Principal Construction Manager
San Diego County Water AuthorityThe Organization
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JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY!
The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $267 billion economy and 3.3 million residents.
The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability.
We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply. Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as a construction project manager, engineering officer, facilities maintenance supervisor, civil engineering technician, Seabee builder/equipment operator or in a similar military role? Your leadership, project coordination, infrastructure operations, and mission-focused execution experience may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
The Engineering DepartmentThe Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives.
The Construction Section
The Engineering Department's Construction Group is responsible for administering construction projects for the Water Authority’s CIP and providing a full range of construction management services. The Group also performs constructability reviews; construction inspections; and supports projects in the planning and design phases.
The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is an accomplished construction management professional with a strong background in water utility construction, including the design and construction of major capital infrastructure projects. This individual is an adept problem-solver, able to anticipate challenges, evaluate complex technical issues, and implement effective solutions that support the Water Authority’s mission and long-term capital program.
The successful candidate will be highly organized, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple projects, consultant contracts, competing priorities, and diverse teams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. They excel at building strong working relationships and maintaining clear communication with internal staff, consultants, contractors, and member agencies.
This person will possess exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality technical correspondence and convey complex engineering and construction concepts clearly and effectively. The ideal candidate will also have significant experience guiding, mentoring, and developing professional and technical staff, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement and high-quality project delivery.
The Position
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The Principal Construction Manager serves as a key leader within the Engineering Department’s Construction Group, overseeing a team of in-house and consultant construction managers and inspectors who support the delivery of major Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. This position provides day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and guidance to professional and technical staff while ensuring proactive, accurate, and high-quality construction management throughout all project phases.Working in close collaboration with the Engineering Manager, the Principal Construction Manager plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of assigned staff. The role is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring work plans that advance the Water Authority’s Business Plan objectives, particularly those within the Water Supply and Water Facilities focus areas. The position plays a central role in administering construction contracts; reviewing project scopes, schedules, and budgets; coordinating with consultants and contractors; and ensuring compliance with Water Authority standards, policies, and specifications.This role also requires sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to resolve complex construction issues while maintaining productive partnerships with internal teams, member agencies, and external stakeholders. Through effective guidance, coaching, and oversight, the Principal Construction Manager helps ensure that CIP projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational goals.
Representative Duties
The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class.- Reviews the work of construction managers and inspectors providing guidance on the administration of the design, preparation and construction of major capital projects using in-house staff, consulting engineering firms and construction contractors.
- Establishes the recommended scope, schedule and budget for construction projects.
- Interprets specifications and Water Authority policies and initiates or reviews change orders.
- Establishes performance requirements and personal development targets with assigned staff; regularly monitors performance improvement and development; recommends compensation subject to management concurrence.
- Represents the Water Authority with consultants and contractors.
- Prepares correspondence on highly technical construction management issues.
- Revises design and construction standards to improve methods, procedures and practices.
- Participates in the preparation of CIP and operating budget recommendations.
- Authorizes the purchase of materials and monitors work activities and expenditures to control costs.
Work Schedule:
Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule.
Qualification Guidelines
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The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered.
A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above requires graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in construction management or civil engineering and eight years of professional construction management experience; including experience in public water/utility construction management; and at least two years supervisory experience at the level of the Water Authority's Senior Construction Manager; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Licenses and Other Requirements- A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy may be required.
- A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California or Certified Construction Manager through the Construction Management Association of America. In lieu of these certifications, applicants may be considered with fourteen years of increasingly responsible construction management experience in heavy civil construction, with at least six years of experience at the level of the Water Authority's Senior Construction Manager, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
Application Procedure
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To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire. This recruitment is open until filled, with a first application review date of September 28, 2026. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire.
All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices.
To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin.
The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit TIPS & RESOURCES FOR VETERANS APPLYING FOR JOBS IN WATER, on the Water Authority’s regional workforce development website, SanDiegoWaterWorks.org. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator athttps://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe/mos-translator.
Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663.