Senior Project Manager - Government Solutions

BKF Engineers; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 162,000 - 191,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salaries

Paid time off

9 Paid Holidays

Flexible schedules

Education reimbursement

Job summary

BKF Engineers seeks a Senior Project Manager in its Government Solutions Group to lead capital improvement programs for public agencies and guide projects from concept through construction. You will build client relationships, supervise multidisciplinary teams, and pursue new work while growing professionally within BKF.

The role emphasizes leadership, mentorship, and collaboration across BKF locations with a strong growth focus and standard industry standards application.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills required for client relationships and leadership.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented mindset essential for public projects and team guidance.
• Mentorship of junior engineers and inspectors is part of the role.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to public agency clients on capital improvement programs and staff augmentation assignments
• Manage projects through all phases of public project delivery, from planning and entitlements to PS&E and construction
• Build and lead project teams; prepare proposals that define scope, schedule, and budget
• Oversee construction management services and coordinate with inspectors, consultants, and stakeholders
• Mentor and support junior engineers and inspectors
• Apply Caltrans, APWA Greenbook, and local agency standards with confidence

Skills

Strong communication skills

Proactive solutions-oriented mindset

Mentorship

Education

B.S. in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)

California Professional Civil Engineer (PE) license

10+ years municipal infrastructure/public-sector land development experience

Job description

BKF is a multi-service infrastructure consulting firm providing civil engineering and surveying services across California, the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. With offices throughout California and the Portland area, BKF has served transportation, water resources, land development, government, and federal clients for over 110 years.

At BKF, you'll find a unique opportunity to grow your career with intention. Our culture values professional autonomy, innovation, and meaningful collaboration across offices. We are proud to be recognized with the Great Place to Work certification for the second year in a row.

Responsibilities

This is not a back-office PM role. As a Senior Project Manager in our Government Solutions Group, you'll work directly with public agency leaders, guide complex capital improvement programs, and play a visible role in shaping projects from concept through construction. You'll be trusted with responsibility, supported by a multidisciplinary team, and given the runway to grow. Our goal for new Senior Project Managers is to establish strong client relationships, identify and land new work, and hire team members to execute the work. BKF is a company with a strong bias for growth.

• Serve as a trusted advisor to public agency clients on capital improvement programs and staff augmentation assignments
• Manage projects through all phases of public project delivery, from planning and entitlements to PS&E and construction
• Build and lead project teams; prepare proposals that define scope, schedule, and budget
• Oversee construction management services and coordinate with inspectors, consultants, and stakeholders
• Mentor and support junior engineers and inspectors
• Apply Caltrans, APWA Greenbook, and local agency standards with confidence

What you'll gain

• High-visibility public-sector projects that impact communities
• Clear leadership and career advancement opportunities
• Mentorship from experienced engineers
• Flexible work environment with meaningful client interaction

Requirements

• B.S. in Civil Engineering (ABET-accredited)
• California Professional Civil Engineer (PE) license
• 10+ years of municipal infrastructure or public-sector land development experience
• Strong communication skills and a proactive, solutions-oriented mindset

Physical Demands: Must be able to regularly talk, hear and operate a computer, keyboard and mouse and occasionally lift, pull/push and carry up to 20 pounds with accommodations.

Work Conditions: Exposure to constant or intermittent sounds at a low or moderate level consistent with an office setting. Exposure to high-stress, fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment. Travel to other BKF locations and client sites may be required.

Benefits

• The typical base salary range for this position is $162,000 - $191,000, annualized depending upon skills, experience, education, and geographical location. This is a salary position paid biweekly
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, and 401k
• Generous paid time off packages
• 9 Paid Holidays
• Flexible schedules
• Education reimbursement, Paid annual dues for professional and societal organizations
• BKF offers competitive and award-winning benefits and perks. To learn more click here.

BKF Engineers provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

BKF Engineers does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without a previously signed agreement and a specific solicitation for the position or other approved engagement request for the position with BKF Engineers, BKF Engineers reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited submittals are done at the risk of the recruiter.