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Federal Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

AECOM

Project Manager, Federal Market

Orange, CA · On-site

AECOM is seeking a Project Manager focused on leading our Federal projects to be based in one of our Southern California offices. We are open to this person being seated in our Orange, San Diego or ...

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All JobsFederal Project JobsFederal Project Manager JobsFederal Project Manager Jobs in California

Federal Project Manager information

See California salary details

$43.9K

$95.3K

$152.5K

How much do federal project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for federal project manager in California is $95,295.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a federal project manager do?

A federal project manager oversees the planning, execution, and completion of government projects, ensuring they meet scope, budget, and schedule requirements. They coordinate with stakeholders, manage teams, and ensure compliance with federal regulations, often using project management tools and certifications like PMP. Their role involves risk management, reporting, and maintaining communication across agencies.

What GS level is a project manager?

A Federal Project Manager is typically classified at the GS-1101 series, with GS-12 to GS-15 levels depending on experience and responsibilities. Entry-level project managers may start at GS-12, while senior or highly experienced managers can be at GS-14 or GS-15, often requiring specialized skills and certifications such as PMP. Advancement depends on performance, experience, and agency needs.

What is a Federal Project Manager?

A Federal Project Manager is a professional responsible for planning, executing, and overseeing government projects to ensure they are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with federal regulations. They coordinate resources, manage project teams, and communicate with stakeholders across various government agencies. Federal Project Managers are also tasked with risk management, contract administration, and ensuring that the project's objectives align with agency goals. Their work is critical in delivering public services and infrastructure efficiently and effectively.

What is the highest paying project manager?

Senior federal project managers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized certifications like PMP or PgMP, and expertise in complex or high-stakes projects, tend to earn the highest salaries. Salaries can vary based on agency, project scope, and location, but top-tier federal project managers often earn six-figure salaries plus benefits.

What is the difference between Federal Project Manager vs Contract Project Manager?

AspectFederal Project ManagerContract Project Manager
CertificationsPMP, PMI-ACP often preferredPMP, PMI-ACP often preferred
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal projectsPrivate sector, client-specific projects
Employer & IndustryFederal government, defense, public sectorPrivate companies, consulting firms
Project FocusFederal regulations, compliance, public accountabilityClient requirements, contractual deliverables

Both roles require similar certifications like PMP and PMI-ACP and involve managing projects, but Federal Project Managers focus on government regulations and public sector projects, while Contract Project Managers work primarily in the private sector with client-specific goals.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Federal project managers can earn $100,000 or more annually, especially with experience, certifications like PMP, and managing large or complex projects. Salaries vary based on agency, location, and project scope, with some federal project managers reaching six-figure incomes. Advancement and specialized skills can further increase earning potential.

What are some common challenges faced by Federal Project Managers when coordinating across multiple government agencies?

Federal Project Managers often encounter challenges related to navigating differing priorities, regulations, and communication styles among various government agencies. Balancing compliance with federal regulations, maintaining transparency, and ensuring timely deliverables requires strong organizational and interpersonal skills. Successful project managers build collaborative relationships, stay up-to-date with changing policies, and use robust project management tools to keep everyone aligned. Regular status meetings and clear documentation also help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure smooth project execution.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Federal Project Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Federal Project Manager, you need expertise in project management principles, budgeting, compliance, and a strong understanding of federal regulations and contracting, often supported by a bachelor's degree and PMP or FAC-P/PM certification. Familiarity with project management software like MS Project, government procurement systems, and federal reporting tools is typically required. Leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing diverse teams and stakeholder expectations. These skills ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and in accordance with complex federal requirements.
What are popular job titles related to Federal Project Manager jobs in California? For Federal Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Federal Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Federal Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Federal Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Federal Project Manager job openings:
Federal Project Manager jobs near you
Safety Manager (Federal Project)

Safety Manager (Federal Project)

Granite Construction, Inc.

