Public Works Projects Manager

Public Works Projects Manager

Salary

$106,800.00 - $143,268.00 Annually

Location

Public Works Corporate Yard, 220 South Daisy, Santa Ana, CA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

2026-00287-2 (GO)

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

05/12/2026

Closing Date

5/26/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

SEIU

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City of Santa Ana is looking for individuals who are results-oriented, possess great attitude, demonstrate creativity and innovation, work efficiently, show a record of success and have a passion for public service. Having highly talented employees provides the best service to our community.

Manages assigned Public Works Agency projects from initiation to completion and/or administers assigned public works programs, including park and facility maintenance, street maintenance, street tree services, street lighting, median maintenance, sanitation, refuse, bus shelter and right-of-way, and/or water and wastewater collection systems projects and programs.

Currently, there is one (1) vacancy in Maintenance services. The established list, may be used for other divisions.

Essential Functions Include But Are Not Limited To

• Plans, directs, and coordinates activities of designated projects from initiation to completion to ensure that timelines, goals, and objectives specified for projects are accomplished in accordance with prescribed priorities, time limitations, and funding conditions.
• Prepares Requests for Proposal and bid packages to solicit bids from consultants, contractors, and vendors, including scope of services.
• Analyzes and evaluates bids and recommends consultants for selection.
• Prepares staff reports related to assigned projects.
• Manages funding for all assigned projects and solicits funding from federal, state, and county governments for new projects.
• Communicates with citizen and public organizations in order to coordinate various public works project activities.
• Provides staff leadership and technical assistance to task forces, citizen groups, commissions, or boards, and confers with and provides technical assistance to City departments in areas of responsibility.
• Develops the Citys position on various planned programs and projects, and makes recommendations.
• Coordinates project reviews through the Citys development departments; advises and informs supervisor regarding the status of projects, and develops and implements a project tracking system.
• Recommends policies, projects, and project budgets, and assists in division budget preparation.
• Prepares project reports, grant applications, and other relevant documentation using current software applications.
• Interprets and analyzes construction plans, specifications, and related documents.
• Makes presentations at public hearings and meetings.
• Performs field surveys, investigations, and quality control activities for assigned programs.
• Monitors legislation and developments, and evaluates their impact on City operations and programs; recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Supervises staff; plans, assigns, reviews, professionally develops, and evaluates work; and participates in the selection of staff.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in planning, transportation, engineering, construction management, maintenance, water and wastewater collection systems administration or operations, or a related field, including one (1) year of project or program management experience. Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in public administration, business administration, engineering, urban planning, or a related field. Minimum qualifications may be met via an equivalent combination of experience and education sufficient to perform the essential job functions. Experience and education must provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: Pertinent federal, state, and local public sector laws, codes, and regulations; municipal government functions, contract negotiation, and administration; research and analysis methods and techniques; project and program management techniques; public works construction techniques; public works maintenance issues; principles and practices of supervision; principles and practices of municipal budgeting; principles of mathematics; proper English usage, grammar, and punctuation; records management; safe driving principles and practices; and current office software applications.

Skill in: The use of current software applications relevant to effective job performance; oral presentations.

Ability to: Effectively interact and coordinate with agencies involved in project approval processes; negotiate with various parties to effectively safeguard City interests; analyze and interpret construction plans, specifications, blueprints, and related documents; conduct research to ascertain pertinent facts relating to project development and completion; monitor continuous public works programs, projects, agreements, and contracts; analyze data, draw sound conclusions, and make recommendations; interpret laws, codes, and ordinances; prepare comprehensive, clear, and concise written reports; make formal oral presentations; communicate tactfully, clearly, and concisely, both orally and in writing; follow written and oral direction appropriately; plan, organize, and prioritize work to meet deadlines; establish systems and procedures to monitor program and project progress, funding, and expenditures; analyze administrative, operational, or organizational problems and issues related to assigned programs; evaluate alternatives and make recommendations; and develop and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, other departments, and the general public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession and retention of a valid California Class C Drivers License is a condition of continued employment in this job classification.

• Must be willing and able to work evenings, nights, and weekends, as needed.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives general direction from management staff.

