CIVIL PROJECT MANAGER JOB DESCRIPTION

On a typical week, a Civil Project Manager moves between leading client coordination meetings for land development entitlements and reviewing PS&E packages before they go out for agency approval. PS&E packages cover plans, specifications, and cost estimates. The role sits inside a consulting firm's project delivery structure, owning a portfolio of infrastructure assignments that can span site civil, roadway, drainage, and municipal water or wastewater systems. PE licensure is a baseline expectation, not a differentiator. What separates strong performers is the ability to hold schedule, budget, and client relationships simultaneously across multiple active projects governed by state and local regulatory review cycles.

Civil Project Managers in civil engineering consulting are accountable for the technical quality, financial performance, and client outcomes of infrastructure design projects from scope development through construction administration. They coordinate multidisciplinary design teams and subconsultants, maintain agency relationships across municipal, state, and federal permitting channels, and carry direct responsibility for proposal development and project profitability.

Career Impact: Owning PE-stamped deliverables on publicly procured infrastructure projects, including roadway, wastewater, and stormwater systems, builds a project record that is directly legible to state DOTs and municipal procurement offices when firms compete for future work.

Business Impact: Project Managers in this seat control the margin on a consulting firm's billable portfolio, and schedule slippage, scope creep, or failed agency approvals translate immediately into write-offs that affect the firm's profitability and client retention.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to business development, proposal leadership, and subconsultant management at this level creates a direct path to Principal Engineer or practice lead roles, where ownership shifts from individual projects to an entire market sector or regional office.

• Manage project scope, schedule, and budget across multiple concurrent civil design assignments to meet client and contractual obligations.
• Lead preparation and review of PS&E packages covering plans, specifications, and cost estimates for infrastructure projects including roadway, drainage, sewer, and water systems.
• Coordinate with municipal, state, and federal agencies to advance permitting and regulatory approvals throughout the design process.
• Direct the work of design team members and CAD operators, providing technical guidance and ensuring deliverable quality before submission.
• Serve as primary client contact for assigned projects, attending coordination meetings and managing written correspondence on scope, schedule, and design issues.
• Manage subconsultants across disciplines including geotechnical, environmental, and specialty engineering to integrate their work into project deliverables.
• Support construction administration activities including submittal reviews, RFI responses, and site observation coordination.
• Pursue new project opportunities through proposal preparation, client relationship development, and participation in interviews and presentations.

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related engineering field, or equivalent work experience.
• 5 or more years of civil engineering project management experience, with demonstrated involvement in infrastructure design from scoping through construction support.
• Active Professional Engineer (PE) license or eligibility to obtain licensure within 6 months of hire.
• Proficiency in civil engineering design and drafting workflows, including computer-aided design tools used for grading, drainage, and utility layout.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies on permitting and project approvals.
• Ability to manage project financials including budget tracking, cost forecasting, invoicing coordination, and fee proposal development.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to represent a firm's interests with clients, agencies, and subconsultants.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites and client meetings as required.

• Master's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
• PMP or CAPM certification demonstrating formal project management training.
• Demonstrated experience with transportation or municipal infrastructure programs, including familiarity with state DOT processes or federal funding mechanisms.
• LEED certification or experience managing projects subject to environmental impact or stormwater compliance requirements.

• Project budget variance, measured as actual versus budgeted cost across the managed project portfolio.
• Schedule adherence rate, tracking milestone delivery against the contracted project timeline.
• Utilization rate on billable hours, reflecting how efficiently project resources are deployed across active assignments.
• Agency approval cycle time, measuring how quickly permitting submissions advance through municipal or state review.
• Client retention rate on managed accounts, indicating repeat engagement from existing consulting relationships.
• Proposal win rate, tracking successful awards relative to total competitive submissions pursued.
• Typical tools: Civil design and drafting (commonly AutoCAD Civil 3D); project and financial tracking (commonly Microsoft Project, Excel); document management for submittals and RFIs.

