Project Manager (Earthwork / Caltrans)

Project Manager – Heavy Civil Construction (San Diego Region)

Location: San Diego, CA Salary Range: $125,000 – $180,000 (DOE) Type: Full-Time

Position Overview

We're seeking an experienced and results-driven Project Manager to join our Southern California – San Diego team. This role oversees the full administrative, financial, and operational management of assigned heavy civil construction projects, ensuring completion on time, within budget, and to the highest safety and quality standards.

The ideal candidate has a proven track record in earthwork, underground utilities, structures, paving, and public works projects, and thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. With over a century of construction excellence behind us, our culture emphasizes communication, accountability, and long-term career growth.

Key Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Execution

• Lead and manage project teams in coordination with Division Managers, Superintendents, and Estimators.
• Establish and track project goals, budgets, and schedules.
• Ensure all projects are executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with contract requirements.
• Represent the company in client meetings, progress reviews, and negotiations.
• Oversee field operations to ensure productivity, quality, and safety performance.

Financial & Contract Management

• Manage project financials including forecasting, billing, cost control, and cash flow.
• Oversee change orders, subcontractor payments, and project cost reports.
• Review contracts and specifications to identify risks and protect company interests.
• Monitor earned value, productivity reports, and cost-to-complete forecasting to maintain profitability.

Coordination & Communication

• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Coordinate project documentation including RFIs, submittals, meeting minutes, and progress reports.
• Communicate proactively across departments to resolve issues and maintain schedule alignment.
• Collaborate with estimating, procurement, and field operations for resource optimization.

Safety, Risk & Quality

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture on all job sites.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety policies.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement proactive mitigation strategies.
• Maintain quality control through inspections, testing, and adherence to specifications.

Project Closeout

• Lead project closeout activities, ensuring accurate documentation, punch list completion, and client satisfaction.
• Oversee delivery of as-builts, warranties, and final reports.
• Conduct project reviews to identify best practices and areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (preferred).
• Proven experience managing heavy civil infrastructure projects (earthwork, underground utilities, structures, paving, public works).
• Strong understanding of public contract codes, cost control, and change management.
• Proficient in Bid2Win, Primavera P6, MS Project, and construction management software (e.g., Procore).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Financially astute with the ability to analyze budgets, cost forecasts, and risk exposure.
• Valid driver's license required.

Core Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development
• Strategic Planning & Risk Mitigation
• Financial & Contract Oversight
• Communication & Negotiation
• Results-Oriented Project Delivery
• Time & Process Management

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $120,000 – $170,000 (DOE)
• Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) and 401(k) with company match
• Paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave
• Performance-based incentives