Program Manager (Local Agency), Grand Junction

State of Colorado

Grand Junction, CO

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$92,232–$106,068 Per Year
SKILLS
Administrative Management, Administrative Procedures, Analysis Skills, Best Practices, Billing, Budget Management, Budgeting, Building Regulations, Code of Federal Regulations, Communication Skills, Construction, Construction Administration, Construction Design, Construction Engineering, Construction Management, Construction Projects, Consulting, Contract Requirements, Contract Review, Corrective Action, Data Management, Detail Oriented, Diversity Recruiting, Documentation, Documentation Review, Driver's License, Environmental Design, Environmental Impact, Environmental Work, Establish Priorities, Expense Tracking, Federal Laws and Regulations, Financial Management, Financial Projections, Fitness, Funding, Google Apps, Hydraulic Engineering, Identify Issues, Interpersonal Skills, Investigative Reports, Leadership, Maintain Compliance, Management Consulting, Medical Conditions, Mentoring, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Performance Analysis, Performance Management, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), Presentation/Verbal Skills, Problem Solving Skills, Project Close-Out, Project Development, Project Evaluation, Project Management Software, Project Schedule, Project Tracking, Project/Program Management, Quality Assurance, Quality Management, Quality Monitoring, Regulations, Regulatory Compliance, Reimbursement, Reporting Skills, Risk Analysis, SAP, State Laws and Regulations, Status Reports, Time Management, Transportation Planning, Willing to Travel, Writing Skills
LOCATION
Grand Junction, CO
POSTED
10 days ago

Program Manager (Local Agency), Grand Junction

Salary

$92,232.00 - $106,068.00 Annually

Location

Grand Junction, CO

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

HAA-50005364-07/26

Department

Department of Transportation

Division

CDOT Region 3

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

7/16/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

FLSA

Determined by Position

Primary Physical Work Address

222 S 6th St, Grand Junction, CO 81501, USA

FLSA Status

Exempt; position is not eligible for overtime compensation.

Department Contact Information

eleshia.carpenter@state.co.us

Type of Announcement

The primary duties of this position are located within 30 miles of the state border; therefore, this position is exempt from the residency requirements. Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

Hiring Pay Rate

The 2026 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series.

How To Apply

Please submit an online application for this position at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/colorado. Reach out to the Department Contact to apply using a paper application, including any supplemental questions. Failure to submit a complete and timely application may result in the rejection of your application. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that application materials are received by the appropriate Human Resources office before the closing date and time listed.

  • Description
  • Benefits
  • Questions

Department Information

Applications will be considered from residents and non-residents of Colorado.

New employees to the State will be paid biweekly. There are 26 biweekly pay periods in a year.

About CDOT

CDOT employees make a difference by providing freedom, connection, and experience to the traveling public, while also keeping them safe. The State of Colorado offers competitive medical, dental and vision insurance, life and disability insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts. Visit the State of Colorado benefits for details, current premium rates and a summary video about benefits. The state also offers PERA retirement, great optional PERA plans such as 401K, a generous paid time off package of annual, sick, holiday and other leave, strong career growth, tuition reimbursement and professional development. Perks include Colorado Employee Assistance Program (CSEAP) counseling, wellness, credit union membership and employee discount program. Visit CDOT Benefits for details. Some positions may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

CDOT for All

CDOT's strength is our people, and our commitment to our people is to shape, support, and sustain the employee experience, and ultimately, create a supportive workplace where everyone, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship status, education, disability, socio-economic status, or any other identity, has the opportunity to thrive.

The eligible list created from this announcement may be used to fill current and future vacancies for a period of up to 6 months.

Description of Job

About the Work Unit

The purpose of this Unit is to plan and develop a comprehensive program of projects within the geographic boundaries of CDOT Region 3. The Unit ensures that CDOTs Project Priority Programming Process (4P) is met, as well as the National Environmental Act of 1969 (NEPA), the policies of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and state/local laws and regulations relative to planning, development, and clearance of projects. The Unit serves as the regional lead in local agency, planning, transit, and environmental programs and must maintain adequate technical knowledge in these areas to assure timely, complete and accurate development of the Statewide Transportation Plan (20 Year Plan), the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) and environmental permits, impacts, mitigation plans and clearances.

