Project Manager - Traffic

City of Escondido; Escondido (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Escondido is seeking a skilled individual to provide leadership in municipal project programs and construction management activities.

Responsibilities include managing multiple consultants, preparing engineering reports, and ensuring project compliance with legal standards. A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field and four years of relevant experience are required. Join the City of Escondido in making impactful contributions to urban development.

Qualifications

• Four years of responsible public works contract administration or construction project management experience.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including public contract law.
• Ability to oversee and participate in management of public works design and construction programs.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership in municipal project programs and construction management activities.
• Manage multiple consultants and contractors on complex projects.
• Prepare technical and complex engineering and financial reports for project authorization.

Skills

Project management

Contract negotiations

Budget preparation

Engineering principles

Customer service

Education

Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field

Job description

This position is open until filled. Applications will be reviewed during the week of July 12, 2026; subsequent applicants may not be considered. The position will close at any time after that date.

Responsibilities

• Provide administrative and professional leadership in municipal project programs and construction management activities; manage, coordinate, and supervise multiple consultants and contractors on complex projects; monitor consultant budgets; develop project scope and prepare requests for proposals.
• Prepare technical and complex engineering and financial reports for project authorization and approvals, design and construction changes, project funding and construction change orders; prepare related project schedules, construction sequences, and phasing plans.
• Review and evaluate consultants, prepare RFPs, negotiate contracts; read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, bid documents, and contracts; coordinate review of consultant deliverables and communicate effectively across departments and other agencies; monitor consultants’ work to ensure compliance with the contract, scope, budget, laws, regulations, and policies.
• Initiate, plan, and complete work with minimum direction and control; manage multiple projects at different stages from planning, design, construction, and closeout.
• Coordinate city projects with other agencies, including design, scope of work, schedules, budgets, permits, inspections, and cost-sharing agreements.
• Design CIP projects, including preparing plans and specifications and/or overseeing the design of CIP projects by consulting engineers.
• Manage the construction of CIP and private development projects; conduct pre‑construction meetings; approve construction and design changes; negotiate and approve construction change orders; process payments; and direct construction inspectors.
• Prepare preliminary design reports for review and approval of city staff for project authorization, including facility research, project scope, preliminary cost estimates and schedules, right‑of‑way research, and other related engineering issues.
• Prepare and administer permits from various agencies for the design, construction, and operation of city facilities.
• Interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies.
• Determine preliminary estimates for project costs and develop budgets and forecast funds needed for contracted services.
• Prepare accurate and concise reports using various computer software programs.
• Provide assistance in resolving operational and administrative issues; identify issues and conduct research to find alternative solutions; assist in implementing recommendations.
• Provide staff assistance to higher‑level management staff; participate on and provide staff support to a variety of committees, boards, and commissions; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
• Coordinate and collaborate with departments, divisions, and outside agencies; serve as a liaison with public and private organizations, community groups, and other social organizations; provide information and serve as a resource.
• Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and inquiries.
• Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications

Knowledge of

• Operational characteristics, services and activities in project planning and administration.
• Organization and operation of construction management.
• Principles and practice of project management.
• Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation.
• Methods and techniques of statistical and financial analysis.
• Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Contract negotiations and administration methods and techniques.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including public contract law.
• Civil, structural, electrical, traffic, geotechnical, and mechanical engineering principles and practices as they relate to construction management and inspection services.
• General construction principles and practices.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Applicable civil, government and administrative codes.
• Principles and practices of public sector contract administration.
• Principles and practices of customer service.
• Principles of business letter writing.
• Basic principles of supervision and training.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to

• Oversee and participate in the management of a public works design, construction and inspection program.
• Direct and monitor the work of project consultants for regulation and code compliance, contract conformance, and quality assurance.
• Negotiate contracts with project consultants.
• Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations as well as city policies and procedures.
• Collect, evaluate and interpret complex information and data.
• Prepare, research, negotiate, and monitor contracts and agreements.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Maintain accurate and complete records on programs and operations.
• Prepare and manage a budget.
• Interpret technical information for a variety of audiences.
• Make presentations to the public and other agencies.
• Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting applications.
• Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems.
• Organize and prioritize work flow.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Training

A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, public or business administration, or a related field.

Experience

Four years (full-time equivalent) of responsible public works contract administration, construction project management, or professional engineering work. Experience in administering contracts or programs in a governmental jurisdiction is highly desirable.

License or Certificate

Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

Veterans' Preference

• Served in the U.S. armed forces
• Received an honorable discharge
• Did not retire from military service
• Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time.

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD‑214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade on the final open examination.

Legal Notice

NOTE: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion. A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City’s receipt.

Equal Opportunity Employment

The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation. We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.