• Exercises various levels of supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions: Work is generally performed in standard office and, occasionally, field settings. Occasional travel to different sites is required. Occasionally works on various types of surfaces, including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Incumbents may be exposed to gas, smoke, smells and scents, loud and noisy conditions, indoor and outdoor lighting, dirt and dust, wind and pollen, and variable weather conditions.

Physical Conditions: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in office and field settings; operate motor vehicles; stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, and walk; lift and carry up to twenty (20) pounds; push and/or pull light to moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination, including the use of a computer keyboard; utilize sight, hearing, speaking, reading, writing, and math ability to exchange information; see with normal vision and visual range, with or without correction; and hear in the normal audio range, with or without correction.

Selection Process

All applicants are required to complete and submit a City application form online and answer the supplemental questionnaire. Resumes or faxed copies will not be accepted in lieu of the City online application. Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application. To apply, click on the "Apply" link located at the top of this page. New users must create an account first. Click on this link for instructions on how to set up your account and apply for the first time: Online Employment Application Guide.

Applications will be reviewed by the Human Resources Department. Those applicants possessing the most pertinent qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process, which will include:

Writing Skills Examination (Tentatively scheduled for May 28-31, 2026): (Qualifying)

Oral Interview Examination (Tentatively scheduled for June 23, 2026): (Weight of 100%) will evaluate the candidates experience, training, education and abilities in relation to those factors which are essential for successful performance on the job.

Candidates must achieve a passing score in every component of the selection process in order to be placed on the eligible list. The Human Resources Department may waive one or more examination components. When one weighted examination component is waived, the remaining section will receive a weight of 100%.

The City of Santa Ana is an equal opportunity employer. If you consider yourself a person with a disability, you may contact us regarding providing reasonable accommodation.

Please visit the following website to view the summary of comprehensive benefits!

Summary of Benefits

(under SEIU)

NOTE: A more complete set of specifications for this classification may be found on the Citys website or on file in the Human Resources Department. The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contribution toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract settlements between recognized employee associations and the City of Santa Ana.

01

Which option best describes your experience in planning, transportation, engineering, construction management, maintenance, water and wastewater collection systems administration or operations, or a related field?

• None
• At least 1 year, less than 3 years
• At least 3 years, less than 5 years
• At least 5 years or more

02

Which option best describes your years of project or program management experience?

• None
• At least 1 year, less than 3 years
• At least 3 years, less than 5 years
• At least 5 years or more

03

What is the highest level of education that you have completed?

• Did not graduate high school / did not obtain GED
• Graduated high school / obtained GED
• Completed some college-level coursework or obtained Associate degree
• Obtained Bachelors degree
• Obtained Graduate degree

04

If you indicated in the previous question that you received a college degree, please indicate the field of study. If you did not receive a degree type N/A.

05

Describe your experience in managing, leading and monitoring specific programs in public works, government or a closely related field. Identify the types of programs, contracts involved, including the position you held, your specific role and the dates during which the experiences occurred. If none, please write N/A.

06

Describe your experience developing and monitoring budgets in public works or related government sector. Indicate your specific role as well as the dates during which this experience occurred. Include your experience with relevant computer software applications used in this area if applicable. If none, please write N/A.

07

Provide your experience working with contractors and consultants associated with public works or governmental agencies. Include the types of reports, software or work order system that you used or developed to monitor program successes, including the position you held, your specific role and the dates during which the experiences occurred. If none, please write N/A.

08

Describe your experience in supervising or directing the work of others. Indicate your specific role, the dates during which this experience occurred, and how many staff you supervised. If none, please write N/A.

09

If not discussed previously, describe any other experience, training or education you have that would be beneficial in performing the duties of the Projects Manager position in Public Works. If none, please write N/A.

10

Possession and retention of a valid California Class "C" drivers license is a requirement of this position. Do you currently possess a valid California Class "C" drivers license and understand this requirement? Note for out-of-state applicants: Currently possessing the equivalent of a California Class "C" drivers license from another state would temporarily suffice this requirement and must obtain a Class "C" drivers license in the State of California prior to a job offer with the City of Santa Ana.

• Yes
• No

11

Are you willing and able to work evenings, nights, and weekends, as needed?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Ana

Address Human Resources, M-24

PO Box 1988

Santa Ana, California, 92702

Phone 714-647-5340

Website http://www.santa-ana.org