• Base Salary Range: $90,000 to $130,000 depending on experience and PE licensure status
• Bonus: Annual performance bonus typical at 5% to 15% of base salary
• Equity: Rare at most consulting firms; some employee-owned firms offer ownership tracks at senior levels
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage standard; employer contributes majority of premium
• PTO: 15 to 20 days annually, with additional sick leave and paid holidays
• Common Perks: Professional licensure and continuing education reimbursement, professional association memberships, and mileage or vehicle allowance for site travel

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Background checks, including verification of professional licensure and employment history, are required as a condition of employment. All qualified applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities are available upon request throughout the hiring process. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.

The Civil Project Manager delivers engineering studies and construction plans, including grading, sewer, drainage, and water systems design, for a range of private and public projects. Reporting to a Principal Engineer and acting as a Senior Engineer, this role enables timely infrastructure improvements by translating hydraulic analyses and AutoCAD Civil 3D work into complete PS&E packages.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare engineering analysis, designs, and calculations for private improvements and public works projects.
• Assist in the preparation of construction plans, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Assist with construction submittal reviews, Requests for Information (RFI), and other construction-related activities.
• Coordinate with other design team members and public agencies.
• Assist the survey and construction management team during the project construction phase.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering required.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer required.
• 5+ years of experience performing civil engineering duties, including grading, sewer, drainage, and water systems design.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Civil Engineering principles, practices, and methods, including hydraulic and alternatives analyses.
• Proficiency using AutoCAD Civil 3D and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to gather, organize, and analyze engineering data and produce comprehensive reports.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively as part of an engineering team.

Embedded within the project management team, the Civil Project Manager plans, directs, and coordinates engineering design projects from pre-planning through contract negotiation and resource allocation. Working closely with clients as the primary contact and with sub-consultants across geotechnical, architecture, and landscape disciplines, this role keeps multi-stakeholder projects on schedule and financially accurate.

Core Functions

• Engage clients as the primary point of contact and manage all written correspondence for the project.
• Coordinate schedules, resources, and meetings with clients to keep projects on track.
• Monitor, manage, and adjust the project schedule to meet client goals and internal deadlines.
• Manage the project team, resources, and workflow to ensure efficient utilization and on-time delivery.
• Oversee invoicing, billing, and financial accuracy in coordination with Administration.
• Coordinate with local and state agencies to obtain appropriate permits.
• Manage sub-consultants including Geotechnical, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Lighting firms.
• Attend public meetings, workshops, and hearings as needed.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Engineering, preferably Civil Engineering.
• Registered Professional Engineer preferred, CAPM required, PMP and LEED certifications preferred.
• At least 2 years of civil engineering project management experience.
• Strong project management and communication skills.
• Self-motivated, organized, flexible, and able to work both independently and with a project team for completion of tasks.

Reporting to senior leadership, the Civil Project Manager manages all project scopes across MEP, site GC, earthwork, sewer and water, and specialty work for multiple concurrent projects. Partnering with client PMs, owners, design teams, and subcontractors, this role shapes new business opportunities while overseeing schedule, quality management, and job site safety.

Primary Duties

• Manage all project scopes including MEP, site GC, earthwork, sewer and water, and specialty work.
• Assist preconstruction during bid phase and contribute to development of the project budget.
• Monitor cost projections, contingent liabilities, and potential savings across multiple concurrent projects.
• Establish and maintain relationships with client PMs, owners, design teams, and subcontractors to develop new business opportunities.
• Serve as liaison between office and field, coordinating staffing and movement of field personnel.
• Monitor subcontractor status and oversee the shop drawing and submittal process.
• Prepare and manage the construction schedule, identifying ways to expedite work and predict problems.
• Oversee the quality management program and champion job site safety in line with company guidelines.
• Work with project accounting to manage pay requests and change order processes.

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or Engineering required.
• 5+ years of experience as a general contractor or subcontractor on sitework or heavy civil projects.
• Knowledge of construction principles and practices, including subcontracts and self-perform work.
• Experience in leading project teams and maintaining relationships with clients and external entities.
• Must be detail-oriented and a team player.
• Great communication, technical writing, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.

Sitting at the intersection of civil site design and client relationship management, the Civil Project Manager prepares and reviews plans, specifications, and estimates for civil site, land development, and solid waste projects while coordinating with local, state, and federal officials. Operating across project scopes from budget development through construction site visits, this role mentors junior technical staff and ensures contractual obligations are met on schedule.

