Project Manager - Engineering Department

City of Birmingham; Birmingham (MI); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Birmingham, MI is seeking an experienced Project Manager in the Engineering Department to plan, coordinate, and oversee multiple municipal road and infrastructure projects from design through completion. You will supervise field staff, consultants, and contractors, ensuring compliance with standards and contracts while acting as the primary liaison with residents and city departments.

The role requires strong knowledge of public works construction, budgeting, scheduling, and change

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction or engineering field required.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in public works/engineering.
• Experience administering public construction contracts and field inspections.
• Valid driver's license required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage multiple roadway, street reconstruction, utility, and infrastructure projects.
• Oversee engineering technicians, inspectors, and field staff.
• Monitor contractor performance for plans, schedules and safety.
• Review pay estimates, progress payments, and documentation for accuracy.
• Prepare and process change orders and contract modifications.
• Coordinate project schedules with contractors, utilities, consultants, and City departments.
• Monitor project budgets and funding to stay within approved limits.
• Interpret plans, specs, contracts, and regulations.
• Maintain project records, reports, and meeting minutes.
• Support long-term capital improvement planning and project development.

Skills

Municipal road construction

Contract administration

Budgeting & cost control

Leadership of field staff

Communication skills

Problem solving

Scheduling & coordination

Microsoft Office

GIS/CAD applications

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related fields

Tools

Engineering/project management software

GIS/CAD tools

Job description

The City of Birmingham an Equal Opportunity Employer, is seeking applicants for a Project Manager in the Engineering Department.

Position Summary

The Engineering Department Project Manager is responsible for 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 Construction Management, Engineering Technology, or related fields.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in engineering design, contract administration, field experience, municipal engineering, public works/infrastructure construction, or construction project management.
• Working knowledge administering public construction contracts and overseeing field inspection activities.
• Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with municipal capital improvement programs.
• Knowledge of State standards and municipal procurement requirements.
• Experience with construction management software and GIS/CAD applications.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license or Engineer-in-Training (EIT) certification preferred but not required.

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.

If selected for this position, you must successfully complete a background check, physical examination, and drug screen before employment begins.