ABOUT CACTUS PIPELINE CONTRACTORS
Cactus Pipeline Contractors is an Arizona-based wet utility contractor specializing in underground utility construction throughout the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area. We deliver high-quality water main, sewer, storm drain, and related infrastructure for municipal, commercial, and residential clients across Maricopa and Pinal counties. Our teams are known for safe, efficient, and well-managed project delivery in one of the most demanding construction environments in the country. As we continue to grow, we are seeking an experienced Project Manager who thrives in a fast-paced, field-oriented organization.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Project Manager is responsible for the end-to-end planning, execution, and closeout of wet utility construction projects ranging from small municipal service replacements to large-scale infrastructure installations. This role serves as the primary point of contact between the owner/client, design team, subcontractors, inspectors, and field crew — ensuring that every project is delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and to the quality standards Cactus Pipeline Contractors is known for.
This is a hybrid field and office position. The Project Manager is expected to be regularly present on active job sites across the Phoenix metro, including during Arizona summer conditions. Candidates must be physically capable of performing site walks in extreme heat and comfortable leading crews in a demanding outdoor construction environment.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Planning & Preconstruction
- Review and thoroughly understand contract documents, plans, specifications, and scope of work for awarded projects
- Develop detailed project schedules in coordination with field superintendents, identifying critical path activities, milestones, and resource constraints
- Manage subcontractor and supplier bidding, selection, and contract execution
- Lead project kickoff meetings with owners, engineers, inspectors, and field leadership
- Coordinate permitting, utility locates (Arizona 811 / Blue Stake), and right-of-way requirements prior to project start
- Submit and manage shop drawings, material submittals, and RFIs in a timely manner
Project Execution & Field Oversight
- Serve as the primary point of contact for clients, engineers of record, municipal inspectors, and agency representatives throughout construction
- Conduct regular site visits to monitor work progress, quality of installation, and crew productivity — including walks of 2–5 miles across active construction sites in all weather conditions, including Arizona summer heat exceeding 110°F
- Enforce company safety standards, OSHA requirements, ADOSH heat illness prevention protocols, and project-specific safety plans on all job sites
- Review daily field reports, production logs, and time sheets; ensure accurate and timely documentation
- Proactively identify and resolve field issues, conflicts, and design discrepancies before they impact schedule or cost
- Manage subcontractor performance, coordination, and compliance with contract requirements
- Track and document changes in scope; prepare and negotiate change order requests with owners and engineers
Budget & Cost Management
- Maintain project budgets and track costs against the original estimate throughout the project lifecycle
- Produce accurate monthly cost projections and job cost forecasts for reporting to company leadership
- Identify cost risks early and develop mitigation strategies to protect project margin
- Review and approve subcontractor and supplier invoices in alignment with contract terms
- Prepare and submit owner pay applications on a timely basis; manage lien waiver and billing documentation
Project Closeout
- Coordinate final inspections, punch list resolution, and agency acceptance processes
- Compile and submit as-built drawings, O&M manuals, test reports, and closeout documentation
- Pursue timely final billing and release of retainage
- Conduct post-project reviews with field leadership to document lessons learned and improve future performance
Team Leadership & Communication
- Provide clear direction and support to field superintendents and foremen; help solve problems without undermining field leadership
- Mentor and develop junior project engineers, estimators, and field personnel as the company grows
- Communicate project status, risks, and schedule updates proactively to company ownership and leadership
- Foster a culture of accountability, quality, and safety at every level of the project team
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- 3–7+ years of project management experience in wet utility, underground utility, or civil/municipal construction
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple concurrent projects totaling $2M+ in contract value
- Strong working knowledge of water, sewer, and storm drain construction methods, materials, and specifications
- Proficiency with construction project management software (Procore, Viewpoint, or similar)
- Experience with scheduling tools (Microsoft Project, Primavera P6, or equivalent)
- Ability to read and interpret civil construction drawings, utility plans, and technical specifications
- Thorough understanding of contract management, change order processes, and pay application preparation
- Valid Arizona driver's license with clean driving record
- OSHA 10 certification required; OSHA 30 preferred
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with City of Mesa, City of Phoenix, Maricopa County, ADOT, or other Arizona municipal/agency projects
- Familiarity with MAG (Maricopa Association of Governments) Standard Specifications and Details
- Experience managing projects under public works contracts, including DBE requirements and prevailing wage compliance
- Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (equivalent field experience accepted)
- PE license or EIT status a plus, but not required
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred given Arizona workforce composition
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & ARIZONA FIELD CONDITIONS
While the Project Manager role includes significant office and administrative responsibilities, regular presence on active construction sites is a core expectation of this position. Candidates must be physically capable of performing job site visits and walkthroughs in Arizona's extreme desert climate.
Field Physical Demands
- Walk a minimum of 2–5 miles per site visit across active construction sites, uneven terrain, open excavations, and graded surfaces — including in direct sun and ambient temperatures exceeding 110°F during Arizona summer months
- Stand and observe field operations for extended periods on hard surfaces including concrete, asphalt, and compacted soil
- Climb in and out of equipment staging areas, access active work zones, and navigate trench and pipe installation areas safely
- Lift and carry plans, laptops, field equipment, and materials up to 30 lbs
- Maintain footing on slopes, gravel, loose soil, and uneven excavated surfaces
- Drive to and from multiple project sites throughout the Phoenix metro area daily
Arizona Heat & Environmental Conditions
- Ability to perform sustained outdoor activity in ambient temperatures of 100°F–115°F+ during regular summer site visits
- Must stay hydrated and follow all company heat illness prevention protocols during field visits
- Recognize heat illness warning signs in yourself and crew members; respond appropriately and escalate when needed
- Exposure to dust, noise, traffic, equipment, UV radiation, and construction site conditions during all field visits
- Willingness to conduct early-morning site visits during summer months when crew start times may begin as early as 4:30–5:00 AM
Visual & Cognitive Demands
- Sufficient vision to read construction plans, digital screens, and field markings in bright sunlight
- Ability to concentrate and make sound decisions in loud, fast-paced, and high-pressure field environments
- Strong attention to detail when reviewing contracts, submittals, pay applications, and field documentation
SCHEDULE & WORK CONDITIONS
- Full-time salaried position; standard office hours supplemented by field visits and project demands
- Extended hours, early mornings, and occasional weekend availability expected during active project phases or critical project milestones
- Project locations vary across the Greater Phoenix Metropolitan Area including Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Glendale, Peoria, and surrounding communities
- Company vehicle provided for field travel
- Primary office base in Mesa, Arizona with regular field presence across active projects
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, qualifications, and project portfolio
- EOY Bonus
- Company vehicle
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid holidays and PTO
- Company-provided laptop, phone, and field equipment
- OSHA 30 and professional development support
- Opportunities for advancement into Senior PM, Operations Manager, or Estimating leadership roles as the company grows
Pay: $75,000.00 - $110,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company truck
- Dental insurance
- Fuel card
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