About the Position

This position manages the Local Agency (LA) Program for the oversight of state and/or federally funded transportation projects administered by local entities in accordance with FHWA, CFR 200, DBE, Davis-Bacon Act, Buy America, Sub-Recipient Risk Assessments, NEPA, SUE (Subsurface Utility Engineering), ROW Uniform Act, and all other applicable state and/or federal rules and regulations. This requires coordinating with CDOT specialty groups as well as outside stakeholders and other governmental organizations. Responsible for implementing a standardized process so the Local Agencies in R3 can satisfactorily complete their transportation projects. This position works closely with the locals, MPOs, and TPRs to ensure accurate and complete applications are submitted for funding requests. This includes participating in workshops, doing site visits with Local Agencies for potential projects, answering application questions or acting as the liaison for the Local Agency and Funding Program Manager. This position helps MPOs/TPRs determine viable projects and assists in reviewing projects. This position will utilize PM Web to maintain and track all LA projects and funding types for each. This position may live anywhere within Region 3.

Responsibilities include assisting the Local Agency's with recommendations on how to fund a project and in which phases based on the goal of the project. This position will oversee the LA budgets, track grant spending, and review/approval reimbursement.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Manage the Region 3 LA program, including data management, FHWA and CDOT HQ interaction, new project setup, LA project close-out, and Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) development and management.
  • Oversee the review of local agency compliance with contract requirements ensuring compliance of plans and specifications, project staffing decisions, contractor's quality of workmanship and methods of construction, and completed project documentation. Provide interpretation of plans and specifications to Local Agencies.
  • Coordinate with the CDOT project management consultant team to ensure the contract documents are reviewed and comments incorporated by the local agency, if applicable.
  • Collaborate with CDOT professional technical work units (including, but not limited to: right-of-way, environmental, roadway design, traffic operations, maintenance, construction, hydraulics, staff bridge, utilities, and materials sections to ensure LA projects follow all applicable rules, regulations, and processes.
  • Supervise, lead, direct, train, and assist three CDOT staff and LA personnel on LA projects processes, best practices, and all applicable rules and regulations for construction management.
  • Serve as an expert on project funding and project delivery ensuring compliance with State and/or FHWA guidelines and the CDOT Local Agency Manual. Determines how funding will be in categorized in the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) and State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP).
  • Visit project sites to identify potential issues, review and help LAs complete funding applications.
  • Oversee the LA financial management through the obligation, authorization, encumbrance, billings, and payment processes.
  • Oversee the performance of transportation construction projects administered by the Local Agencies, with oversight by either CDOT employee or consultants. Provide quality assurance review for final plans, specifications and estimates submitted.
  • Hold local entities accountable to using items that qualify for reimbursement and for completing their projects by the FHWA end dates, otherwise any work completed after this date is not reimbursable.
  • Solicit and oversee the selection of consultant project managers assigned to the local agency unit.
  • Collect, evaluate, correct, and disseminate active, approved, budgeted construction and LA project reports which include Final Estimate Status Report and LA Project Financial status.
  • Provide updates to the R3 RPEM about the number of projects, how many were closed out, new projects, potential for funds rollover, and any other issues.
  • Allocate and assign personnel. Modify work assignments to meet changing priorities.
  • Monitor work for quality and efficiency. Document and evaluate performance. Follow up on corrective action and performance improvement plans when necessary.
  • Serve on various CDOT and R3 committees.
  • Foster a positive working environment; show employees that they are valued.
  • Attend meetings and visit project sites.
  • Other duties as assigned

Work Environment:

  • Primarily 8:00 am - 5:00 pm working hours, Monday-Friday.
  • Approximately 10% spent in the field, 90% spent in the office.
  • Daytime travel during business hours to project sites, to attend meetings, conduct assessments.
  • Rare evening work possible.
  • Occasional overnight travel to projects throughout the Region as well as to meetings in other parts of the state.
  • Potential exposure to hot, cold, wet, humid, or windy conditions caused by the weather.
  • Required to have a Colorado drivers license and operate CDOT vehicles.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Minimum Qualifications

Experience Only:

  • At least eight (8) years of relevant experience in program management, design/construction administration, engineering or a closely related field. This experience must include:
  • At least three (3) years of full-time professional work experience in comprehensive program management where the primary purpose was management /administration of design/construction projects which included the following: managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and contracts; evaluating and monitoring project performance; completing and reviewing documentation, reports, billing, and payments; and completing project closure.

