Project Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Position Overview

We are seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee public works construction projects, with a strong emphasis on K-12 schools, DSA-regulated construction, campus modernizations, and educational facilities.

This position will be responsible for managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, subcontractors, and client relationships from preconstruction through final completion.

The ideal candidate has a proven background in California public school construction, including ground-up school buildings, modernization projects, seismic retrofits, and occupied-campus renovations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage K-12 and public works construction projects from preconstruction through closeout.

• Oversee project budgets, schedules, cost controls, contracts, and financial reporting.

• Coordinate with school districts, architects, engineers, inspectors, subcontractors, and project stakeholders.

• Manage subcontractor bidding, procurement, negotiations, and buyout.

• Ensure compliance with Division of the State Architect (DSA) requirements and applicable California building codes.

• Coordinate DSA inspections, documentation, design changes, and project certification requirements.

• Review construction drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and change orders.

• Manage construction activities involving ground-up school buildings, campus modernizations, renovations, and seismic upgrades.

• Work closely with Superintendents to maintain construction schedules, safety, quality, and productivity.

• Coordinate construction phasing and logistics for active school campuses.

• Monitor project costs, forecasts, billing, and overall profitability.

• Identify project risks, constructability concerns, and potential schedule delays.

• Lead owner, subcontractor, and project coordination meetings.

• Manage project documentation, punch lists, inspections, and final closeout.

• Mentor Assistant Project Managers and Project Engineers.

Required Qualifications

• 5+ years of construction project management experience.

• Strong experience with K-12, DSA-regulated, or California public works school construction projects.

• Experience managing ground-up construction, school modernizations, or seismic retrofit projects.

• Working knowledge of DSA requirements, inspections, documentation, and closeout procedures.

• Proven ability to manage project budgets, schedules, contracts, and subcontractors.

• Experience with public works construction methods and project delivery.

• Ability to read and interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings.

• Strong understanding of construction sequencing, scheduling, procurement, and cost management.

• Excellent leadership, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.

• Experience managing California K-12 school district construction projects.

• Experience with Lease-Leaseback (LLB), Design-Build, and Design-Bid-Build delivery methods.

• Experience with occupied-campus renovations, phased construction, and seismic retrofits.

• Familiarity with DSA project certification, Inspector of Record (IOR) coordination, and required testing documentation.

• Knowledge of public works bidding requirements, prevailing wage, and certified payroll.

• Proficiency with Procore, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or similar construction management software.

• Experience managing Project Engineers and Assistant Project Managers.