management Specialist

Division: Financial Assistance Division

Section: Engineering

Location of Work: 3800 Classen Boulevard; Oklahoma City, OK 73118

Trial Period: 12 months in accordance with (OAC) 260:130-19-30

Travel: Extensive fieldwork, training & conference attendance with extended day and overnight travel is required.

Pay Scale: $54,000 to $70,000 Pay is based on education, experience and availability but in general will be within the range listed above.

Generous Annual Benefit Allowance: Up to $21,934 to help cover insurance premiums for employees and their families.

Comprehensive Insurance Plans: A variety of options with no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs): Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.

Retirement Savings Plans:

o Pathfinder Defined Contribution Plan: Employer matches 6% of a minimum 4.5% employee contribution (up to 7% if the employee contributes 7%).

o OPERS Defined Benefit Plan: Available for reenrollment to employees enrolled prior to November 1, 2015.

Paid Leave:

o 15 days annually during the first 1–5 years of service.

o 18 days annually for 5–10 years of service.

o 20 days annually for 10–20 years of service.

o 25 days annually for over 20 years of service.

o Sick leave: Accrued at 15 days per year.

Holidays: Eleven paid holidays annually.

Employee Discounts: Special rates with various vendors and companies.

Longevity Payment: Monetary rewards beginning at two years of service to recognize dedicated tenure.

Thrive: Empower Oklahoma State employees to improve & enhance their well-being.

This robust benefits package reflects our commitment to the well-being, financial security, and work-life harmony of our team members.

Basic Purpose

Positions in this job family are responsible for planning, coordinating, managing, and implementing infrastructure projects to ensure compliance with agency requirements, established schedules, budgets, and project objectives. Responsibilities include coordinating the review of engineering and construction documents, monitoring project progress, overseeing construction activities, processing disbursement requests, and providing technical and program assistance to project owners, consulting engineers, and other stakeholders.

Typical Functions

• Coordinates and manages infrastructure projects funded through different loan and grant programs including but not limited to the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF), Bond Loan, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) programs, etc.
• Coordinates the review and approval of engineering reports, plans and specifications, addenda, change orders, bidding documents, and construction contracts to ensure programmatic compliance with applicable agency and program requirements.
• Develops project and system descriptions for applicable funding programs and coordinates the review of planning documents with the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) and agency environmental specialists.
• Monitors project scope, schedules, budgets, deliverables, and risks to ensure projects meet established requirements and deadlines.
• Coordinates construction oversight activities, including site inspections, review of project progress, and processing of disbursement requests.
• Communicates and coordinates with public officials, board members, project owners, consulting engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to address project issues and facilitate successful completion.
• Provides program and technical assistance to applicants and stakeholders, gathers information needed to develop projects, represents the agency at public meetings, and presents information on agency programs and requirements.
• Maintains project documentation, prepares reports, and monitors compliance throughout the project life cycle.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Level Descriptor

At this level, the incumbent independently manages assigned infrastructure projects and coordinates technical reviews, construction oversight, and stakeholder activities. The position applies project management principles, program requirements, and sound judgment to evaluate project progress, resolve issues, and ensure compliance with applicable funding, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Competencies

Knowledge of project management principles, infrastructure development, construction administration, project budgeting and scheduling, contract documents, applicable regulatory requirements, and publicly funded infrastructure programs, is preferred. Relevant knowledge and skills may also be developed through on-the-job training.

Skills in coordinating technical reviews, monitoring project performance, evaluating project documentation, identifying and resolving issues, managing competing priorities, and communicating effectively with diverse stakeholders, are desirable. Training will be provided as needed to support the development of these skills.

Ability to analyze project requirements, interpret technical and regulatory information, monitor schedules and budgets, communicate clearly in writing and verbally, prepare presentations, and establish effective working relationships with agency staff, public officials, consulting engineers, contractors, and project owners. Candidates who do not possess prior experience in these areas will have opportunities to develop the necessary knowledge and skills through on-the-job training.

Education and Experience

Requirements consist of a bachelor's degree in business administration, engineering, construction management, project management, public administration, environmental science, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in project management, infrastructure development, construction administration, or related scientific or technical discipline, or four years of experience in project management or a combination of education and experience.

Special Requirements

PMP, Scrum, Agile, Lean, or Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification is a plus. Preference may be given for relevant certifications or water and wastewater infrastructure experience.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The State of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of genetic information, race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.