Capital Projects Manager I-III

Salary : $76,258.00 - $112,268.00 Annually
Location : City of San Luis Obispo, CA
Job Type: Regular Full Time
Department: CIP Project Engineering
Opening Date: 10/13/2025
FLSA: Non-Exempt

JOB DESCRIPTION
The City of San Luis Obispo is recruiting for Capital Projects Manager I-III The City currently has three vacancies within the Public Works Department. One position will be filled at the level. The two remaining positions are being recruited flexibly and may be filled as either Capital Projects Manager I-III or , depending on the qualifications of the candidates and the department's organizational needs.

This recruitment will remain open until the position has been filled. As this is a continuous recruitment, this posting can close at any time without notice. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately.

JOB SUMMARY:

Performs project management and oversight for the planning, design, and construction phases of capital projects; develops project objectives and scopes of work; creates and adheres to project delivery schedules; and prepares and manages project budget expenditures.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS:

Capital Projects Manager I

This is the entry-level classification in the Capital Projects Manager series. Initially, under close supervision, incumbents perform or assist in the performance of project management duties for capital projects. As experience is gained, assignments become more varied and complex, larger in scope, and are performed with greater independence. This classification is flexibly-staffed with Capital Projects Manager II and incumbents may advance to the higher-level classification, dependent on the needs of the department, after having gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the higher-level classification.

Capital Projects Manager II

This is the journey-level classification in the Capital Projects Manager series, capable of independently managing small to mid-level capital projects. Incumbents may manage more complex, larger scope, and sensitive projects and assist in making presentations to City Council, committees, or commissions to facilitate project goals. This classification is flexibly-staffed with Capital Projects Manager III and incumbents may advance to the higher-level classification, dependent on the needs of the department, after having gained the knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience that meet the qualifications and demonstrated the ability to perform the work of the higher-level classification.

Capital Projects Manager III

This is the advanced journey-level classification in the Capital Projects Manager series. Incumbents are responsible for scope, schedule, and budget decisions for any and all assigned capital projects; manage the most complex, large, and sensitive projects that have the highest consequence of error; and prepare and present items to City Council, committees, and commissions to facilitate project goals and objectives.

Capital Projects Manager Series

The Capital Projects Manager classification series is distinguished from Utilities Special Projects Manager in that the latter is a management classification that plans and oversees the development and implementation of major water and wastewater projects, programs, and policies. This classification series is distinguished from Special Projects Manager in that the latter is a management classification that assists department heads and deputy directors in planning, developing, managing, and implementing program initiatives, policies, and specific special projects. This series is distinguished from the Engineer series in that the latter performs professional and technical civil engineering work, such as preparing construction drawings and specifications, and inspecting and reviewing projects.

SUPERVISION
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED:

Employees in the Capital Projects Manager classification series receive general supervision from a management-level employee in the department to which assigned. Employees in the Capital Projects Manager classification series provide project direction to consultants and professional, technical, office support, and contract staff.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks that may be found in positions of this class.)

• Manages City capital improvement projects, including the planning, scheduling, design, and construction of buildings, parks, streets, utilities, and other facilities owned and operated by the City.
• Assists in the development and application of City project delivery policies, following general guidelines or professional and administrative standards in accomplishing assignments.
• Reports to supervisor and others in the City organization on the status of projects and other assignments; suggests, discusses, makes recommendations, and implements strategies to improve project delivery services.
• Leads or participates in the selection of, and oversees consultants retained to provide particular expertise for project studies, programming, development, design, or management; participates in or manages the selection and development of contracts with consulting firms; negotiates contracts with outside consultants.
• Plans and assists staff and consultants in establishing project schedules and milestones; prepares and communicates schedules and reports on progress of project activities; develops critical path or project flow diagrams to plan, set, and evaluate progress on project tasks; communicates deviations from project schedule and proposes alternatives to align project activities with planned schedule.
• Plans and assists staff and consultants in establishing project budgets; tracks and reports on project expenditures; communicates deviations from project expenditure plan and proposes alternatives to align expenditures with budget.
• Prepares project staff reports for City Council, Planning Commission, and other advisory bodies and makes presentations to the City Council, boards and commissions, advisory committees, and citizen groups.
• Proactively and as early as possible, resolves issues that may affect the cost, quality, timeliness, or public perception of a project.
• Coordinates with City Attorney's Office on the preparation and review of required contract documents.
• Evaluates the work effort required for projects and identifies the resources to provide that work effort; prepares and executes plan to retain required staff and/or consultant skills.
• Interprets and applies relevant codes, ordinances, rules, regulations, and adopted standards.
• Performs contract administration activities which include, but are not limited to, plan and specification preparation and reviews, contract preparation and execution, purchase order creation, contract change order approval, payment approval, dispute resolution, acceptance, and bond release approval.
• Oversees the preparation of project technical reports and design for approval/acceptance.
• Proactively evaluates operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommends improvements and modifications; prepares reports of operations and activities.
• Prioritizes and directs the work of project assignments and is responsible for quality, schedule, and cost control; works closely with the supervisor to coordinate project work and ongoing priorities.
• Performs related duties similar to the above in scope and function as required.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices (general knowledge) of civil engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, capital improvements, and methods of project design delivery.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Professional service requests for proposals, contract negotiation, and administration.
• Conflict resolution techniques.
• Principles of budget development and monitoring, including development of control measures to remain within budget.
• Principles and techniques for persuasive presentation of ideas and concepts in both oral and written formats.
• Principles and practices of effective community outreach during pre-construction and construction.
• Principles and practices (general knowledge) of environmental requirements and permitting.
• Building and/or infrastructure material and construction methods.
• Software applications related to the work, such as project management, word processing, and spreadsheet applications.

