Construction and Capital Project Officer

Johnston County Public Schools

Smithfield (NC)

On-site

USD 90,000 - 130,000

Full time

5 days ago

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Job summary

Johnston County Public Schools in Smithfield, North Carolina, seeks a Construction and Capital Projects Officer to provide district‑level leadership and oversight of construction, renovation, capital improvement, and major projects. You will ensure projects are planned, designed, procured, constructed, and completed in line with district priorities, budgets, schedules, and codes.

This role leads long-range capital planning, serves as the primary liaison with architects, engineers, contractors,

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, architectural engineering, or a closely related field.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in construction, engineering, capital projects, project management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing complex construction or capital projects.
Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, consultants, and contractors.

Responsibilities

Capital Planning and Long-Range Planning: Develop and maintain a comprehensive, long-range capital improvement and construction plan aligned with district growth and priorities.
Project Management: Manage construction and capital projects from planning through closeout, including budgets, timelines, and deliverables.
Design and Construction Oversight: Coordinate with architects, engineers, and contractors and review designs and progress.
Contract and Financial Management: Monitor contracts, change orders, payments, and expenditures; ensure compliance with district procedures and NC law.
Communication and Coordination: Serve as primary district contact for projects and provide updates to Superintendent and Cabinet.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, architectural engineering, or a closely related field

Job description

Construction and Capital Project Officer

Johnston County Public Schools School Improvement Services - Smithfield, North Carolina Open in Google Maps

Job Details

Job ID: 5889744

Application Deadline: Posted until filled

Posted: Aug 17, 2026 4:00 AM (UTC)

Starting Date: Immediately

Job Description

JOHNSTON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSJOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE OF POSITION: Construction and Capital Projects Officer

LOCATION: Facilities and Capital Projects Department

MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 Months

SALARY: Administrative Salary Scale (Salary will be competitive based on qualifications and experience.)

REPORTS TO: Superintendent

JOB GOALS: The Construction and Capital Projects Officer provides district-level leadership and oversight for Johnston County Public Schools’ construction, renovation, capital improvement, and major capital projects. The position is responsible for ensuring projects are properly planned, designed, procured, constructed, and completed in accordance with district priorities, approved budgets, established schedules, applicable laws, building codes, and district standards.

The Officer leads the district’s long-range capital project planning process and serves as the primary district liaison with architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, consultants, governmental agencies, and other project stakeholders.

This position does not have responsibility for facilities maintenance, custodial services, grounds, or routine facilities operations. The Officer will work closely with the Facilities Officer during planning and design to ensure long-term operational, maintenance, and facility needs are appropriately considered.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, architecture, architectural engineering, or a closely related field.
Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in construction, engineering, capital projects, project management, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing complex construction or capital projects.
Demonstrated experience managing project budgets, schedules, contracts, consultants, and contractors.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Engineering degree and professional engineering experience.
Demonstrated experience in long-range capital project planning.
Experience developing and managing a multi-year capital improvement program.
Experience with K-12 school construction and capital improvement programs.
Experience working with a public school district, local government, or governmental agency.
Professional certification such as Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Construction Manager (CCM), Project Management Professional (PMP), or similar credential.
Knowledge of North Carolina school construction and public bidding requirements.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Capital Planning and Long-Range Planning

Develop and maintain a comprehensive, long-range capital improvement and construction plan aligned with district growth, enrollment projections, facility needs, educational priorities, and district strategic priorities.

Conduct and coordinate capital needs assessments and establish project priorities based on facility conditions, enrollment growth, capacity, program needs, and district priorities.
Develop preliminary project scopes, budgets, timelines, and funding strategies.
Assist the Superintendent and Cabinet with long-range capital planning and capital funding recommendations.
Monitor enrollment growth, facility capacity, and demographic trends to anticipate future construction and expansion needs.
Evaluate project delivery methods and make recommendations regarding the most effective approach for individual projects.
Develop recommendations for new schools, additions, renovations, replacements, and major capital improvements.

Project Management

Manage construction and capital projects from initial planning through design, procurement, construction, closeout, and warranty.
Establish and monitor project budgets, schedules, milestones, deliverables, and performance expectations.
Review plans, specifications, estimates, schedules, change orders, pay applications, and other project documents.
Monitor projects for compliance with approved scope, budget, schedule, quality standards, and contract requirements. Weekly onsite visits will be expected.
Identify project risks, delays, cost concerns, and potential conflicts and develop appropriate corrective actions.
Provide regular project updates and recommendations to the Superintendent.

Design and Construction Oversight

Coordinate with architects, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and consultants throughout the project.
Lead district design review processes and coordinate input from appropriate departments.
Work with the Facilities Officer during planning and design to ensure long-term maintenance, operational, utility, access, and facility considerations are incorporated into projects.
Coordinate with school administrators and district departments regarding construction impacts, phasing, temporary facilities, relocations, and campus operations.
Conduct regular construction site visits to monitor progress, quality, schedule, and compliance with contract documents.
Coordinate inspections, punch lists, commissioning, project closeout, warranties, as-built documents, and turnover.
Ensure completed projects are appropriately transitioned to the Facilities Officer and other responsible district departments.

Contract and Financial Management

Monitor construction and professional service contracts to ensure contractual obligations are met.
Review and recommend approval of change orders, pay applications, amendments, and other project-related financial documents.
Track project expenditures, commitments, contingencies, and remaining balances.
Monitor project budgets and identify potential cost overruns or financial risks.
Coordinate with Finance and Purchasing to ensure compliance with district procedures and applicable North Carolina law.
Ensure appropriate bonding, insurance, warranties, and other contractual protections are in place.

Communication and Coordination

Serve as the primary district contact for assigned construction and capital projects.
Establish clear communication expectations with contractors, architects, engineers, school leaders, and district departments.
Provide regular written and verbal project updates to the Superintendent and Cabinet.
Communicate significant project delays, budget concerns, risks, and contract issues promptly.
Coordinate capital projects with the Facilities Officer, Finance, Purchasing, Technology, Safety and Security, Transportation, School Nutrition, and other departments as appropriate.
Represent Johnston County Public Schools in meetings with contractors, consultants, governmental agencies, community stakeholders, and other project partners.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to communicate orally and in writing with parents, staff, and community members.
Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational functions of fingering, grasping, kneeling, sitting, walking, stooping, reaching, lifting, pushing, pulling, talking, seeing, hearing, and repetitive motion.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid NC driver's license.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with parents, teachers, students, administrators, community leaders, agency representatives and others.
Ability to develop and compile a variety of records and reports.
Must be adaptable to performing under stress and when confronted with emergency situations.

DISCLAIMERS: The above statements are intended to describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this position. They are not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and skills that may be required of the employees assigned to this position. This description may be revised by the supervisor, with HR review and approval, at any time.

Johnston County Public Schools is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in the employment or promotion of employees on the basis of gender, race, religion, age, national origin or disability.

Position Type: Full-Time

Job Requirements