Project Manager

The Highlands Ranch Metro District is seeking a motivated and experienced Project Manager to join our Public Works team. This role is responsible for planning, budgeting, and executing a variety of capital improvement and maintenance projects. The successful candidate will collaborate with internal departments and external agencies, ensuring projects align with strategic goals and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage public facility and transportation-related projects from planning through execution.
• Coordinate interdepartmental efforts and public outreach initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and budgetary constraints.
• Lead consultant and contractor oversight and represent projects in public forums.
• Participate in regional transportation planning and interagency collaboration.

Qualifications:

• Proven experience in project management, preferably in public works or a related field.
• Strong skills in strategic planning, communication, and interagency coordination.
• Ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex project timelines.

Join our team and play a key role in shaping the infrastructure that supports our community.

Check out our amazing benefits in the ABOUT US section below!

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position serves as a Project Manager within the Public Works department, coordinating across internal departments and external agencies to plan, design, budget, and execute capital improvement and maintenance projects. Responsibilities include managing public facility projects, coordinating public outreach efforts, collaboration with local governmental agencies with an emphasis on transportation, ensuring regulatory compliance, budget adherence, and effective communication. The role requires strategic planning, interagency coordination, team leadership, contract and consultant oversight, and participation in transportation planning forums. It also involves presenting project updates and recommendations to boards and other entities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Works collaboratively within the Public Works department, and with other departments within the Metro District, including Operations & Maintenance, Finance, and Human Resources, to plan, forecast, budget and prioritize capital improvement and maintenance projects on a short-term and long-term basis. Specific responsibilities include:

• Act independently as project manager for the evaluation, design, permitting, bidding, and construction of community enhancement projects.
• Effectively coordinate and communicate with outside agencies such as CDOT, RTD, counties and cities and establish relationships at a staff level to ensure the District is represented and aware of regional transportation projects, studies and local repair/maintenance projects.
• Site planning for facilities such as stormwater conveyance structures and parks and other public amenities.
• Communicate with staff and management and coordinate with various departments within the Metro District.
• Represent Highlands Ranch at various transportation forums and provide input on transportation planning in Highlands Ranch and Douglas County.
• Manage consultants in the preparation of design drawings and technical specifications, including compliance with approved project schedules and budgets.
• Develop current and future transportation needs for Highlands Ranch.
• Successfully lead a project team of Metro District staff members from various departments on capital improvement projects.
• Review and evaluate RFPs, consulting agreements and fee proposals, providing RFP selection recommendations to the Director of Public Works.
• Manage the permitting on projects to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal jurisdictional codes and requirements.
• Coordinate with the Contract Administrator on the preparation, award and execution of contractual documents, including design and construction contracts, easements, intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) and license agreements.
• Manage relationships between contractors, engineers, architects, and consultants as necessary to execute the work in accordance with plans and specifications and contracted schedules and budgets.
• Provide updates to the management team or Board of Directors on ongoing issues and unresolved conflicts.
• Evaluate, manage, forecast and update capital and operational budgets.
• Traffic signal design and construction including justification for a signal.
• Develop working relationships and effective levels of communications with other utilities such as Xcel, communication utilities, etc.
• Understand stormwater issues facing the Metro District.
• Prepare and make presentations as requested to the Board of Directors, other governmental organizations and project workshops as necessary for project approvals.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering or a relevant field; and
• Five (5) years or more of progressive experience supporting Staff /Project Managers in a capacity which includes Project Management experience; and
• Must hold a valid driver’s license and maintain a satisfactory driving record.

