Engineering Project Manager

Job Description

Primary purpose: The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of capital and infrastructure projects within the Department of Public Works. This role manages projects from initial programming and design through procurement, construction, and closeout. The position serves as a central coordinator across departments, consultants, contractors, and the public, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable standards. The Project Manager translates complex technical information into clear, actionable communication for non‑technical stakeholders and provides regular reporting on project status, risks, and performance. This role is a key contributor to advancing the City’s capital program and maintaining public infrastructure assets.

Supervision

Works under the general supervision of the City Engineer or designee and operates in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures. The position is responsible for moving long‑term projects forward and keeping them on schedule without daily oversight. The role takes decisive action when matters are time sensitive while recognizing municipal constraints and limited resources. Critical thinking, self‑motivation, and a passion for serving the public are key elements of the role. The Project Manager exercises matrix supervision over engineering staff, consultants, and field personnel engaged in project design, survey, permitting, and construction inspection activities. The manager directs and assigns work to other staff and office personnel, ensuring staff is adequately trained and performs to expectations.

Essential Functions

• Lead and manage capital projects through all phases: planning, design, permitting, bidding, construction, and closeout.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, budgets, and cost controls.
• Maintain and update a centralized project tracking system, including public‑facing project updates.
• Coordinate with Design Manager on design efforts performed by in‑house staff and external consultants.
• Prepare and review construction cost estimates, bid documents, and technical specifications.
• Manage procurement processes, including bid evaluation and contractor selection.
• Provide construction management oversight, including supervision of inspectors and resident engineers.
• Ensure contractor compliance with plans, specifications, safety standards, and contract requirements.
• Review and recommend approval of contractor payment requisitions and change orders.
• Monitor project risks, identify issues proactively, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage project closeout, including punch lists, as‑built documentation, and final acceptance.
• Serve as a point of contact for residents and stakeholders, addressing concerns related to construction impacts, drainage, roadway conditions, and related issues.
• Interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and ordinances.
• Support permitting and site plan review functions, including evaluation of field changes.
• Assist in capital planning and tracking of division resources, including equipment and software.
• Coordinate and prioritize service requests (e.g., 311/GoGov) as they relate to engineering projects.
• Participate in emergency response operations for critical incidents, as required.
• Attend staff meetings and other meetings as required and directed.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience: Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field and five to ten (5–10) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering project management, with a focus on construction management and infrastructure projects; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid driver’s license required, preference for a Massachusetts Class D driver’s license. Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.

Knowledge, Ability and Skills

• Knowledge: Civil engineering principles and practices; construction management methodologies; public procurement and contract administration; cost estimating and scheduling techniques; applicable federal, state and local regulations; supervisory practices, including staff training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
• Ability: Interpret, comprehend and apply engineering plans, specifications, and regulations; communicate complex technical information clearly, both verbally and written, to diverse audiences; prepare detailed reports, presentations, and correspondence; manage competing priorities and deliver results under deadlines; organize time, work independently and accomplish tasks despite frequent interruptions; address public concerns professionally; respond to emergency situations; supervise and motivate staff and work collaboratively in a team‑based environment.
• Skills: Strong organizational, project planning and execution skills; stakeholder engagement and public communication; analytical thinking and problem‑solving; manage multiple projects simultaneously; negotiation and conflict resolution; excellent writing and oral communication; proficiency in personal computers and common software (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, engineering software systems and databases).

Job Environment

Work is performed under typical office conditions with occasional site visits to construction projects throughout the City. The role requires visiting construction job sites, operating computers and standard office equipment, and communicating with the public and city personnel by telephone and discussion.

Physical Requirements

Work is performed in both office and field environments. The position requires site visits to active construction areas and the ability to navigate uneven terrain. Physical requirements include standing, walking, bending, and occasional lifting up to 20 lbs. The role requires effective communication, both verbal and written, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under time constraints.

Performance Standard

Employees at all levels are expected to work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Flexible spending accounts
• 457 deferred compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays
• City retirement (mandatory)
• Weekly direct deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Newton recognizes the importance of a diverse workforce and encourages applicants of all backgrounds to apply. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status, and will not discriminate against any individual with respect to career or status changes.