Caltrans Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Job Description: POSITION SUMMARY: Under general direction of the Deputy Chief Capital Programs Officer (DCCPO), manages all activities related to the construction and maintenance of The Toll Roads. This position independently and collaboratively oversees the construction of both routine and complex toll improvement projects involving multiple stakeholders, including external partners. Through construction planning efforts, this position will ensure implementation of TCA’s Strategic Plan priorities, initiatives, and goals as they relate to Capital Programs. The role serves as a technical expert in construction project management and provides both remote and on-site oversight of transportation-related construction projects as part of a project delivery team. A majority of the work overseeing projects on the toll system that must comply with California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) standards and processes. This Position is responsible for proactively monitoring project scope, cost, and schedule risks throughout the construction and closeout phases, while maintaining close communication with TCA Executive Staff. The role requires a high-level of problem-solving, including the analysis of unique or increasingly complex issues, often without precedent and sometimes of sensitive or political nature—and the development, presentation, and implementation of strategies and recommendations for resolution to a variety of audiences. Work assignments are received primarily from the DCCPO or the Chief Capital Programs Officer.ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional position-specific duties and/or duties that are outside the specific responsibilities that are listed.Provide senior and executive management support for capital programs involving the construction of roadway projects.Oversee construction management and construction contract administration services performed by others, including Caltrans or other public agencies.Monitor and manage all project costs, including Caltrans activities, TCA’s Design Engineer of Record, utility relocation, right-of-way, legal, and other costs associated with construction and project closeout.Proactively monitor and evaluate work progress to ensure schedules are maintained and contractor invoices can be processed appropriately.Review, process, track Contract Change Orders (CCOs) and recommend actions to minimize cost and schedule impacts to TCA; elevate risks for resolution or through dispute resolution process, as appropriate.Coordinate and manage tasks performed by construction contractors working on behalf of Caltrans or TCA on The Toll Road system.Review and actively manage the project risk register to minimize scope changes, cost increases, and schedule delays.Track material submittals, Request for Information (RFIs), and responses, ensuring complete and accurate project records through completion.Represent the TCA in construction team meetings with consultants, contractors, and external agencies.Initiate and conduct issues resolution meetings and workshops as needed during construction.Monitor and update project budgets to ensure funding is available each Fiscal Year; prepare cash flow estimates and coordinate with TCA finance staff, as appropriate.Communicate project issues to DCPPO and Executive Team, as appropriate, and manage expectations with stakeholders, including project partners and the public.Perform quality assurance and quality control on tasks, processes, technical documents, and submittals.Manage and coordinate construction activities, contract obligations, and utility relocation efforts through project closeout. Perform contract and construction project closeout activities. Other DutiesOversee and manage construction activities, including contractor and consulting engineer work, maintenance contracts, and other contracts with consulting firms; monitor work products, schedules, and cost to ensure services are completed on time and within budget.Monitor the condition of the highway facilities within and adjacent to the Toll Roads and work to resolve issues that may impact customers.Monitor and coordinate with Caltrans and other agencies regarding construction and maintenance activities to assess and address potential impacts to upcoming Capital Improvement Projects or Toll Roads customers.Represent TCA at public meetings and conferences, including delivering presentations and participating in technical panels. Develop or manage the preparation and review of technical reports, as well as draft and final agreements for construction projects.Prepare, review, and update cost and schedule estimates for Capital Improvement Projects; in some cases, develop independent cost estimates.Review or manage reviews of highway and related facilities designs to ensure compliance with Caltrans and applicable city, county, state, and federal standards.Define scope of work, oversee the preparation of RFPs and RFQs; analyze consultant proposals and task orders; and support consultant and contractor selection processes.Provides technical and engineering expertise for preparation of construction contracts, including alternative delivery methods.Serve as the primary day-to-day liaison between TCA, Caltrans, and construction contractors performing work funded by TCA.Coordinate with internal departments to ensure that construction activities alignment with budget, operational parameters, and agency messaging.Develop, negotiate, and execute cooperative agreements, memorandums of understanding, and other agreements with public agencies to support the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the CIP projects.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONSExperience and Education Required:Experience – 7 plus years of progressive management experience in construction delivery of capital improvement projects and/or programs. Must have a working knowledge of transportation project delivery including contract negotiations, planning, design, construction, and maintenance activities. Experience working on Caltrans highway construction projects is preferred.Education – bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university with a major in Civil Engineering, Transportation Planning, or related field. Must have demonstrated proficiency in project development, delivery, engineering, construction, and maintenance activities.Licenses – Preferred to have registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California. Must be in possession of a Class C California Driver’s license and have a satisfactory driving record.Required Knowledge of:Broad knowledge of transportation development, design, construction, including familiarity with agreements and project delivery standards and practices in California.Broad knowledge of civil and transportation engineering design and construction specifications, including Caltrans transportation standards for design and construction.Broad knowledge of highway and bridge construction and construction management oversight practices. Broad understanding of development, integration of toll