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting; general knowledge of applicable laws and regulations affecting Metro District activities.
• Skilled in the preparation of cost estimates on related projects, or projects with similar complexities.
• Can manage projects through local, state and federal permitting entities.
• Able to effectively communicate complex technical information to officials, boards of directors, general managers, contractors, developers, property owners, employees, consultants, and the public.
• Must have superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, enabling clear and effective communication with diverse audiences, the ability to convey complex information succinctly, and a talent for engaging stakeholders through compelling storytelling and persuasive delivery.
• Demonstrated leadership ability and follow through on tasks and adapt to changing priorities, process conditions, and circumstances.
• Ability to conduct necessary engineering research and review or compile comprehensive reports.
• Familiarity with applicable jurisdiction controls and requirements of local, state, and federal agencies as applicable to basic public works projects.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, supervisors, other departments, contractors, officials and the public and work with people from diverse backgrounds and points of view as part of a team.
• Experience managing construction, contract administration and directing large projects to completion within time, quality, and budget expectations.
• Represent the District in a professional manner, exemplifying integrity and excellence while establishing the standard for employee conduct in the workplace. Foster a positive organizational culture by promoting collaboration, accountability, and respect among colleagues, and serve as a role model for ethical behavior and professionalism in all interactions.
• Skilled in operating the listed tools and equipment, demonstrating a strong understanding of their functionality and maintenance requirements. Capable of applying best practices to ensure safety and efficiency, while also troubleshooting and resolving any operational issues that may arise.
• Ability to perform the essential duties listed above.
• Physically able to move about on construction work sites and under adverse field conditions.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours and attend evening and early morning meetings at various locations throughout the metro area. This flexibility ensures timely participation in critical discussions and events, facilitating collaboration with stakeholders and adapting to the dynamic needs of the organization while maintaining a strong commitment to project goals and objectives.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the guidance and direction of the Director of Public Works

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

Often works independently as Project Manager to recognize, prioritize, execute and communicate necessary activities of the department, but will work in close collaboration with various individuals and departments, including Contract Administration, Finance and Operations & Maintenance.

Maintains regular, independent contact with engineering consultant firms, architectural firms, contractors, County, State and Federal agencies, professional and technical organizations regarding engineering activities and services.

TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computers, related hardware, computer-aided-design software, Microsoft Windows 10 Pro, Adobe, Microsoft products (Excel, Forms, Outlook, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, Word, etc.), web and database software, and multi-line VoIP phone. General office equipment such as multi-function printer scanner copier, web-fax, 10-key calculator, etc. Operation of motor vehicles in tight spaces.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regular and predictable attendance is an essential function of the job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee occasionally works in outside weather conditions. The employee may occasionally work near moving mechanical parts and is occasionally exposed to cold, wet, and/or hot and humid conditions. Activities will include on-site review and inspection of active construction in progress including open excavations, concrete and steel structures and form work. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.

SELECTION GUIDELINES

Formal applications, rating of education and experience; panel interview(s) and reference check; job related tests might be required.

The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

ABOUT US

This is a special district serving the thriving, active community of Highlands Ranch with approximately 103,000 residents. We employ a variety of professionals in fields including public works, parks, forestry, finance, and recreation.

The Highlands Ranch Metro District, as the local government in our community, is committed to providing the following high-quality municipal services while managing resources wisely for Highlands Ranch such as; construction of major roads, installation and maintenance of landscaping and fences adjacent to major roads, installation of traffic signals and street lights on major roads, construction and maintenance of parks and trails, youth and adult outdoor recreation and sports programs, management and maintenance of extensive natural open space areas and so much more.

OUR BENEFITS

At Highlands Ranch Metro District, we prioritize your well-being and recognize the importance of a work/life balance by offering outstanding benefits:

Health & Retirement!

• 100% paid employee-only medical insurance premiums
• 100% paid employee-only dental & vision insurance premiums
• 100% paid life and accidental death & dismemberment insurance premiums
• 100% contribution match for the pension plan
• Up to 6% employer contribution for the optional retirement plan

Work/life Balance!

• 80 hours of earned vacation per year, increasing after 5 years
• 80 hours of annual sick leave
• 32 hours of annual personal leave
• 10 paid holidays
• 200 hours of medical leave
  

Wellness & Improvement!

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for confidential support, guidance, and resources for employees and their families
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options for additional medical expenses
• Up to $2,000 a year for education reimbursement
• Highlands Ranch Community Association recreation center pass for a discounted fee

Saving, Planning & Other!

• Optional 457 deferred compensation plan to help employees plan for their retirement.
• Generous stipend for personal cell phone and vehicle use
• Discounts for employees on over 1,000 products and services

APPLICATION INFORMATION

Pre-employment screening includes a background check, illegal substances screening and motor vehicle record review.

Applications are accepted for at least two weeks or until the position is filled.

Submit applications at highlandsranch.org/apply or if viewing from our career center, click "Apply" below.