Project Manager - Underground Utilities

Ella SA Contracting; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 85,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Ella SA Contracting is looking for an Underground Utilities Project Manager in San Antonio, Texas. You will lead planning and execution of utility construction projects, ensuring they're completed on time and within budget. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, extensive experience in underground utility systems, and proficiency in project management software. The role demands strong leadership and communication skills alongside safety and quality oversight.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in underground utility construction or similar industry.
• Strong understanding of materials and construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop project plans including sequencing and phasing.
• Manage project budgets and track costs.
• Create master schedules and key milestones.
• Allocate resources including crews and equipment.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulations.

Skills

Underground utility systems knowledge

Leadership

Project management software proficiency

Communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field

Tools

Heavy Job

Heavy Big

Foundation

Planswift

Heavy Bid

HCSS Plans

Job description

Job Summary: Ella SA Contracting is seeking an Underground Utilities Project Manager responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of underground utility construction projects. This includes water, sewer, storm drainage, and other underground infrastructure. The Project Manager ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, managing changes, and meeting quality and safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Project Planning

• Develop overall project plan for utility installation (water, sewer, storm, telecom), including sequencing, phasing, and execution strategy

Budget Management

• Creates and manages project budget, tracks costs (labor, equipment, materials), and approves expenditures

Scheduling & Time Management

• Develops master schedule and key milestones (excavation, pipe install, testing, sub mobilization, restoration, etc.)

Resource Allocation

• Allocates crews, subcontractors, heavy equipment, and major material orders

Field Operations Coordination

• Provides high-level direction to Superintendent; resolves major field conflicts (utility clashes, delays); communicates client feedback to Superintendent for their awareness

Utility Coordination & Permitting

• Oversees permitting strategy and compliance with city/municipal requirements

Quality Assurance

• Ensures adherence to specifications (pipe grade, compaction, pressure testing, inspections)

Safety Oversight

• Enforces company safety policies and ensures compliance with OSHA standards

Risk Management

• Identifies major risks (unknown utilities, soil conditions, weather delays) and develops mitigation plans

Subcontractor Management

• Manages subcontractor contracts, scope, and performance

Documentation & As-Builts

• Reviews and approves critical documentation and reports

Material Management

• Approves major material purchases and vendor agreements

Progress Tracking & Reporting

• Reviews production, monitors installed quantities, and reports to stakeholders; evaluates deficiencies and strategies to overcome

Administrative Support

• Oversees overall project administration and reporting requirements, schedules meetings/reviews as appropriate

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in underground utility construction or a similar industry.
• Strong understanding of underground utility systems, materials, and construction methods.
• Proficiency in project management software (Heavy Job, Heavy Big, Foundation).
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal construction regulations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience working with GIS mapping tools and utility locating technology.
• Familiarity with green infrastructure or sustainable construction practices.
• Estimating Software plans (Planswift, Heavy Bid, HCSS Plans for example).