Project Controls Specialist

Job Description

Program Management & Control Services (PMCS) is a growing, multi-disciplinary firm providing specialized consulting services in public transportation projects, including construction engineering, program management, and project controls. We pride ourselves on a work environment that emphasizes:

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• Supportive & collaborative team atmosphere
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• Personalized attention
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• Diverse workforce
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• Challenging, quality-driven work assignments
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• Professional growth opportunities
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• High-priority, high-profile projects
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The Project Controls Specialist will support a key public-sector transportation agency in Chicago to manage claims workflows, funding source coordination, and process documentation. This role ensures compliance with funding constraints, maintains accurate cash-flow reporting, and supports informed funding decisions for a high-impact rail modernization program.

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A successful candidate will be a proactive team player with strong analytical skills, excellent relationship-building abilities, and comfort working in a structured, documentation- and process-heavy environment. Candidates must be self-driven, organized, and highly professional to ensure work is completed with excellence while managing a flexible schedule.

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This role offers flexibility as project needs evolve. Work arrangements and schedule options may vary based on the candidate’s experience and the agency’s needs. Remote, hybrid, and on‑site options, as well as part‑time or full‑time schedules, may be considered. Candidates should indicate their location, availability, and preferred work arrangements in their application materials.

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What You’ll Do:

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• Monitor and analyze multiple funding sources, constraints, and eligibility requirements; recommend funding allocations based on available resources and project cash-flow needs
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• Track, review, analyze, and document claims and change order logs to ensure accuracy across systems and proper reflection of the Estimate at Completion (EAC)
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• Monitor and adjust project contingency, in consultation with the project team, to maintain an accurate EAC
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• Enter budgets, funding, contract commitments and forecasts in the client’s project management system, Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder), or program database to maintain audit-ready records
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• Download project expenditures from Oracle for upload into Cost database, manage exceptions, and evaluate expenditure adjustments for alignment with funding schedules
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• Reconcile data between the Cost system and the client’s Oracle accounting system
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• Proactively engage project stakeholders to obtain funding, budget, and cost information to ensure accurate forecasting
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• Participate in meetings to review progress, analyze schedule updates, and track milestones
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• Prepare monthly and quarterly project reports, compliance documentation, meeting materials and minutes, Cost Summary Reports, labor expenditure analyses, TIFF/SCC code allocations, Change Order (CO) Logs, and Funding Analyses
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• Use Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder) to collect narrative updates from PMs and incorporate them into the monthly Program Status Report
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• Help develop quarterly reporting and presentations as required by funding agencies
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• Collaborate with client staff, internal teams, and external partners to maintain process discipline, streamline reporting efforts, and recommend improvements
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• Develop various scenario analyses for the client that present options to mitigate risks
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The Ideal Candidate will Bring:

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• 3-5 years of experience in project controls, funding administration, claims, or documentation-heavy roles (transportation/rail/public transit preferred)
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• Expertise in claims analysis, funding sources and constraints, and cash flow management
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• Experience supporting large capital construction programs
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• Experience with Trimble Unity Construct (e-Builder) or similar program management platforms
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• Experience with ERP accounting systems
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Required Experience:

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• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Engineering, Accounting, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
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• Strong understanding of public-sector funding processes (federal, state, local)
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• Ability to manage structured workflows, documentation, and compliance requirements
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• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel pivot tables
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• Strong collaboration skills, ability to build rapport, lead successful meetings, and promote effective problem-solving
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• Ability to manage multiple priorities with competing deadlines and perform at a high level in high-pressure or short-notice situations
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• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
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Why Join Us?

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• Contribute to high-profile transportation projects that shape the Chicago area
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• Be part of a supportive, collaborative team with opportunities for professional growth and advancement and personalized experience
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• Work alongside professionals with 20+ years of experience
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• Work for a leading organization in the field, renowned for quality, excellence, reliability and innovation
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What We Offer:

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• At PMCS, we believe in rewarding great work with competitive pay.
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• The hourly rate for this position is $30 - $50 ($62,400 - $104,000), based on experience and qualifications.
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• We provide a comprehensive benefits package that supports you:
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• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
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• 401(k) retirement plan
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• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO)
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• Employee profit-sharing program
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PMCS is an E-Verify employer. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.