Construction Services Project Manager

baxterwoodman; Crystal Lake (IL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Baxter & Woodman, Inc. in Crystal Lake, IL, seeks a Construction Project Manager to support municipal transportation and infrastructure projects across McHenry County and the Chicagoland area.

You will lead on-site observation, coordinate with contractors and public agencies, mentor junior engineers, and ensure timely, cost-effective delivery on roadways, bridges, water systems, and related structures.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of proven progressive experience in construction engineering.
• IDOT/Tollway experience required.
• Past experience on IDOT or Illinois Tollway projects.
• Professional Engineering License preferred.

Responsibilities

• Conduct on-site observation of work, repairs, and testing, as needed.
• Recommend alterations to development and design to improve the quality of projects.
• Manage multiple small and large projects successfully.
• Monitor progress schedule and shop drawings.
• Provide general civil engineering and municipal client service.
• Requires effective communication with residents, businesses and public agency representatives.
• Resolve construction conflicts and prepare cost-effective solutions.
• Endeavor to provide protection for owner against defects and deficiencies in the work.
• Serve as liaison with contractor, primarily through the contractor’s superintendent.
• Maintain job site records of Daily Reports, meeting minutes, submittals, and pay requests.
• Review and request adjustments of compensation and/or contract time.
• Prepare payment estimates.
• Address resident complaints and concerns.
• Coordinate with the contractor and other duties as needed or assigned.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

Skills

Effective communication

Team collaboration

Organizational skills

Computer proficiency

Education

B.S. Civil/Construction Engineering

Professional Engineering License

Tools

IDOT CMMS

Job description

Why you should join our team! Why Baxter & Woodman?

At Baxter & Woodman, both seasoned professionals and recent graduates find more than a job; they uncover a long‑lasting, fulfilling career with a distinguished leader in technology and innovation. Our work environment is extraordinary and being honored as one of the 2026 Zweig Best Firms to Work For exemplifies our appreciation and respect for our dedicated staff.

About the role, Your Impact

Baxter & Woodman, Inc. is seeking a Construction Project Manager in our Crystal Lake, IL office. The Construction Project Manager will support the firm’s construction group on a variety of projects ranging from roadways and bridges to underground installation and treatment plant construction. Additionally, the candidate will be assisting with the firm’s design and other staff when required. The engineering position will also offer the opportunity to work directly with firm clients.

You will need to be available to represent our municipal clients in the management and observation of activities related to Transportation and Infrastructure construction projects located predominantly in McHenry County and in the Chicagoland and surrounding counties.

Types of projects include roadway reconstruction, resurfacing and intersection improvements, bridge and structural improvements, water main, storm water collection and distribution systems, and associated pipelines and structures. Projects will require services ranging from several weeks to several years in duration, with variable schedules and/or hours, and will be located at one of our construction project sites.

What your day-to-day will look like, what you will learn on the job

• Conduct on-site observation of work, repairs, and testing, as needed.
• Recommend alterations to development and design to improve the quality of projects.
• Manage multiple small and large projects successfully.
• Monitor progress schedule and shop drawings.
• Provide general civil engineering and municipal client service.
• Requires effective communication, both oral and written, with residents, businesses, and public agency representative.
• Resolve construction conflicts and prepare cost-effective solutions.
• Endeavor to provide protection for owner against defects and deficiencies in the work.
• Serve as liaison with contractor, working principally through contractor’s superintendent.
• Maintain job site records of Daily Reports, job meeting minutes, approved shop drawing submittals, and pay requests.
• Maintain records of time, equipment, and material needs for any changes in the work that may result in a change order. Review and request adjustments of compensation and/or contract time.
• Prepare payment estimates.
• Address resident complaints and concerns.
• Coordinate with the contractor and other duties as needed or assigned.
• Mentor less experienced engineers.

Must-haves, what you will bring

• 10+ years of proven progressive experience in construction engineering.
• IDOT/Tollway experience required.
• Past experience on IDOT or Illinois Tollway projects.
• Chicago DOT and METRA construction experience desirable.
• Computer skills and mastery of proprietary software (IDOT CMMS program, etc).
• Effective communication, both oral and written, with residents, businesses and public agencies.
• Ability to travel throughout Chicago area.
• Work in a team environment.
• Strong written, verbal, computer and organizational skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• B.S. degree in Civil/Construction Engineering from an accredited program with an emphasis in construction engineering.
• Professional Engineering License.
• Project Management experience working with Local Agencies, IDOT, Tollway, Counties, etc.
• Previous experience overseeing staff in a supervisory capacity.

Compensation

The pay range for this role is $100,000 to $130,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to skill set, depth of experience, and certifications.

You matter! Our outstanding benefits

At our organization, we prioritize the holistic well‑being of our employees through a comprehensive range of benefits. This commitment is evident in our healthcare offerings, including medical, dental, and vision plans, alongside an Employee Assistance Program and dedicated benefit advisors for personalized support. Financial well‑being is enhanced through our financial planning program, life and disability insurance, tax savings plans, and coverage for accidents, and cancer. Balancing work and life, we provide generous paid time off, paid holidays, parental leave, and flexible work arrangements, including the option to work from home on half Fridays and varied schedules. Additionally, we lead the industry by offering 401k plans, supported by expert financial advisors, and an Employee Stock Ownership program, ensuring our employees are not just part of a workplace but a thriving, supportive community dedicated to their well‑being, financial security, and happiness.

Baxter & Woodman is an equal opportunity - Vet/Disability employer