OR

Education and Experience:

  • A combination of related education and experience equal to at least eight (8) years.

  • Education from an accredited college or university with coursework in program management, design/construction administration, engineering or another field of study related to the duties of this position will be considered.

  • Experience in program management, design/construction administration, engineering, or a closely related field will be considered. At least three (3) years of this experience must be in comprehensive program management where the primary purpose was management/administration of design/construction projects which included the following: managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and contracts; evaluating and monitoring project performance; completing and reviewing documentation, reports, billing, and payments; and completing project closure.

Example of a Local Agency program management-

  • Providing Local Agency mentorship, leadership, and expertise to a professional staff and providing Local Agency expertise to management which directly impacted policies or programs.

Please Note: The required experience must be substantiated within the work experience section of your application. "See Resume" statements on the application or resumes in lieu of a complete application may not be accepted. Additional information submitted after the closing date of this announcement will not be considered in the review of your application. In addition, part-time work will be prorated.

College Transcripts: If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or an official foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Transcripts must show the name of the school, completed credit hours, and (if applicable) that a degree was conferred. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential evaluation report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position.

Conditions of Employment

  • Must pass a pre-employment screening which may include social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records check, educational records, and driving records checks. More information in the supplemental information section.

  • A current valid driver's license is required for all Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) positions which require operating a state or personal motor vehicle to perform one or more essential functions of the position.

Preferred Qualifications

The exceptional applicant will possess the proven ability or accomplishment in the following:

  • Demonstrated success with the duties listed in the Description of the Job section;

  • Project management experience including managing quality, scope, cost and time;

  • Working knowledge of project management tools;

  • Experience with project tracking and preparing project reports;

  • Bachelors degree in Engineering or Construction Management Degree;

  • Supervisory experience with one or more staff

  • Years of State service experience related to the duties of this position;

  • Highest work/personal ethics and integrity;

  • Ability to work under tight deadlines and be adaptable to changing assignments;

  • Ability to take initiative to solve problems in an innovative manner;

  • Ability to work with a variety of stakeholders with sensitivity to their needs, priorities, promises made and commitments;

  • Effective interpersonal and relationship-building skills;

  • Strong time and project management skills, including the ability to prioritize and multi-tasking;

  • Excellent reasoning, investigative, analytical, and problem-solving ability;

  • Excellent facilitation, presentation, and communication skills, both written and oral;

  • Strong attention to technical detail and accuracy;

  • Passion for safety;

  • Fluency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Gmail and Google Applications, SAP, and the ability to quickly learn other software systems.

Supplemental Information

Applicant Checklist

Complete Applications must include the following documents:

  • A complete CDOT Application for Announced Vacancy (please submit online using the green APPLY button at the top of this announcement)

  • A complete Supplemental Questionnaire (The questionnaire is part of the online application. You will be prompted to answer them as you are completing your online application.)

  • A cover letter that describes your interest in this position, how your experience aligns with the minimum and preferred qualifications of this position. Cover letters must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Cover letters will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement.

  • A detailed chronological resume. Resumes must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application.

  • If you are using education to qualify, a copy of your official or unofficial transcript showing completed coursework and credit hours, that your degree has been conferred (if applicable), and the name of your school, or your NACES accreditation. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

  • If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214. Please submit this as an attachment to your online application.

Please note that you may redact information on your attachments that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Every effort must be made to submit all application materials by the announcement close date. Where unusual circumstances prevent timely acquisition of transcripts, they must be submitted within five business days of the announcement close date. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement may result in your application being rejected.

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness.

The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

Notifications:

All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be via email. Include your current working email address on your application and check your email frequently as you could receive time sensitive correspondence regarding this position. We highly recommend that you set up your email to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email. Immediately after you submit your application you should receive an email that confirms that you successfully submitted an application for this position. If you do not, try submitting again until you receive the confirmation email. Be sure to also check your junk folder for email communications from the State of Colorados website.

The Hiring Process:

  • All applications that are received by the closing of this announcement will be reviewed against the minimum qualifications in this announcement. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications proceed to the next step.

  • Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted based on merit and fitness through a comparative analysis process.

