Project Manager

City-of-Palm-Springs,-Ca; Palm Springs (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CalPERS retirement

Job summary

City of Palm Springs is seeking a seasoned Project Manager to lead capital improvement programs within the Public Works Department. The role requires coordinating with multiple City divisions, developers, and outside agencies to deliver complex projects on time and within budget.

The ideal candidate holds a Bachelor's degree in a related field, at least four years in public project management, and may have a PM certification.

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in project management for public facilities.
• Bachelor's degree in project management, engineering, or related field.
• Public sector experience preferred; PM certification preferred.
• Proficiency in MS Office; experience with construction management software is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Oversee capital improvement projects from design to completion.
• Coordinate with City divisions, developers, and outside agencies.
• Prepare bids, contracts, and negotiate with consultants.
• Monitor budgets, schedules, and compliance with laws and policies.
• Perform field inspections and ensure safety and quality standards.

Skills

Project management

Budgeting

Team management

Public works

Gantt schedules

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, construction management, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Gantt schedules

Construction management software

Job description

Salary Note

Although the full salary range for this position is provided, appointments are made at the range minimum.

THE CITY:

Palm Springs, located in the Coachella Valley, is known for its luxurious yet relaxed lifestyle. Picture waking up to fresh air, surrounded by palm trees, and enjoying stunning mountain views. This city offers a perfect blend of nature and modern living for both residents and visitors. Palm Springs is ideal for families, offering numerous parks, gardens, and nature reserves for leisurely activities and wildlife encounters. With a wide range of attractions and events, there’s always something fun for everyone in the family. To see the exciting things going on visit the Engage Palm Springs website. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace, from policies to inclusive healthcare, and making people of various backgrounds feel welcome and supported. To view our recent Human Rights Campaign, visit the Municipal Equity Index (Download PDF reader) website.

THE POSITION:

is a member of the Public Works Department and assists providing highly complex and difficult operational and technical support in the coordination and monitoring of capital improvement projects and a variety of public works programs; oversees, coordinates, and implements assigned projects and activities; coordinates projects and activities with other City divisions, developers, and outside agencies; conducts field inspections of City facilities and City-maintained areas; provides highly responsible staff assistance to the public works areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

Essential responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Performs highly complex operational and administrative work involved in the coordination and monitoring of capital improvement projects and a variety of public works programs; oversees, coordinates, and implements assigned projects and activities; coordinates projects and activities with other City divisions, developers, and outside agencies; conducts field inspections of City facilities and City-maintained properties; ensures accuracy, availability of funds, and compliance with City policies, codes, ordinances, and State and Federal Laws.
• Serves as project manager for capital improvement projects, including overseeing and coordinating the activities of consultants during design, bid document and specification preparation, and project implementation; recommends awards of contracts; performs construction management.
• Develops and implements plans; check reviews and inspections of various projects for compliance with City, State and Federal standards; coordinates and participates in project team meetings; monitors progress of projects and disbursements of payments.
• Plans, directs, and coordinates assigned capital improvement project work plans; meets with consultants and staff to identify and resolve problems; coordinates projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; reviews and approves consultant submittals; reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures.
• Assists in the preparation and review of bid documents, requests for proposals, and contracts; assists in the bid process for services and materials related to various projects; participates in the selection of contract services; negotiates contracts Inspects, tracks, and evaluates contractor performance and progress according to industry standards.
• Assists in the preparation and monitoring of department budget, purchasing activities, and yearly revenue projections; recommend expenditure requests for designated programs; monitors and oversees contracts, budgets, and other financial information for programs and department; performs a full range of accounting duties in support of assigned area.
• Prepares and monitors capital improvement project schedules and coordinates implementation of assigned projects through completion.
• Performs inspections during all phases of infrastructure and capital improvement construction projects for conformance with approved plans, specifications, contract provisions, environmental approvals, and safe work practices in accordance with all applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
• Represents the City in negotiating and conferring with consultants, other jurisdictions, external agencies, and others involved in capital improvement project execution.
• Identifies funding sources for future projects; prepares and submits grant applications.
• Evaluates and maintains records on the status of projects; prepares reports and correspondence concerning new or ongoing programs and program effectiveness; prepares statistical reports as needed.
• Assists and participates in the development, updating, and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, priorities, ordinances, rules, and processes for assigned programs and Department; recommends and administers as requested.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the fields of construction project management and capital improvement projects.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in project management, planning, and designing public facilities, and/or involvement in construction management for public or related projects is required. (Public sector agency includes State, County, School, or City Government, Law Enforcement, or other Public Sector Agency.)
• Proficiency in construction management tools, including but not limited to Gantt schedules, is preferred.
• Proficiency in construction management software is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, and/or PowerPoint) is preferred.

In addition to the above, the ideal candidate will possess strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and theories of coordination and monitoring of capital improvement projects and public works programs, and possess the following:

• Key Competencies
  • Contract negotiation
  • Strategy Development
  • Technical Competence
  • Public Relation
• Core Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Project Management
  • Budgeting and Cost Management
  • Team Management
  • Critical Thinking & Problem Solving Skills

Education:

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in project management, engineering, construction management for public projects or related field, or any combination of education and expertise that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver License with a satisfactory driving record required (a driving record may be deemed unsatisfactory for any of the following reasons: three or more moving violations or reportable accident within the last three years; conviction of driving under the influence within the last five years.)
• Project Management Certification is preferred.

Special Requirements:

• Must be willing and able to work various hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Incumbent will be enrolled in the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) Pull Notice Program. The DMV Pull Notice Program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and driving record status on a periodic basis to the City.
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment background investigation and a physical and drug screen.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The following work environment and physical conditions described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations.

Environmental Conditions

This position works in a field environment, travel site to site, and shop environment or Aviation environment with exposure to noise, dust, grease, fumes, motorized equipment, inclement weather conditions, and potentially dangerous situations and may work on slippery or uneven surfaces; may be exposed to emergency situations.

Physical Conditions

Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, walking, or standing for prolonged periods; moderate lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, kneeling, bending, climbing; operating motorized equipment and vehicles; move and lift up to 25 pounds; communicate in person; driving a vehicle for extended periods.

Selection Process Information

The selection process for this position may include one or more of the following: application review, qualification review, written exam, practical exam, oral panel exam, and department interview.

Disaster Service Worker

In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, City of Palm Springs Employees, in the event of a disaster, are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.

Contact

The City of Palm Springs 3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.palmspringsca.gov 760-323-8215

Benefits

The City offers an excellent benefit package and retirement plan through California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS). Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.

Closing Information

Applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on October 5, 2026, to be considered for this opportunity. The City of Palm Springs reserves the right to accelerate or extend the "Closing Date" of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The City of Palm Springs is an equal employment opportunity employer and we encourage all persons to file applications. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, family or marital status, disability, medical condition or pregnancy, genetic information, religious or political affiliation, or veteran status.