Sr. Engineering Project Manager en Port of Tacoma, WA

About the Department

Anticipated hiring range is between $130,734 - $153,804 depending on qualifications.

The Sr. Engineering Project Manager leads and manages all aspects of highly complex projects and initiatives, which have high visibility and/or may be politically sensitive. This position is a working manager of Engineering staff and has oversight of assigned projects that are complex, controversial, highly visible, and politically sensitive consistent with the Port of Tacoma’s (Port’s/POT) and/or Northwest Seaport Alliance’s (NWSA’s) policies, strategic plans, key initiatives, and/or business objectives. Develops, coordinates, and directs several concurrent highly complex projects. Provides high level customer service to all stakeholders. Projects involve buildings, site development, waterfront structures, roads, habitat/mitigation developments, railroads, and utilities.

Position Duties

• Supervises and prioritizes staff and projects. This position will be responsible for assigned projects and ensures assigned team has allocated resources to ensure the completion of project scope within approved schedules and budgets. Oversees staff needed to manage Port and NWSA projects. Manages, mentors, and develops assigned staff; arranges for appropriate staff training and development; monitors and manages staff productivity and demeanor; assists with making work assignments; balances workload; and evaluates performance. 
• Manages all aspects of projects that are highly complex and may include unusual problem solving and is accountable for the delivery of projects consistent with defined scope and approved budget and schedule. This position manages a project team and projects that include complex funding, regulatory requirements, and opportunities within the department. These generally include multi-inter-organizational coordination that will be delegated to this position. Will support the Director and Sr. Director with Commission, Managing Member, and POT/NWSA leadership interactions where applicable. Prepares and presents written and oral briefings to Port Commission, agency heads, elected officials, and at community or public hearing forums on elements of assigned projects. 
• Evaluates Port and NWSA facilities, including marine structures, and makes recommendations about the condition, use, and capacity of facilities and structures. Investigates, analyzes, and recommends solutions and methods of repair and correction in the maintenance and modification of facilities. This position will also act as an expert advisor and provide technical and professional consultation to business units and the Port and/or NWSA Leadership and advises Port/NWSA leaders and staff, business leaders, and tenants on risks, liabilities, benefits, and opportunities associated with Port and NWSA’s activities. Recommends and develops project specific solutions, options, recommendations, and budget insight. Assists the Director and Sr. Director with the implementation and integration of project specific goals, initiatives, and requirements.
• Provide support related to organizational and business requirements including budget and finance, risk management, and maintenance. Provides recommendations and participates in developing new or revised operational policies, procedures, guidelines, standards, or initiatives related to engineering and project management. Ensures compliance with policies and procedures.
• Directs the work of consultants to ensure high quality work products in alignment with project scope. Negotiates consultant contract, approves consultant billings and manages amendments.
• Coordinate construction activities as they impact Port and tenant operations to ensure construction completion and continued operation. Coordinate construction activities as they impact Port and tenant operations to ensure construction completion and continued operation. Monitor schedules and inspect the stage of completion of construction project work in progress and recommend partial and final payments to contractors. Reviews submittals required by the contract documents and manages the submittal process. Coordinates and directs field inspectors. Leads and participates in periodic construction meetings. Conducts job observation trips. Attends pre-bid meetings, bid openings, and develop addenda. Review and analyze responsible bids. Recommend action regarding acceptance of lowest responsible bid.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, construction management or a related field required. A master’s degree in engineering or related field is preferred. 

A Washington Licensed Professional Engineer or Architect certification is required, and a Structural Engineering license preferred.

Minimum of six (6) years of responsible experience in positions involving assignments in project management, engineering design, estimating, and construction management, including extensive experience in the supervision of staff in a division, unit, or department. Client management, complex project assignments, diverse service experience is desirable. Experience must also demonstrate skills in leadership, independent project management, construction management, cost estimating, clear and concise specification writing, preparation and understanding of contract documents and coordination and management of multi-discipline engineering teams and consultants.

Preferred experience in the Port and/or Maritime industry in the design and project management of marine facilities, including; cargo terminals, docks, piers, wharfs, bulk cargo terminals and marine structures. Preferred experience managing project management and engineering professionals.

Other Qualifications

Knowledge

• Advanced knowledge of site, commercial, and public works construction project management best practices to manage complex projects, budgets, and schedules. 
• Advanced knowledge of engineering and architectural design principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of organization and cross-departmental business practices and strategies for their applicability to departmental work. 
• Knowledge of supervisory principles and practices with effective leadership skills, including mentoring and coaching. 
• Strong knowledge of federal, state, and local regulatory agencies and related regulations, guidelines, and procedures as they relate to Port/NWSA projects. 

• Skilled in planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the work of Engineers. 
• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex ideas and thoughts in a concise and easy to understand manner to individuals at all levels of the organization.
• Effective problem resolution skills that demonstrate a holistic organizationally focused perspective.   
• Effective negotiation and facilitation skills. 
• Team building, problem solving, and mediation skills. 
• Advanced research and analytical skills. 
• Excellent technical and mathematical skills. 

• Ability to use advanced techniques in the modification or extension of theories and practices of sciences and disciplines to evaluate existing infrastructure equipment and systems and determine requirements for renewal/replacement/expansion and future maintenance practices.
• Ability to oversee multiple complex projects simultaneously. 
• Ability to serve as expert advisor. 
• Demonstrated ability to interact with executive leaders, project stakeholders, commission, local officials, and the general public to present and explain program information that may be politically sensitive. 
• Ability to inspire and motivate staff. 
• Demonstrates a high degree of creativity, foresight, and mature judgment in managing major projects and programs with complex features. 
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and demands.