Watsonville, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago

Granite Construction rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

36th of 80 rated construction

Job description

Building a career at Granite may be the most valuable thing you could do...
Find your dream job today, and be part of something great. Our most powerful partnership is the one we have with our employees. Our people are our most valued asset and the foundation of Granite's century-old success. We're building more than infrastructure; we are building your future.
General Summary
The position is responsible for developing and managing the Safety and Health Management System, and the corresponding laws that relate to the safety of our work, for an assigned Region in a manner consistent with company policies and procedures.
Essential Job Accountabilities
  • Supervise, develop and manage other safety professionals under their area of responsibility to ensure the effective administration of the Company's incident prevention efforts.
  • Administer, direct and manage compliance with the company safety program and Regional incident prevention efforts to ensure company safety goals are met.
  • Provide a strategic vision for creating safe work areas for affected employees and the general public to promote safety and welfare.
  • Develop, organize and implement safety related programs that meet or exceed company safety standards to ensure general safety of all work.
  • Initiate, perform, and document jobsite inspections and audits with special emphasis on hazard recognition, unsafe behaviors and correction of potential third party, asset loss and workers compensation losses to facilitate the implementation of corrections/behaviors.
  • Initiate, coordinate and conduct safety meetings and training programs to ensure the effective communication of company policy and safety standards.
  • Coordinate and participate in regulatory agency inspections and investigations to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations.
  • Coordinate and control the development and review of job hazard analysis for each major phase of our work to ensure its safe completion.
  • Investigate, prepare and maintain a record of all third party, asset loss and workers compensation claim to make certain that the interests of the company are preserved.
  • Follow up with the corporate insurance department as regards to high value insurance claims, to ensure that documentary information has been collected, secured, and preserved so that claims will be resolved in a timely manner as required at the local office.

Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Safety, Occupational Health or related field required

Work Experience
  • Certified Health and Safety Technician (CHST), Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Certified Mine and Safety Professional (CMSP) certification preferred
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in construction related safety environment, required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
  • Extensive knowledge of Fall Protection and Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Device (MUTCD) standards
  • Extensive knowledge of Construction Safety Orders
  • Extensive knowledge of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
  • Extensive knowledge of OHSAS 18001
  • Knowledge of EM 385-1-1
  • Working knowledge of OSHA, MSHA and other state and federal agency guidelines
  • Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to teach, mentor and lead
  • Ability to work in high production environment (50+ hours/week, including nights and weekends are expected) and respond quickly and effectively under pressure and deadlines
  • Ability to make independent judgments to manage and facilitate company programs/policies as they relate to the safety of our work

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.
  • The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to operate a computer keyboard.
  • The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and must have the ability to work at height, in enclosed or confined spaces and climb stairs and ladders in a construction/plant environment.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds from floor to waist.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Subject to outside working conditions.

Additional Requirements/Skills
  • Ability to abide by and enforce the Company's Code of Conduct
  • Ability to instruct front line supervisors in the details of the work they perform (by enforcement) to improve safety performance.
  • Bi-lingual a plus.

#LI-CM2
Our Benefits at a Glance:
Building tomorrow starts with you, and Granite knows that you can excel only if we support you in and out of the workplace. That is why we offer a broad benefits package that includes paid holidays, sick leave, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability insurance, flexible spending plans, as well as special programs for musculoskeletal health, mental wellness, and more.
Salaried employees may choose from two PPO medical plans through Anthem BlueCross, including our most popular plan, for which 100% of the premium is paid by Granite for eligible employees and dependents. Employees can also opt into a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
As part of our investment in your future outside of the workplace, Granite provides a 100% match on the first 6% of eligible compensation that salaried employees defer into their 401(k) plans, which vests immediately.
Benefits may vary for positions located outside of the continental United States.
Base Salary Range:
$111,123.00 - $166,683.00
Pay may vary based upon relevant experience, skills, location, and education among other factors.
About Granite Construction Incorporated
Granite Construction Incorporated is a member of the S&P 400 Index and is the parent company of Granite Construction Company, one of the nation's largest heavy civil contractors and construction materials producers. Granite is a Drug-Free Workplace and Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws.
For additional information on applicant/employee rights please click here.
Notice to Staffing Agencies
Granite Construction, Inc. and its subsidiaries ("Granite") will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Granite, including unsolicited resumes sent to a Granite mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Granite employees, or to Granite's resume database will be considered Granite property. Granite will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume. Granite will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Granite's recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully-executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening. Granite will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Granite's Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Granite employee is authorized to bind Granite to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.

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