Traffic Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summary This position is open until filled. A first review of applications will take place during the week of July 12, 2026. Applicants that apply after the first review are not guaranteed to be considered for this recruitment.

This recruitment may close at any time without notice after the first review date. If you enjoy being part of a hard-working team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a promotional opportunity with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Project Manager - Traffic in our Public Works Department/Engineering Services.

For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website. Under direction, oversees, supervises, and coordinates the management of all stages of capital improvement projects, assigned activities with various divisions, outside agencies and the general public; provides responsible and complex staff assistance to the senior engineering staff; and performs related duties, as assigned. Key Responsibilities The following duties are typical for this classification.

Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Provide administrative and professional leadership in municipal projects programs and construction management activities; manage, coordinate, and supervise multiple consultants and contractors on complex projects; monitor consultant budgets; develop project scope and prepare requests for proposals. Prepares technical and complex engineering and financial reports for project authorization and approvals, design and construction changes, project funding and construction change orders; prepares related project schedules and construction sequences and phasing plans.

Review and evaluate consultants, preparing RFPs, negotiate contracts; read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, bid documents, and contracts; coordinate review of consultant deliverable and communicate effective across departments and other agencies; monitor consultants' work to ensure compliance with the contract, scope and budget, as well as laws, regulations, and policies. Initiate, plan and complete work with minimum direction and control; work well managing multiple projects at different stages from planning, design, construction, and closeout. Coordinate City projects with other agencies, including design, scope of work, schedules, budgets, permits, inspections, and cost sharing agreements.

Designs CIP projects, including the preparation of plans and specifications and/or oversees the design of CIP projects by consulting engineers. Manages the construction of CIP and private development projects; conducts pre-construction meetings; approves construction and design changes; negotiates and approves construction change orders, processes payments; and provides direction to construction inspectors. Prepares preliminary design reports for review and approval of City staff for project authorization, including facility research, project scope, preliminary cost estimates and schedules, right-of-way research, and/or other related engineering issues.

Prepares and administers permits from various agencies for the design, construction, and operation of City facilities. Interpret and make decisions in accordance with laws, regulations, and policies. Determine preliminary estimate for project costs and develop budget and forecast funds needed for contracted services.

Prepare accurate and concise reports using various computer software programs. Provides assistance in resolving operational and administration issues; identifies issues and conducts research to find alternative solutions; makes and assists in the implementation of recommendations. Provides staff assistance to higher-level management staff; participates on and provides staff support to a variety of committees, boards, and commissions; prepares and presents staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.

Coordinates and collaborates with departments, divisions and outside agencies; serves as a liaison with public and private organizations, community groups and other social organizations; provides information and serves as a resource. Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen complaints and inquiries. Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Operational characteristics, services and activities in project planning and administration. Organization and operation of construction management. Principles and practice of project management.

Methods and techniques of data collection, research, and report preparation. Methods and techniques of statistical and financial analysis. Principles and procedures of financial record keeping and reporting.

Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration. Contract negotiations and administration methods and techniques. Principles and practices of program development and administration.

Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations including public contract law. Civil, structural, electrical, traffic, geotechnical, and mechanical engineering principles and practices as they related to construction management and inspection services. General construction principles and practices.

Principles of business letter writing and report preparation. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications. Applicable civil, government and administrative codes.

Principles and practices of public sector contract administration. Principles and practices of customer service. Principles of business letter writing.

Basic principles of supervision and training. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability to: Oversee and participate in the management of a public works design, construction and inspection program. Direct and monitor the work of project consultants for regulation ad code compliance, contract conformance, and quality assurance. Negotiate contracts with project consultants.

Interpret and apply pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations as well as City policies and procedures. Collect, evaluate and interpret complex information and data. Prepare, research, negotiate, and monitor contracts and agreements.

Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports. Maintain accurate and complete records on programs and operations. Prepare and manage a budget.

Interpret technical information for a variety of audiences. Make presentations to the public and other agencies. Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda.

Operate office equipment including computers and supporting applications. Adapt to changing technologies and learn functionality of new equipment and systems. Organize and prioritize work flow.

Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Minimum Requirements Education/Training: A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, architecture, construction management, public or business administration, or a related field. Experience: Four years (full-time equivalent) of responsible public works contract administration, construction project management, or professional engineering work. Experience in administering contracts or programs in a governmental jurisdiction is highly desirable.

License or Certificate: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, valid driver's license. Supplemental Information NOTE: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace.

All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen.

Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing. SELECTION PROCEDURE Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English.

Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status.

In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify. The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire.

New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment. Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an express or implied contract. Any provision contained in this bulletin may be modified or revoked without notice. Note: Pursuant to California Civil Code section 1786.53, the City of Escondido shall provide to all job candidates a copy of any records of arrest, indictment, conviction, civil judicial action, tax lien or outstanding judgment which was obtained in the course of conducting an evaluation for employment, assignment, and/or promotion

A copy of this information, if received by the City, will be given to candidates within seven days of the City's receipt. VETERANS' PREFERENCE Eligible individuals are those who meet the following criteria: Served in the U.S. armed forces Received an honorable discharge Did not retire from military service Seeking employment with the City of Escondido for the first time

Guard and Reserve active duty for training purposes does not qualify for veterans' preference. Proof of eligibility (copy of DD-214) must be submitted at time of application, or later if the promulgation of the eligibility list will not be delayed. Veterans' preference credit will only be applied to eligible applicants who attained a passing grade (total score exclusive of credit) on the final open examination.

ABOUT OUR CITY The City of Escondido is a prominent agricultural, commercial hub and residential center of North San Diego County. Located a short 30-minute drive from the beach, the mountains or downtown San Diego, Escondido residents enjoy the pleasure of a rural lifestyle with all the benefits of suburban living. Escondido is a diverse, vibrant community with many amenities.

The city offers attractive homes in a wide range of prices, two lakes, several parks, a sports center, golf courses, restaurants, wineries, shopping centers, a variety of art galleries, entertainment venues, and a state of the art hospital. Established in 1888, the city's rich past brings charm and stability to the community; yet integrated with Escondido's treasured heritage is a progressive future, bright and brimming with promise. EOE The City of Escondido does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, disability, sex, age, national origin, or sexual orientation.

We will attempt to reasonably accommodate applicants with disabilities upon request.