Project Manager- Civil Engineering

bhamgov; Birmingham (MI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Birmingham is seeking an Engineering Department Project Manager to oversee multiple municipal road construction and infrastructure projects from design through completion. The role includes coordinating field staff, consultants, and contractors, ensuring compliance with standards, and serving as the liaison with city departments and the public.

The ideal candidate will have a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and at least five years of municipal engineering or

Qualifications

• Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and 5+ years in municipal engineering/public works project management.
• Experience administering public construction contracts and supervising field inspectors.
• Strong budgeting, cost control, and scheduling capabilities.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate, and manage multiple municipal road and infrastructure projects from design through completion.
• Oversee engineering technicians, inspectors, and field staff on construction projects.
• Monitor contractor performance for compliance with contracts, specifications, and safety rules.
• Review pay estimates, change orders, and contract documents for accuracy and compliance.
• Prepare project records, meetings, and documentation; respond to inquiries from the public and stakeholders.

Skills

Municipal project management

Contract administration

Budgeting and cost control

Stakeholder communication

Leadership of field staff

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related field

Tools

GIS/CAD

Project management software

MS Office

Job description

The City of Birmingham (EOE) is searching for an Engineering Department Project Manager. Responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and managing multiple municipal road construction and infrastructure projects from design through completion. This position oversees City field staff, consultants and contractors, ensures compliance with engineering standards and contract specifications, resolves construction issues, reviews and approves pay estimates and change orders, and serves as the primary liaison between contractors, consultants, city departments, and the public.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Manage multiple roadway, street reconstruction, utility, sidewalk, and infrastructure projects simultaneously.
• Oversee and direct engineering technicians, inspectors, and other field staff assigned to construction projects.
• Monitor contractor performance to ensure compliance with plans, specifications, schedules, safety requirements, and quality standards.
• Conduct regular field inspections and resolve construction issues in a timely and effective manner.
• Review contractor pay estimates, progress payments, and supporting documentation for accuracy and contract compliance.
• Prepare, review, negotiate, and process change orders, contract modifications, and project documentation.
• Coordinate project schedules with contractors, utility companies, consultants, and internal city departments.
• Monitor project budgets, expenditures, and funding to ensure projects remain within approved budgets.
• Interpret engineering plans, specifications, contracts, and applicable regulations.
• Maintain project records, reports, meeting minutes, and construction documentation.
• Respond to contractor inquiries, resident concerns, and stakeholder questions regarding construction activities as needed.
• Conduct construction progress meetings and coordinate project updates with city leadership.
• Identify project risks and develop practical solutions to minimize delays and cost impacts.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations governing public infrastructure projects.
• Assist in the preparation of bid documents, construction contracts, and project specifications.
• Support long‑term capital improvement planning and project development.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of municipal road construction methods, materials, and engineering practices.
• Thorough understanding of public works construction contracts and specifications.
• Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Experience reviewing contractor pay applications, quantities, and change orders.
• Knowledge of project budgeting and construction cost control.
• Ability to supervise and mentor field personnel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and time management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and engineering/project management software.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, elected officials, city staff, and the public.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal engineering, public works construction, or infrastructure project management.
• Experience administering public construction contracts and overseeing field inspection activities.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer‑in‑Training (EIT) certification preferred.
• Experience with municipal capital improvement programs.
• Knowledge of State standards and municipal procurement requirements.
• Experience with construction management software and GIS/CAD applications.

Working Conditions

• Combination of office and outdoor field work.
• Frequent travel to construction sites.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions, traffic, construction equipment, noise, dust, and uneven terrain.
• Occasional evening meetings or emergency response may be required.