Design and Construction Manager

Hello, we’re Metro! Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today, and tomorrow. 

If you are passionate about leading impactful projects in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply!

The Oregon Zoo is seeking a Capital Projects Design and Construction Manager to lead the design and construction management of zoo capital projects funded by the 2024 General Obligation Bond. These projects will encompass a wide range of areas, including public spaces, animal care facilities, aquatic and terrestrial animal habitats, life support systems, integration with existing control systems, and ADA improvements.

In this role, you will work independently while reporting to the Director of Campus Planning and Development. You will be responsible for overseeing the successful execution of these projects, ensuring they meet quality standards, budget, and timelines while aligning with the zoo's mission and goals.

The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome almost 1.4 million visitors each year. Our zoo is home to more than 200 different animal species. Our mission is to create a better future for wildlife, with a focus on fighting extinction locally in the Pacific Northwest. The zoo is widely recognized for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation, and research.

Join us in shaping meaningful and engaging experiences at the Oregon Zoo!

As the Design and Construction Manager you will:

• Supervise and support three Construction Project Manager II, ensuring effective resource management and timely execution of plans. 
• Administer and manage the bond capital projects; establish, maintain and oversee processes for the project planning and design, implementation and closeout phases.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures and performance standards to assure efficient and effective management of projects. 
• Assist other bond team members in establishing and maintaining consistent project management and control tools.
• Establish and manage project planning and design processes with consultants, zoo staff and stakeholders; establishes, monitors and maintains project scopes, schedules and budgets.
• Develop and implement project budgets; monitors and summarizes project expenditures, including consultant work, in-house work, interpretive graphics, City fees and all other costs. 
• Forecast cash flow for project expenditures; reviews and recommends expenditure approval.
• Develop materials and procures design services. Ensures the processes and supporting documents follow established Metro Code, policies and procedures.
• Manage procurement and construction contracts. Coordinates the contract bid, review and award processes. Ensures federal, state and local contract requirements are met and that contracts meet project goals.
• Manage construction contracts for changes and adherence to defined scope, schedule and budget of work due to scope change, unknown conditions or errors/ omissions, processes appropriate changes to contracts, per administrative approval.
• Communicate about project budget, schedule, and scope via reports and meeting minutes. 
• Provide regular information and updates to zoo staff, directors, stakeholders, project team members, and Metro, including Capital Project Management Plans.
• Ensure prioritization of project safety; verifies adherence to safety protocols.
• Obtain or coordinates City of Portland environmental, land use and building permits.
• Effectively facilitates design and construction meetings with staff, unions, and contractors to build a cohesive, collaborative, and innovative team that moves the project forward, identifies next steps and who is doing that work, and moves the group from discussion to decision-making.

Attributes for success:

• Understanding of Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations that affect and impact work.
• Understanding of methods, practices and procedures used in the construction, maintenance and remodeling of capital and construction projects.
• Understanding of concrete forming, finish and special applications.
• Understanding of multi-story commercial construction.
• Understanding of architectural design principles, practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of using CAD and project management software.
• Ability to read and interpret schematics, CAD, blueprints and architectural drawings.
• Ability to analyze information and use logic to resolve issues and problems.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task; be organized and flexible to change course of work/projects as circumstances dictate.
• Ability to organize and conduct research, projects, and business activities.
• Ability to prepare and present business and research information in an efficient and effective manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with all persons contacted in the course of work.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION 

At Metro, we strive to cultivate diversity, advance equity, and practice inclusion in all of its work. This means attracting and empowering a workforce that is inclusive of a broad range of human qualities. Workplace diversity is both a moral imperative and a business strength, essential to providing quality support and services to our region. Metro’s goal is to hire, develop and retain highly skilled and talented individuals across all departments and programs who best reflect the diversity of our community.   

Learn more about Metro’s Diversity Action Plan

TO QUALIFY

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant. 

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration, OR related field. 
• Five (5) years leading or supervising people; AND 
• Two (2) years of project management experience in design and construction; OR 

• Any combination of education, professional, volunteer and lived experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the classification duties and responsibilities.

Required Qualification:

A current and valid driver’s license issues in current state of residence and ability to obtain Oregon Drivers license at time of hire. 

Working Conditions:

This position will require you to work primarily on site at the Oregon Zoo in an office environment. 

If you were terminated for cause during any employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, you may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

Like to have qualifications:

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider them when identifying the most qualified candidates. Your transferable skills are any skills you have gained through education, work experience, including the military, or life experience that are relevant for this position.

• Previous experience with live animal habitat construction, life support systems, and animal care facilities.
• Masters’ degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Public Administration or related field. 
• Seven (7) years or more of experience in design and construction supervision or project management of high-budget and/or high-risk projects.
• Previous experience managing in a Union environment.
• Previous experience working in a Government Organization.
• Sustainable building certification.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following required documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents in your online application. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items will result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• A completed application  
• A completed cover letter addressing why you are interested in this position and how your experience aligns with the qualifications. 
• A list of 3-4 applicable projects with the following information:
  • Client
  • Project scope/description
  • Your role
  • Budget: under-, on-, or over- budget and reasons why
  • Project delivery: early, on-time, or late and reasons why
• Four (4) current references with one of them being your current or most recent supervisor/manager. References will not be called until the final candidate has been selected and you will be notified prior to any contact

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 
• Background, driving records check for finalist candidate (if applicable)

COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND REPRESENTATON

The full-salary range for this position is step 1 $130,960.55 to step 6 $167,142.28 annually. However, unless a candidate’s qualifications justify, based on the Oregon Pay Equity Act requirements and Metro’s internal equity review process, the appointment will likely be made between step 1 $130,960.55 to the equity range step 4 $151,603.70 annually.

This position is not eligible for overtime and is non-represented. It is classified as a Manager II. 

Classification descriptions are typically written broadly and do not include the specific duties and responsibilities of the positions. View the classification description.

Questions?

Recruiter: Christina Rentas

Email: Christina.rentas@oregonmetro.gov

Equal employment opportunity

All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made, or any other status protected by law.

Accommodation

Metro will gladly provide a reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance.

Veterans' preference

Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.

Hybrid Telework

Positions designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will have the option to work away from the office, although there may be times that coming into the office will be required. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; Metro cannot support ongoing telework from other locations.

Pay equity at Metro

No matter who you are or where you work at Metro, you deserve to be paid fairly for the work you do. Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age, or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.

Online applications

Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, please contact the recruiter outlined in the job announcement in advance to request assistance. 

How to Apply

For tips on how to apply and more information on what the application process looks like, visit Metro’s “How to apply” page. 

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