Capital Project Manager

Title: Capital Project Manager

Reports to: Chief Operating Officer

Duration: Funded through June 2027 with potential for extension

Compensation: $85,000-$105,000/annually, commensurate with experience. Includes a competitive benefits package with medical, dental, life and disability insurance, generous time off policy and retirement plan with 3% match after one year of employment.

** This is a full-time, exempt, termed position. Occasional weekend, early morning and evening work will be required. This is a hybrid position with estimated 3 days in office, 1-2 days remote and occasional time outside on the trail.

High Line Canal Conservancy
An extraordinary feat of engineering now 140 years old, the 71-mile High Line Canal has outlived its historic function as an irrigation utility and has taken on new life as a recreational resource, wildlife corridor and green stormwater infrastructure. The High Line Canal Conservancy is a nonprofit organization with the mission to preserve, protect and enhance the High Line Canal in partnership with the public through stewardship, community engagement and collaboration with local agencies.

Position Summary
This position provides a unique opportunity to be part of an enthusiastic nonprofit dedicated to the long-term protection and enhancement of one of the nation’s longest and most unique urban recreational and ecological assets.

The High Line Canal Conservancy is seeking a highly qualified Project Manager to manage the design and construction of multiple capital improvement projects along the High Line Canal. Capital improvements focus on improved access and amenities such as pedestrian bridges, trail construction, shade structures, gathering areas, natural play elements, bike skills courses, fitness stations, benches and signage. The Project Manager will work under the direction of the Chief Operating Officer and in close partnership with the other Conservancy staff, and local jurisdictions along the Canal.

Responsibilities
The Project Manager will be responsible for project planning, design oversight, budget management, bidding, construction oversight and other duties as assigned.

Project Management

• Manage project budget: deliver high quality projects on time and on or under budget.
• Internal collaboration with Conservancy Finance, Communications, Development, Natural Resources, and Programs teams to ensure internal support and project success.
• Close coordination and relationship building with local jurisdiction staff for project buy in and positive lines of communication.
• Ensure that projects are based on community-centered design through a robust outreach effort in collaboration with community leaders, the Communications and Outreach teams, and local jurisdictions

Oversight of Design and Engineering

• Coordinate with Conservancy staff and agency stakeholders in the scheduling, development, and completion of projects.
• Organize and participate in the procurement of design and engineering consultants including development of request for proposals (RFPs), evaluation and scoring of proposals and interviews, recommendation of award negotiation of professional services agreements and amendments.
• Manage consultants and monitor and evaluate their performance to advance project designs and ensure consistency with local jurisdiction requirements and processes.
• Track design and engineering expenditures to ensure consistency with budgets.
• Coordinate Conservancy and jurisdiction review and approval of project design for proper alignment to scope, quality, budget and schedule at key milestones.
• Update design guidelines as project designs are completed.
• Provide project updates for dissemination to local jurisdictions and the public.

Monitoring of Contracted Construction

• Manage contractors to ensure compliance with design, contractual obligations, applicable regulations, Conservancy goals and partner expectations.
• Lead development of operational tools for field reporting and monitoring of schedules and budgets to ensure projects remain on time and within budget. Maintain, update and distribute reports and data to project partners and the Board
• Participate in negotiation of construction services agreements and amendments.
• Assist with providing professional/technical assistance and project updates to citizens, other departments, management, and agency partners.
• Lead construction oversight for projects, conduct on-site inspections with contractors, identify pre-problems areas, coordinate and approve construction schedules and monitor project through completion.
• Organize and participate in bidding for construction contracts including preparation and/or review of bid documents, review bid scopes and pricing, negotiate, and approve contracts and change orders.
• Monitor, evaluate and manage performance of construction contract services (e.g., scheduling, constructability/compliance review, construction management, billing, etc.)
• Identify issues and resolution of disputes and claims, may apply judgment on all design and construction related problems and trouble shoots to expedite completion and closeout of projects
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, construction management or related field.  An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be considered.
• Minimum of 5 years project management with 3 years in construction project management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of current engineering design and construction principles and practices applicable to public facilities projects; local, state and federal laws and regulations.
• Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle that can be used for work. Ability to maintain an acceptable driving record. Mileage will be reimbursed.
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Desired Skills/Competencies

• Strong communication, analytical and organizational skills.
• Skilled in checking information for accuracy and completeness and correcting errors.
• Ability to read, understand and interpret engineering plans, drawings and specifications.
• Experience or knowledge in the areas of public improvement construction, municipal government policies, procedures and structure.
• Experience with Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• AutoCAD and Adobe Creative Suite experience desired
• PMI Certification desired. (Other professional certifications considered).
• Spanish language skills desired.

Physical Demands:

• Sedentary and physical work requiring ability to lift a maximum of 30 pounds.
• Occasional lifting, carrying, walking and standing; hand/eye coordination to operate computer and related equipment; speech and hearing to maintain communications with other employees.
• Vision to read and review design plans.

Equipment Used:

• Computer and peripheral equipment. This position may require occasional use of personal equipment (e.g., vehicle, cell phone, tools, etc.) in the course of their employment.

Abilities and Personal Characteristics:

The ideal candidate will have a strong connection to the mission and purpose of the High Line Canal Conservancy and will bring the following characteristics:

• Collaborative: Ability to utilize excellent interpersonal communication skills to work cooperatively with colleagues in a small-team environment, coordinate closely with partners and stakeholders, persevere through challenges, leveraging relationships to work effectively, meet deadlines and maintain project momentum.
• Initiative-taking: Ability to work independently and is highly organized with strong critical thinking skills, attention to detail and an ability to multi-task.
• Adaptable: Demonstrates a willingness to be flexible, versatile and/or tolerant in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Inclusive: Committed to reducing barriers that prevent equitable access to outdoor spaces, decision making processes and other resources related to engagement in nature and the outdoors.

This position is open until filled.

The Conservancy is dedicated to the principles of equal opportunity for all employees, applicants, volunteers, program and event participants, trail users and visitors, partners, and other organizational stakeholders. We prohibit unlawful discrimination and harassment based on age, race, sex, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, disability, military status, genetic information, native language, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, gender, veteran status, political service, and affiliation or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes.

Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. This policy applies to all employees, including managers, supervisors, co-workers, and non-employees such as customers, clients, vendors, consultants, etc.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every qualification. At the Conservancy, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace. If you are interested in this role but your experience does not check all of the boxes, we encourage you to go ahead and apply. You may be the right candidate for this or another role in our organization.