Duties

• Work alongside senior leadership, project managers, and junior staff to develop client relationships, budgets, and schedules while maintaining technical and financial performance.
• Analyze reports, maps, drawings, and geologic and hydrological data to plan and design civil projects.
• Prepare engineering and design drawings and documents using computer-assisted design software.
• Direct CAD Operators in reducing designs to working drawings.
• Prepare design computations, quantity estimates, and probable construction cost estimates.
• Assist in the preparation or modification of reports, specifications, construction schedules, environmental impact studies, and permits.
• Attend client meetings including public meetings, workshops, and retreats to develop and maintain client relationships.
• Visit construction sites to monitor progress and fulfill duties per the construction contract documents.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related field.
• North Carolina PE license or ability to obtain within 6 months.
• 6+ years of experience, preferably in civil site design.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD Civil 3D and commonly used software, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Valid driver's license required.

A key member of the Texas market leadership team, the Civil Project Manager leads transportation project management, business development, and proposal presentations while managing project schedule, budget, and profitability across multiple disciplines. Collaborating across planning, environmental, roadway, structures, hydraulics, transit, aviation, and traffic teams, this role mentors subordinate staff and builds lasting relationships with local government and civic organizations to sustain a strong project pipeline.

Functions

• Lead transportation project management, business development efforts, and proposal presentations across the Texas market.
• Attract new clients, ensure customer satisfaction, and build strong relationships with local government and civic organizations.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate staffing levels for projects and identify work-sharing opportunities with other offices.
• Manage project schedule, budget, and profitability while overseeing preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates.
• Prepare and review deliverables including design documents, environmental studies, cost estimates, and proposals to meet quality and client standards.
• Coordinate with planning, environmental, roadway, structures, hydraulics, transit, aviation, and traffic disciplines across remote office locations.
• Mentor subordinate staff and collaborate with management on long-range staffing plans and objectives.
• Uphold ethical decision-making standards regarding company funds, resources, and conduct.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or closely related discipline, Master's degree preferred.
• Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Texas required.
• 12+ years of experience in engineering and infrastructure design, including at least 5 years leading teams on large transportation projects.
• Strong experience with TxDOT projects and programs.
• Experience with state and local government agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, apply engineering judgment, and lead design quality control programs.
• Strong adaptability, flexibility, and commitment to workplace safety standards.

Capital investment performance across the Building Products Division depends on the Civil Project Manager, who identifies, develops, and executes capital projects up to $10 million while coaching project teams on process calculations, layout drawings, and cost management. Based in a headquarters or home-based arrangement with 50 to 75 percent travel, this role reports progress to Senior Leadership and influences technology implementation to improve quality and product yield across manufacturing plants.

Accountabilities

• Identify, develop, and execute capital projects for plants within the building products division.
• Provide guidance to management and field teams, report progress to Senior Leadership, and validate project priority and status with supporting data.
• Implement technology to enhance processes, quality, and product yield, and identify scope or deliverable changes needed to ensure project success.
• Provide direct support in the form of process calculations, layout drawings, cost management, forecasting, scheduling, and resource reallocation.
• Coach project teams technically, influence senior leadership toward best business outcomes, and emphasize safety commitment using the Risk Management System.

Technical Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or higher, PMP designation preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of Project Engineering or Project Management experience in an industrial manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Mechanical and Process Engineering in a manufacturing environment, including wood products or corrugated industry preferred.
• Knowledge of project scoping, cost estimation, and scheduling from development through completion.
• Personnel coaching experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project) and AutoCAD.
• Ability to visualize in three dimensions and work in areas without climate control for extended periods.
• Willingness and ability to travel 50 to 75% of the time.

As the Civil Project Manager, this role manages small, medium, and large site and civil engineering design efforts across all boroughs while monitoring project financial performance and leading proposal submissions. The project team relies on this work to advance permitting documents through DOB, DEP, NYCDOT, and MTA review processes and to successfully deliver construction administration through close-out.