Ability to:

• Plan, organize, and manage capital projects.
• Review and markup detailed plans and specifications.
• Prepare construction contract documents; negotiate and administer a variety of contracts.
• Prepare cost estimates.
• Prepare and administer project budgets.
• Establish and maintain effective and positive relationships with community leaders, organizations, businesses, staff, and others contacted in the performance of duties.
• Work with diverse populations and maintain an inclusive environment.
• Coordinate a variety of projects and activities inter-departmentally and with outside agencies.
• Analyze complex technical and administrative information and problems, evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
• Interpret and enforce administrative and operational policies, practices, and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of and adherence to City, departmental, and State safety standards, as well as safety requirements at a construction site.
• Work outdoors and wear personal protective equipment as needed.
• Communicate effectively and persuasively in both oral and written formats.
• Speak in large and small group settings; conduct staff meetings; effectively facilitate meetings, create and deliver presentations, and build consensus.
• Prepare and analyze comprehensive reports.
• Exercise sound, independent judgement within general policy guidelines.
• Coordinate directly or with the assistance of others, effective communication with the public using project web pages or print.

TYPICAL QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Capital Projects Manager I

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, environmental planning, or a related field;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is desired.

Capital Projects Manager II

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, environmental planning, or a related field;

and

Two years of increasingly responsible experience in the development, implementation, and management of design, construction, or capital projects;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

A Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is desired.

Capital Projects Manager III

Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in architecture, landscape architecture, construction management, environmental planning, or a related field;

and

Five years of increasingly responsible experience in the development, implementation, and management of design, construction, or capital projects;

or

An equivalent combination of education and experience.

Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI) is desired.

POSSESSION AND MAINTENANCE OF:

• A valid California class C driver's license and a satisfactory driving record.

THIS POSITION WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING BEFORE A FINAL OFFER IS MADE:

• Livescan Fingerprinting - DOJ

For a detailed spreadsheet of employee benefits by bargaining group, please view our

Retirement: California Public Employee's Retirement System (PERS). The City participates only in the medicare portion of Social Security.

Health: the City has a cafeteria plan for health, dental and vision insurance and contributes towards medical insurance. Employees may choose from several health insurance options. There are also two dental plans to choose from. See the Benefits Summary link to determine the contribution amount.

Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance: group term life and AD&D insurance is provided for all regular employees. The amount of coverage varies depending on the classification. Employees may purchase additional life and AD&D insurance for themselves and their dependents.

Vacation: employees receive 12 days per year increasing to 20 days after 20 years.

Holidays: employees receive 12-13 days per year depending on the classification.

Sick Leave: employees receive 12 days per year.

Administrative Leave: is a benefit available to management employees. The number of administrative leave hours varies depending on the classification.

Flexible Work Schedule: is available to many positions within the City organization.

Long Term Disability Insurance: is available for regular employees. The amount of benefit and contribution by employee varies by classification.

Deferred Compensation: is available for employees to set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to supplement retirement.

Wellness Program: offered to help employees gain knowledge, skills and motivation to improve the quality of their lives and well-being.

Employee Assistance Program: a counseling and consultation service designed to help employees and eligible family members with a wide range of personal issues.

Flexible Benefits Program: available to help employees save taxes on: (1) Pre-tax health insurance premium deductions, (2) Unreimbursed/ uncovered medical expenses, and (3) Dependent care expenses.

Tuition Reimbursement: up to $1500 annually for job-related educational costs is available to employees who have passed probation.

Trip Reduction Incentive Program (TRIP): incentives are available for employees who voluntarily participate in alternative forms of transportation to and from work.

Computer Purchase Program: interest-free loans to employees who have passed probation and who purchase computers for personal use with City approved software configuration.

Professional Association for City Employees (PACE): voluntary organization for professional development training classes, monthly membership meetings with a variety of speakers, and social functions designed to facilitate interaction with employees from all departments in a relaxed setting away from work.
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?

• Master's degree or higher
• Bachelor's degree
• Associate's degree or vocational equivalent
• Some college
• High School
• None of the above

02

Did you have major coursework in one of the following fields?

• Architecture
• Landscape Architecture
• Construction Management
• Environmental Planning
• Other Field - Related
• Other Field - Not Related
• N/A - Did not attend college

03

If you answered "Other Field - Related" or "Other Field - Unrelated" to the previous question, please explain. Otherwise, please put "N/A".
04

How many years of experience do you have in the development, implementation, and management of design, construction, or capital projects?

• 6 years or more
• 5 years to 5 years 11 months
• 4 years to 4 years 11 months
• 3 years to 3 years 11 months
• 2 years to 2 years 11 months
• 1 year to 1 year 11 months
• Less than 1 year
• No Experience

05

Do you possess a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute (PMI)? (desirable, not required)

• Yes
• No

06

Do you currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license?

• Yes - I currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license
• No - I do not currently possess a valid Class "C" California driver's license

07

If you currently possess a valid California Class "C" Driver's License, do you possess a satisfactory driving record?

• Yes
• No
• N/A - Do not possess a valid CA Class C Driver's License
• Other

Required Question

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