Facilities Construction Project Manager Associate

UC Irvine; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Irvine seeks a Construction Project Manager Associate to support senior project managers on large projects and independently oversee small to mid-size renovations and Minor Capital Projects. The role guides projects from concept and budget through construction, ensuring scope, budgets, and schedules align with university standards.

The position requires knowledge of building codes, design development, and contract administration, with strong communication and organizational skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related area or equivalent experience/training.
• 0-4 years experience in Architectural, Engineering, or Facilities fields.

Responsibilities

• Supports and assists senior project managers on large projects, from planning and design through close-out, including documentation, logs, change orders, schedules, budgets, and estimates.
• Coordinate small design and construction projects, including program development, bids, and supervising construction contractors.
• Ensure conformance to regulatory requirements and organizational policies throughout reviews.

Skills

Building and construction knowledge

Project coordination

Budgeting

Communication skills

MS Office

Negotiation

Scheduling

Contract administration

Education

Bachelor's degree in related area

Tools

Project Management software

Construction management software

MS Office

Job description

Your Role on the Team

The Construction Project Manager Associate supports senior Construction Project Managers (Levels 3-5) on large projects while independently overseeing small to mid‑size renovation, maintenance, repair, and Minor Capital Projects. Guides each project from initial design concept and budget development through final construction coordination, with regular supervisory input. Evaluates program requirements, budget constraints, building systems, utility infrastructure, and code compliance to define and communicate project scope. Ensures all projects meet regulatory standards and organizational policies through structured review processes. Proactively identifies opportunities to adjust construction and design contracts to better align with evolving project needs. Maintains consistent communication with key stakeholders by delivering timely status updates and progress reports as required.

Key Responsibilities

• Supports and assists senior project managers on large projects, from the planning and design phase, through the close‑out process including but not limited to maintaining project documentation and logs, reviewing contract documents and change orders, reviewing project progress and assisting with inspection, drafting and reviewing project schedules, budgets, construction documents, estimates, etc.
• Interfaces and coordinates work with other units, i.e., Parking and Transportation, UCPD and CNS.
• Coordinates small design and construction projects, including developing program, bids, and supervising construction and contractors.
• Manages project reviews for conformance to regulatory requirements and organization policies.
• Oversees and ensures all training and close‑out documentation meet the contract requirements and are properly turned over to the appropriate entity, including warranties, record drawings and Operations & Maintenance Manuals.
• Takes initiative to make recommendations to modify construction and design contracts to incorporate needs of the project.
• Performs organizational and administrative activities not directly relating to projects, including serving on organization committees representing the department or unit.
• Creates projects in Project Management software applications, including systematic reporting and updating of project status as required by Capital Project Management including budget and schedule.
• Work closely with Facilities Management inspection group, D&CS contracts unit, Project Accounting and Facilities Management Maintenance and Operations group to ensure University and Public Policy are adhered to and project delivery.
• Participate in Emergency Response Building Rapid Assessment Team, and other duties assigned.

What It Takes to be Successful

• Knowledge of building and construction, design, construction contract administration and California Building Codes.
• Skills to develop project scope and drawings.
• Computer skills in word processing, spreadsheet, and MS Office skills.
• Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including effective negotiation skills.
• Good organizational and analytical skills. Detail oriented to accurately proof contracts and other documents.
• Skill in working with people who have levels of design and construction knowledge ranging from detailed to very limited, to assist their understanding of the project scope, design decisions, associated costs, project schedule, and code and standard compliance and achieve a high level of customer satisfaction.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.
• 0-4 years experience in Architectural, Engineering, or Facilities fields including experience as part of a team planning and organizing to execute renovation projects ranging in value from $50,000 and up.

Driver's License

• Required to hold a valid drivers license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program.

Preferred

• Demonstrated ability to manage contractors and maintain compliance to the agreed‑upon scope of work and budget.
• Skilled in construction project management software.
• Knowledge of industry standards and utility system characteristics when inspecting and surveying building infrastructure for the basis of project design development.
• Ability to work with consultants and material vendors in exploring design and construction options.
• Knowledge of University Policies and Procedures applicable to the Irvine Campus.
• Knowledge of principles used in preparing man‑hour and material estimates for various types of projects.
• Skills in adjusting industry estimated procedures and guides to accommodate project specific conditions.
• Knowledge of Public Contracting Code and Policies as they pertain to procuring professional services, purchase orders, and construction contracts.
• USGBC LEED credentials.
• Project Management Institute‑PMP.
• Association of Energy Engineers‑Certified Energy Manager.
• Active California Department of Consumer Affairs - Architectural or Professional Engineer License.

Special Conditions

• Must be able to work outside of regular hours including on‑call.
• Must comply with UC vaccine policy.
• Must be able to wear PPE.

Total Rewards

Salary is negotiable based on experience. This is a one‑year contract position with the expectation of annual renewals. We offer a wealth of benefits to make working at UCI even more rewarding. These benefits may include medical insurance, sick and vacation time, retirement savings plans, and access to a number of discounts and perks. Please utilize the links listed here to learn more about our compensation practices and benefits. https://hr.uci.edu/new-hire/conditions-of-employment.php

Conditions Of Employment

• Background Check and Live Scan
• Employment Misconduct*
• Legal Right to work in the United States
• Vaccination Policies
• Smoking and Tobacco Policy
• Drug Free Environment
• Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
• Additional conditions may apply, some of which are dependent upon business unit or job specific requirements. Additional conditions include:
  • California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act
  • E-Verify
  • Pre-Placement Health Evaluation

Equal Opportunity Employer

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

We are committed to attracting and retaining a diverse workforce and honoring unique experiences, perspectives, and identities. Together, our community strives to create and maintain working and learning environments that are inclusive, equitable, and welcoming.

UCI provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request. For more information, please contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Consideration for Work Authorization Sponsorship

Must be able to provide proof of work authorization.