Activities

• Manage small, medium, and large design efforts to develop site and civil engineering plans and specifications across all NYC boroughs while monitoring project financial performance.
• Support preparation of design and permitting documents including DOB New Building Applications, DEP Site Connection Applications, Builder's Pavement Plans, Curb Cut Applications, DPR Street Tree Approvals, DOT Vault Approvals, and MTA Letters of No Objection.
• Prepare and review design drawings covering site layout, grading and drainage, utility layout, and erosion and sediment control in conformance with DEP detention requirements.
• Attend meetings with clients, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders to discuss design, permitting, and schedule.
• Supervise design team activities during construction administration and construction close-out.
• Develop new project opportunities and manage proposal submissions.

Position Requirements

• BS in Civil Engineering or related degree required.
• Licensed Professional Engineer in New York required, with ability to obtain New Jersey PE.
• 11 to 15 years of site and civil engineering experience, specifically with private sector projects in NYC.
• Experience with DOB New Building approvals, DEP Amended Drainage Plans, Site Connection Applications, NYCDOT BPPs.
• Understanding of NYCDEP, NYCDOT, NYCDPR, MTA, and NYSDEC review processes.
• Proficiency in roadway design, site layout, grading, utility design, and stormwater management.
• CAD experience required (AutoCAD), GIS experience desired.
• Attention to detail, critical thinking, and leadership ability.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.

Civil Project Manager leads multi-disciplinary teams of civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, and geotechnical engineers on the planning, design, and construction administration of water, wastewater, stormwater, roadway, and treatment plant infrastructure for municipal and federal clients. Success in the position means defining project scope, schedule, and fee while mentoring staff, pursuing new work, and maintaining PE licensure across multiple state jurisdictions to keep complex infrastructure programs moving forward.

Operational Focus

• Lead project teams in developing engineering reports, studies, and designs using industry standards and regulatory-compliant approaches.
• Lead field evaluation and assessment of water and wastewater facilities including collection systems, pumping stations, and treatment facilities.
• Lead site investigations including geotechnical borings and soil test pits for stormwater design.
• Lead design and permitting of site projects for municipal clients and utility projects at naval installations.
• Define project scope, schedule, and fee, and determine work procedures, staffing, and subconsultant assignments.
• Support procurement of construction services including public bidding, contract execution, and construction administration.
• Mentor engineering and support staff and pursue new work through client relationships, proposals, and professional organization participation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• BS in Civil or Environmental Engineering required.
• PE license in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts required or ability to obtain through comity.
• Active membership in relevant industry associations.
• 10 to 15 years of experience with municipal and private clients in engineering or project management roles.
• Knowledge of municipal water and wastewater systems, roadway and stormwater design, power utilities, and military installation utility projects.
• Understanding of project funding mechanisms, government budgeting and procurement, and federal, state, and local permitting processes.
• Experience in managing budgets, tracking financial performance, managing invoicing, and preparing competitive proposals.
• Strong communication, conflict resolution, team leadership, and interpersonal skills.

The Civil Project Manager produces full-scale project plans and manages budget, resource allocations, and CPM scheduling across multiple heavy civil construction projects in remote and North Slope locations. Working with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors, this role ensures compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and quality standards to keep complex construction programs on track and financially controlled.

Key Deliverables

• Lead planning and implementation of multiple projects, interpreting plans and specifications for proper execution.
• Prepare contracts and negotiate revisions, changes, and additions with architects, consultants, clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Develop full-scale project plans, define tasks and resource requirements, and manage budget and resource allocations.
• Monitor and report project progress, manage changes and interventions, and conduct project evaluations and assessments.
• Inspect and review projects for compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Oversee CPM scheduling, cost control, submittal review, purchase orders, change orders, and subcontract management.

Professional Experience

• 5 years of experience managing and estimating heavy civil construction projects.
• Thorough knowledge of construction materials, practices, OSHA regulations, and building codes.
• Knowledge of business and management principles including strategic planning, resource allocation, and production coordination.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and MS Project or P6 Scheduling Software.
• Ability to learn new programs.
• Proficiency in Timberline Estimating and Purchasing Software or similar civil construction management systems.
• Ability to perform quantity takeoffs, financial projections, and cost interpretation from construction documents.
• Strong planning, organizing, mathematical, and communication skills with the ability to work in multicultural environments.