Job Class: Project Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Effective Date: June 2026
Definition
Under general direction, this position performs professional level work in a wide variety of project management activities, including planning, organizing, coordinating, supervising, and directing activities associated with District programs and projects. Tasks may include project monitoring, planning, and review as well as document preparation, construction oversight and management, quality control and assurance, and contract and service agreement development, preparation, and execution, including budget oversight.
Distinguishing Characteristics
This is the journey level classification, performing a broad range of tasks in support of District activities. This position is fully trained in the scope of duties associated with this level.
Examples of Essential Duties
The following duties are typical for this position. Depending upon the assignment, the employee may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Management retains the right to add, remove, or change duties at any time.
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Plans, organizes, administers, develops and implements various District projects and their scope, schedule, and budget; participates in all phases of project management.
- Develops consultant scopes of work and requests for qualifications and proposals, evaluates proposals, and assists in selection of consultants.
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Develops plans/specifications/invitations to bid, evaluates bids, and assists in selection of contractors.
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Oversees contracts for consultants, contractors, and/or vendors.
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Reviews and/or assists with preparation of project reports, plans, specifications, technical requirements, consultant contracts/agreements, and public works contracts.
- Manages grant applications and reporting.
- Monitors and inspects the work and progress of contractors; works to resolve issues timely.
- Identifies, tracks, and manages various regulatory compliance requirements/permitting aspects from project planning through construction.
- Prepares and administers budgets, manages project expenditures and assesses and recommends appropriate expenditure adjustments.
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Assists in the development and updating of planning documents.
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Responds to customer, consultant, contractor, and/or vendor inquiries and concerns.
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Collaboratively and effectively coordinates with other District departments/stakeholders.
- Drafts, presents, tracks, and completes contracts and service agreements.
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Prepares clear, accurate, and effective written correspondence.
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Assists with drafting technical and administrative reports.
Knowledge of:
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Rules, regulations and codes applicable to the District.
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District policies, rules, regulations and procedures.
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Urban water agency statutes, codes, and regulations, including water quality issues.
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Permitting and environmental aspects of public agency projects.
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Principles of budget development and expenditure control.
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Principles of supervision, training and management.
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Common office computer software and database programs, including the Microsoft Suite of Programs (Word, Excel, Outlook, Access and PowerPoint).
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Work safety standards and requirements.
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Public works procurement, competitive bidding, and contract law.
Ability To:
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Oversee and make sound decisions regarding multiple simultaneous projects, including contracts and budgets, to effectively achieve objectives and control risk.
- Effectively manage negotiations with consultants and contractors.
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Organize, implement, and direct staff and consultants to achieve efficient operations to meet District goals.
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Read, understand, review, interpret, and edit a wide range of documents, including studies/reports, proposal/project specifications and plans/drawings, and operating and maintenance procedure manuals associated with a wide range of projects.
- Effectively manage regulatory compliance activities for assigned projects.
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Effectively implement District regulations, policies, and procedures.
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Effectively represent the District in meetings, presentations, and discussions with the public, contractors, and other organizations.
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Develop recommendations and implications of various alternatives to resolving problems; interpret laws, legislative ordinances, administrative policies and procedures.
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Independently manage multiple concurrent projects, coordinate with staff across departments, and ensure project outcomes are effectively integrated into ongoing District operations.[
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Prepare concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, agreements and responses to consultants/contractors/vendors.
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Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with coworkers, outside agencies, vendors, consultants/contractors, local community groups, public officials and the general public.
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Operate a computer for word processing, database, spreadsheet and presentation applications, and department/project-specific software.
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Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
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Initiate and maintain effective safety practices that relate to the nature of work.
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Pass pre-employment physical and background check.
Experience: Two (2) years of progressively responsible project leadership or management experience in relevant fields, preferably in government-related projects.
AND
Education:
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in engineering, construction management, public works administration, or related technical/management field.
OR equivalent to an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in engineering, construction management, public works administration, or related technical/management field with two (2) additional years of full-time project leadership or management work experience may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree requirement.
OR an additional two (2) years of full-time project leadership or management work experience, for a total of six (6) years, may be substituted for the educational requirements above with a high school diploma or equivalent.
License and/or Certifications:
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Valid California Driver’s License issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles and proof of good driving record as evidenced by freedom from multiple or serious traffic violations or accidents for at least two (2) years duration. The driving record will not contribute to an increase in the District’s automobile rates. Individuals who do not meet this requirement due to a physical disability will be considered for accommodation on a case-by-case basis.
Working Conditions and Physical Demands
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
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Travels occasionally by airplane and frequently by automobile conducting District business.
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Communicates frequently with District staff, consultants, contractors, and the public in one-to-one and group settings.
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Regularly uses telephone and email for communication.
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Regularly uses office equipment such as computers and copiers.
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Occasionally walks in uneven terrain, in an outdoor environment, making inspections of District facilities and construction projects.
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Sits for extended time periods.
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Hearing and vision within normal ranges with or without correction.
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May be required to wear personal protective equipment and follow safety protocols when visiting field or construction sites.
The specific statements shown in each section of this class specification are not intended to be all-inclusive. They represent typical elements and criteria necessary to successfully perform the job.
