Senior Project Manager - Parks and Facilities

City-of-Evanston,-I; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 118,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Evanston in Illinois seeks a Senior Project Manager for Parks and Facilities to lead landscape architecture, architectural and civil engineering projects within Public Works. You will supervise design professionals, coordinate with consultants and city staff, and manage plans, specifications and budgets for capital projects.

Responsibilities include directing multidisciplinary teams, preparing RFPs/RFQs, securing permits, engaging the public, and reporting to City leadership.

Qualifications

• Must be licensed as a landscape architect, architect or professional engineer in the State of Illinois, or fulfill reciprocity within 12 months.
• Bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Civil Engineering or substantially similar area.
• 7+ years of professional experience.
• Valid driver's license and a safe driving record.
• Minimum 3 years of supervisory experience preferred.
• AutoCAD and Civil3D proficiency required; Revit, SketchUp, Enscape, Adobe graphics programs, Bluebeam and MS Office preferred.
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serves as Project Manager on a wide range of projects of varying complexity.
• Directs and evaluates subordinate staff; manages workload and personnel actions.
• Evaluates project delivery approaches and provides strategic recommendations.
• Prepares RFPs, RFQs and bid documents; manages contracts with consultants and contractors.
• Prepares grants and reports; coordinates with divisions, agencies and the public.
• Obtains permits and leads design/constructability reviews; oversees meetings.
• Leads public engagement, prepares plans/specs, and provides construction administration.
• Supports long-range planning and capital improvements budgeting.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Civil Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Civil3D

Revit

SketchUp

Enscape

Adobe graphics programs

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Project Manager - Parks and Facilities JobID: 1442

• Position Type: Public Works/ Senior Project Manager - Parks and Facilities
• Date Posted: 10/27/2026
• Location: Service Center

Salary range: $117.636.28 - $176,455.02

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range.

NATURE OF WORK:

This is a senior technical position requiring a thorough knowledge of the design and construction industry specializing in the field of landscape architecture, architecture, or civil engineering. The position is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the landscape architecture, architecture and engineering functions (in-house and under contract) that design and construct the city's park and facility infrastructure. This employee supervises other non-union and union staff design professionals, procures and manages the work of consulting design teams, prepares plans, specifications, and estimates for construction projects, attends and leads neighborhood meetings to discuss proposed and approved construction projects, performs design and construction inspection work as needed, assists in preparation of the capital improvement budget, prepares reports and technical recommendation for City Council approval, and maintains records and reports of technical and official archive materials for Public Works improvement projects.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):

Extensive knowledge of landscape architectural, architectural and civil engineering theory, principles, practices and construction techniques and materials; ability to prepare designs and construction plans and develop specifications; ability to supervise subordinate staff, including professional, technical and support staff; ability to manage multidisciplinary teams of consultants and contractors, ability to perform difficult technical landscape architectural, architectural and engineering work and research and develop work stressing innovative techniques; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens, contractors city officials, other agencies, and the general public.

• Serves as Project Manager on a wide range of projects of both simple and of extreme complexity
• Responsible for directing and evaluating work and performance of subordinate staff, managing their workload, recommending personnel actions including salary increases, disciplinary action, training, developmental activities and related areas.
• Evaluates project delivery approaches and provides strategy recommendations to City leadership
• Prepares RFPs, RFQs and Bid documents for various projects. Manages contract negotiation and administration of consultants and contractors retained for infrastructure improvement projects
• Prepares and administers state and federal grants including preparation of applications, progress reports, disbursement requests and closeout documents
• Coordinates with staff from other divisions and departments on infrastructure improvement projects
• Coordinates with other agencies, utility providers, project stakeholders, independent consultants, material/product suppliers, and the general public on improvement projects
• Obtains all permits necessary for the completion of the project
• Manages all design and construction related meetings for assigned capital improvement projects
• Leads and orchestrates public engagement activities during project planning, design, and construction
• Prepares plans and specifications for bidding and provides construction administration and inspection services
• Prepares and presents memos, reports, presentations, and supporting information to boards, commissions and the general public for input and approval, including attendance at night meetings
• Prepares newsletters for distribution concerning planning, design and construction projects and updates for citizens and the public
• Manages and maintains project webpages and related literature for the public
• Reviews and approves requests for payment from consultants and contractors
• When a consultant or contractor is hired, directs, manages, reviews, inspects and approves work performed by consultants and contractors on various local, state and federally funded public works projects and provides recommendations
• Working in conjunction with IT, responsible for the engineering component of the City's Geographic Information System
• Upon project completion, assist other departments during project handover processes
• Leads and manages long range planning studies and assists in setting strategic goals for the City's infrastructure system
• Serves as a subject matter expert with regard to their specific discipline to City leadership in determining solutions for complex infrastructure problems
• Assists City leadership in scoping and budgeting projects to prepare the City's five-year Capital Improvement Plan
• Supports City as required during emergency operations
• Performs additional duties as assigned

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must be licensed as a landscape architect, architect or professional engineer in the State of Illinois, or fulfill reciprocity requirements within 12 months of employment
• Must possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Civil Engineering or substantially similar area
• Must possess 7 or more years of professional experience
• Must have a valid driver's license and a safe driving record
• A minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience preferred
• Proficiency in the use of AutoCAD and Civil3D is required
• Proficiency in Revit, Sketchup, Enscape, Adobe graphics programs, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Office preferred
• Certified Playground Safety Inspector preferred

LEED AP professional credential preferred

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Extensive knowledge of landscape architectural, architectural, and/or civil engineering theory, principles, practices and construction techniques and materials
• Ability to prepare design, construction plans and develop specifications. Ability to direct and supervise subordinate staff, including professional, technical and support staff
• Ability to perform difficult technical engineering work and research and develop work utilizing innovative techniques
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens, contractors, city officials and the general public

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

The ability to work in a sedentary position, occasionally using force to lift, carry or otherwise move objects normally found in an office setting. The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.

Occasionally subject to a wide range of exterior environmental conditions including heat, cold, rain, and snow.

Occasionally needs to climb ladders to access roofing areas and mechanical equipment. Occasionally needs to enter confined spaces.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be a registered Professional Landscape Architect, Registered Architect or

Professional Engineer registered in the State of Illinois.Within 12 months, must obtain

Certified Playground Safety Inspector certification. Within 12 months, must obtain

Confined Space Certification. Within 18 months, must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification in IS-700, IS-800, IC S-100 and IC S-200. Within 30 months, must obtain NIMS certification in IC S-300 and IS-400.

SUPERVISION:

Work is performed under the general direction of the Bureau Chief - Capital Planning/City Engineer. Serving as the City's parks and facilities expert, the employee will use independent judgment and initiative within broad policy limitations.The employee will decide the proper methods of accomplishing the goals and objectives of the work performed by the section and exercises independent judgment in implementing the goals. Provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Bureau Chief – Capital Planning/City Engineer and the Public Works Agency Director.

PUBLIC CONTACT:

This position requires significant public contact and involvement. The Senior Project Manager may attend and/or participate in City Council meetings, Council committee and ward meetings, community meetings and workshops, conferences, and City board and commission meetings as required.