  • Part, or all, of the comparative analysis for this position may be a structured application review, which involves a review of the information you submit in your application materials by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) against the preferred qualifications.

  • Be sure your application materials specifically address your qualifications, experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the Major Duties, Minimum Qualifications, and Preferred Qualifications sections as listed above. Failure to include adequate information or follow instructions by the deadline for application may result in your application not being accepted for this position and may affect your inclusion as a qualified candidate in any step of the selection process and placement on the eligible list.

  • A top group, up to six candidates, will be invited to schedule an interview with the hiring manager.

Transfer, Non-Disciplinary Demotion or Reinstatement

If you believe that you are eligible to be considered as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement to this vacancy, you must submit a completed application following the directions in this job announcement and you will be included in the selection process along with other qualified applicants. If you are the finalist for this position after the selection process, Human Resources will confirm your eligibility to be appointed as a transfer, non-disciplinary demotion, or reinstatement applicant.

Employment Screening

If an applicant reaches the finalist stage of the hiring process, the Colorado Department of Transportation may procure a consumer report and/or investigative consumer report on the applicant in connection with his/her application for employment purposes, as defined under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. These reports may be obtained at any time after receipt of the applicants authorization. As part of the employment screening an applicant will be requested to disclose any deferred judgments and convictions as well as an explanation of the circumstances around any arrest or conviction. In the event that a screening returns information that the applicant believes is not accurate, he or she will have an opportunity to dispute the information with "Accurate."

Accurate, a consumer reporting agency, will obtain the report for CDOT. Further information regarding Accurate including its privacy policy, may be found online at www.accurate.com. Accurate is located at 200 Spectrum Center Drive Suite 1100, Irvine, CA 92618.

The report may contain information bearing on the applicants character, general reputation, personal characteristics, and mode of living. The information that may be included in the report includes social security number trace, criminal records check, public court records checks, educational records, and driving records checks. CDOT will only request credit reports insofar as they relate to the position for which the applicant is applying. The information contained in the report will be obtained from private and/or public record sources. The applicant will have the right, upon written request made within a reasonable time after receipt of a notice, to request disclosure of the nature and scope of any investigative consumer report.

Appeal Rights

If you receive notice that you have been eliminated from consideration for this position, you may file an appeal with the State Personnel Board or request a review by the State Personnel Director. An appeal or review must be submitted on the official appeal form, signed by you or your representative. This form must be delivered to the State Personnel Board by email (dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us), postmarked in US Mail or hand delivered (1525 Sherman Street, 4th Floor, Denver, CO 80203), or faxed (303.866.5038) within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgement of the department's action. For more information about the appeals process, the official appeal form, and how to deliver it to the State Personnel Board go to spb.colorado.gov; contact the State Personnel Board for assistance at 303.866.3300; or refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1,State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Directors Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov under Rules.

ADAAA Accommodations

CDOT is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability as defined by the ADA Amendments Act of 2008 (ADAAA) with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to eleshia.carpenter@state.co.us

Former State Employees

Former employees of the Colorado Department of Transportation System or any other State of Colorado Department or Agency, who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination, must disclose this information on his/her application.

EC (SAP #50005364/PCR #66504)

The State of Colorado offers permanent employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, as well as a comprehensive leave program. Please click the following link for detailed information: www.colorado.gov/pacific/dhr/benefits

Please note that each agencys contact information is different; therefore, we encourage all applicants to view the full, official job announcement which includes contact information and class title. Select the job you wish to view, then click on the "Print" icon.

01

As required for this position, please describe your work experience and/or education in program management, business administration, or engineering. Please include in your description where and when you gained this experience and/or education.

02

Please describe your comprehensive program management experience where the primary purpose was management/administration of design and or construction projects which included the following: managing project scopes, schedules, budgets, and contracts; evaluating and monitoring project performance; completing and reviewing documentation, reports, billings, and payments; and completing project closure.

03

Describe any experience you have assisting Local Agencies with complying with the rules associated with the funding of a project and guiding them through the planning/design/construction phases of the project. Describe your experience with providing budget oversight/tracking and reimbursement review/approval. Please include in your description where and when you gained this experience. If not applicable, please put "N/A".

04

Describe any supervisory experience you have. How would you describe your management style? Please include in your description where and when you gained this experience. If not applicable, please put "N/A".

