Assistant Project Manager

Summary: Under the supervision of the Park Planner, the Assistant Project Manager will manage the design, sale, and construction of various capital improvement projects with the goal of delivering high-quality results within the specified time and budget, in accordance with MetroParks strategic objectives and park-specific vision plans.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities – Essential Functions:

• Coordinating multiple, complex capital improvement projects from the design phase through the construction phase
• Liaising with internal and external project stakeholders concerning project details and deliverables
• Preparing Requests for Qualifications and/or Requests for Proposals to solicit professional services for specific projects and managing the selection process; and
• Conducting scope, fee and contract negotiations and managing contracts of consultants, vendors and contractors; and
• Reviewing and commenting on plans, specifications, and reports prepared by consultants; and
• Preparing designs, specifications, and opinions of cost for smaller projects that are within the Project Manager’s professional competency; and
• Arranging for proper advertising, bidding, and awarding of construction contracts; and
• Obtaining required permits and ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations; and
• Ensuring prevailing wage compliance for construction projects and acting as the Park District’s Prevailing Wage Coordinator as assigned; and
• Ensuring compliance with Federal requirements including non-discrimination and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise regulations on applicable projects involving Federal funding; and
• Conducting construction administration activities including but not limited to meetings, on-site review for compliance with contract specifications, negotiating change orders, reviewing payment requests, etc.; and
• Communicating with internal stakeholders regarding construction project impacts on park operations and reservable facilities; and
• Managing projects to meet grant deadlines and assisting with preparation of grant reports; and
• Tracking and reporting project progress against schedule and budget; and
• Maintaining organized project files with all required documentation; and
• Assisting the Park Planner as assigned with vision planning activities including public meetings; and
• Assisting the Park Planner as assigned with departmental budgeting; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of the principles and practices of parks, trails, open space and recreation planning and design, and the management and protection of sensitive natural and cultural

Resources; and

• Ability to develop creative and cost-effective solutions to problems; and
• In-depth written, graphic, and oral communication skills; and
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, stakeholders, partner organizations, staff, and the general public; and
• Knowledge of construction costs, scheduling, estimating and design principles and techniques; and
• Working knowledge of various construction methods and materials; and
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to building code, permitting, environmental laws and construction requirements; and
• Broad, general understanding of park operations and maintenance; and
• Highly proficient computer skills including: hardware and software, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, GIS, etc.; and
• Highly organized with the ability to multi-task, set priorities, develop schedules and meet deadlines; and
• Ability to work unsupervised, to organize and coordinate, to prioritize and self-initiate; and
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and decision-making that is aligned with the priorities of MetroParks, within the scope of the position’s responsibilities; and
• Ability to maintain confidentiality on sensitive issues and non-public records; and
• Ability to meet and interact with the public in a professional, helpful and pleasant manner. Acts as a goodwill ambassador for the MetroParks at all times.  Maintains a professional, cooperative working relationship with other staff members; and
• Follows MetroParks policies in Employee Guide and other policies as applicable; and

• The ability to effectively, efficiently, and safely complete assigned tasks in a timely manner is also required for this position.

Required Education and Experience:

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture, architecture, construction management, engineering, or a closely related field with a minimum of two (2) years of experience in the field. Previous experience in similar roles or projects is a plus.
• In lieu of the Bachelor’s degree requirement, one of the following certifications will also be accepted:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP), as recognized by the Project Management Institute; and/or
  • Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), as recognized by the Construction Specifications Institute; and/or
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) as recognized by the Construction Management Association of America;

• Demonstrated ability to apply technical knowledge to practical situations; and
• Must possess a broad, general business and working knowledge of planning, budgeting, purchasing, negotiating, etc.
• Must possess a working knowledge of natural history, environmental issues, public recreational pursuits, current industry standards and regulation applicable to public building and Capital Improvement Projects
• Good character with no history of serious criminal activity (felony convictions) is required of all persons who are candidates for employment or employees currently working under the provisions of this position description; and
• A valid driver’s license with an acceptable motor vehicle record allowing insurability by the park district’s current vehicle insurance carrier under existing coverage provisions at the time of employment and thereafter. Candidates for employment may not have more than 4 total points (or equivalent penalty) issued by a recognized licensing authority for driving-related violations on their driving record at the time of employment.

Work Environment & Schedule:

This position is a full time, exempt position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to extreme outside weather conditions including potential exposure to varying levels of temperature, humidity, and dry/wet conditions; dust, pollen or other airborne particles; and confined spaces.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk (often on uneven terrain), talk and hear.  The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and is required to reach with hands and arms.  The employee is required to sit; climb or balance; stoop or kneel; crouch or crawl; taste or smell.  The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and may occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodation will be made for known physical limitations of qualified employees and applicants with disabilities.

The position functions and responsibilities are illustrative only and do not represent all the duties or tasks to be assigned or performed by an employee with this position title.

Alternates to the above qualifications may be acceptable as approved by the Executive Director.