systems, maintenance, and operations of toll systems within the State highway system.Knowledge of contracts administration, and relationship building with a wide range of regional planning and local government stakeholders.Working knowledge of state and federal laws related to construction governance, which considers rights-of-ways, engineering, traffic operations, and other transportation standards.Working knowledge of construction management practices.Broad Knowledge of financial processes, including budgeting and project planning.Knowledge of TCA’s Strategic Plan and ensuring tasks are in alignment with the TCA’s CIP.Knowledge of the value of effectively communicating construction status, its impacts, and ultimate transportation benefit of toll roads improvements to varying audiences.Knowledge of the value of timely and informed decisions.Knowledge of how to effectively manage resources to achieve maximum value with minimum cost.Knowledge and understanding of Federal and State Environmental laws, including the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), to ensure compliance during construction.SKILLS AND ABILITIES:Knowledge of roadway construction, including highway, street, bridge, and pavement construction methods and materials (e.g., asphalt, concrete, grading, drainage systems).Project management skills to plan, schedule, and oversee multiple construction projects simultaneously.Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, standard plans, and special provisions.Experience in cost estimating, budgeting, and project cost control.Knowledge of contract administration, procurement processes, orders, claims management, and dispute resolution.Proficiency in construction scheduling software such as Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.Sound decision-making ability to resolve issues quickly and maintain project progress.Conflict resolution skills to manage disputes among contractors, stakeholders, and agencies.In-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations and construction safety standards.Extensive knowledge of Caltrans standards, including Standard Specifications, Standard Plans, and Construction Manual.Experience administering Caltrans construction contracts, including bid packages, Notice to Proceed, and contract closeout.Ability to coordinate and collaborate with Caltrans District staff, Resident Engineers, and oversight personnel.Strong understanding of Caltrans policies for change orders, claims, and force account work.Experience ensuring compliance with Caltrans quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) requirements.Knowledge of Caltrans environmental compliance requirements, including NEPA/CEQA commitments, permits, and stormwater (SWPPP) regulations.Familiarity with Caltrans labor compliance requirements, including prevailing wage and certified payroll review.Ability to manage Caltrans documentation processes including project records, daily reports, RFIs, submittals, and audits.Experience coordinating utility relocations and permits in accordance with Caltrans requirements.Knowledge of traffic management plans (TMPs), lane closures, and staging requirements per Caltrans guidelines.Strong quality control skills to ensure compliance with engineering specifications and standards.Excellent verbal communication skills for coordinating with crews, engineers, Caltrans representatives, agencies, and stakeholders.Strong written communication skills for preparing reports, documentation, correspondence, and Caltrans-required submittals.Strong critical thinking and problem-solving abilities to address complex construction challenges.Risk management skills to identify potential issues and implement mitigation strategies.Ability to analyze project data, schedules, and performance metrics to improve efficiency.Proficiency in construction management software such as Procore, Bluebeam, or similar platforms.Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Word, and reporting tools.Ability to work in outdoor construction environments and regularly visit active job sites.MENTAL AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Mental Demands: While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; work in a highly stressful, politically-charged environment; manage and meet tight deadlines that may occur simultaneously, rather than sequentially; negotiate and advocate positions on behalf of the TCA; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or skills; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under intensive deadlines; and interact with staff, contractors, consultants, governmental and legislative representatives, media, management, public and private representatives, and the general public in the course of work.Physical Demands: The physical demands of a Construction Manager involve a combination of office-based work and may require frequent field presence in active construction environments. The position requires the ability to walk and traverse uneven terrain, including graded surfaces, trenches, and roadway work zones, for extended periods. Incumbents must be capable of climbing ladders or embankments, inspecting structures, and occasionally lifting or carrying materials up to moderate weights (typically up to 25–50 pounds). The role also requires sustained visual acuity for reviewing plans, inspecting workmanship, and identifying safety or quality issues. Work is performed in varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, wind, and rain, and may involve exposure to noise, dust, heavy equipment, and traffic hazards. The position may require extended hours, including early mornings, nights, or weekends, to accommodate construction schedules, lane closures, or emergency responses. Working Conditions: For the construction manager, working conditions involve a dynamic combination of office and field environments, with the potential for considerable time spent at active construction sites. The role requires regular exposure to outdoor conditions, including varying temperatures, weather elements, noise, dust, and heavy equipment operations. Construction work is often performed near traffic and in high-risk work zones, requiring strict adherence to safety protocols and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). The position involves coordinating with contractors, engineers, public agencies, and stakeholders, often under tight deadlines and evolving project conditions. This position also requires in-office work for reviewing plans, preparing reports and agreements, meetings with Executive team or other TCA staff. Although a regular office schedule will be established, there may be requirements for irregular work hours, including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and occasional on-call responsibilities, which may be necessary to accommodate construction schedules, lane closures, or emergency situations. Travel between the office and multiple project sites within the Toll Roads may be required, and the work environment can be fast paced, requiring adaptability, effective communication, and effective decision-making under pressure.