05

Have you been subject to disciplinary action in the last three years of your work experience? If so, please provide details of that disciplinary action. If not, please state "N/A".

06

If you are using education to qualify, a legible copy of your official or unofficial college transcript(s) or a foreign credential evaluation report must be submitted with your application. Unofficial copies are acceptable, but they must show the name of the school, your name, completed coursework/credit hours, and if applicable that the degree was awarded and the type and name of the degree. Transcripts from colleges or universities outside of the United States must have been assessed for U.S. equivalency by a NACES educational credential evaluation service. The credential report must be an official report. Failure to provide a transcript or official foreign credential evaluation report may result in your application being rejected and you will not be able to continue in the selection process for this position. Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Have you included your transcript(s) as an attachment to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.

  • No, I have not attached transcripts to my application because I am using experience to meet the minimum qualifications.
  • Yes, I have attached my transcript(s) or official credential evaluation report that will be used to verify whether or not I meet the education requirement as announced
  • I have requested my transcripts from my college/university and will email them to Misty.Valles@state.co.us within 5 business days of the close date of the job announcement.

07

Former State employees who were disciplinarily terminated or resigned in lieu of termination must disclose the information on the application. In the space below, please provide an explanation as to why the prior termination or resignation should NOT disqualify your application from the current position. If this does not apply to you, please write "N/A".

08

A resume and a cover letter are required for your application to be complete. Your cover letter should describe how your experience aligns with the minimum qualifications and exceptional candidate section of this announcement. Documents must be uploaded as an attachment to your online application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing date and time of the announcement. Please note that you may redact information that identifies your age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution. Did you attach a resume and a cover letter to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.

  • Yes
  • No

09

If you are a current or previous State of Colorado employee, please list your Employee Identification Number (EID), dates of employment, and classifications for all State of Colorado Departments or institutes of Higher Education for which you have worked. The 2026 Step Pay Program may increase the salary range for employees with time in the class series. Your EID begins with 997 and is nine digits long. Please do not enter your Social Security Number. If not, please state "N/A".

10

If you are a veteran, a copy of your DD214 Member Form 4 and any other documents is required. Please submit these as attachments to your online application. Did you attach the required documents to your application? If not, you may go back and do so now.

  • Yes
  • No - I am a veteran, but I do not qualify for veterans preference
  • N/A - I am not a veteran

11

Voluntary Self-Identification of Disability We are a federal contractor or subcontractor required by law to provide equal employment opportunity to qualified people with disabilities. We are also required to measure our progress toward having at least 7% of our workforce be individuals with disabilities. To do this, we must ask applicants and employees if they have a disability or have ever had a disability. Because a person may become disabled at any time, we ask all of our employees to update their information at least every five years. Identifying yourself as an individual with a disability is voluntary, and we hope that you will choose to do so. Your answer will be maintained confidentially and not be seen by selecting officials or anyone else involved in making personnel decisions. Completing the form will not negatively impact you in any way, regardless of whether you have self-identified in the past. For more information about this form or the equal employment obligations of federal contractors under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act, visit the U.S. Department of Labors Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) website at www.dol.gov/ofccp. You are considered to have a disability if you have a physical or mental impairment or medical condition that substantially limits a major life activity, or if you have a history or record of such an impairment or medical condition. Disabilities include, but are not limited to: • Autism • Autoimmune disorder, for example, lupus, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, or HIV/AIDS • Blind or low vision • Cancer • Cardiovascular or heart disease • Celiac disease • Cerebral palsy • Deaf or hard of hearing • Depression or anxiety • Diabetes • Epilepsy • Gastrointestinal disorders, for example, Crohns Disease, or irritable bowel syndrome • Intellectual disability • Missing limbs or partially missing limbs • Nervous system condition for example, migraine headaches, Parkinsons disease, or Multiple sclerosis (MS) • Psychiatric condition, for example, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, or major depression

  • Yes, I Have a Disability, or Have a History/Record of Having a Disability
  • No, I Dont Have a Disability, or a History/Record of Having a Disability
  • I Dont Wish To Answer

Required Question

Employer State of Colorado

Address See the full announcement by clicking

the "Printer" icon located above the job title

Location varies by announcement, Colorado, --

Website https://careers.colorado.gov/

About the Company

S

State of Colorado