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Utility Project Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ZARRELLCO

Project Manager - Civil Work

Irvine, CA · On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

Project Manager Irvine, CA A growing civil construction contractor in the Irvine area is seeking an ... Oversee excavation, grading, land clearing, and underground utility projects * Coordinate project ...

EC Source

Project Manager

San Jose, CA

$130/hr

The Project Manager is directly responsible for all safety, financial, operations and ... Collaborating and maintaining close relationships with utility customers. This position is ...

EC Source

Project Manager

San Jose, CA

$130/hr

The Project Manager is directly responsible for all safety, financial, operations and ... Collaborating and maintaining close relationships with utility customers. This position is ...

EC Source

Project Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

$130/hr

The Project Manager is directly responsible for all safety, financial, operations and ... Collaborating and maintaining close relationships with utility customers. This position is ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsUtility Project Manager JobsUtility Project Manager Jobs in California

Utility Project Manager information

See California salary details

$38K

$101.3K

$159.9K

How much do utility project manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for utility project manager in California is $101,337.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,500.00 and $121,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a utilities project manager?

A utilities project manager oversees the planning, coordination, and execution of infrastructure projects related to utilities such as water, gas, electricity, or telecommunications. They manage budgets, schedules, and teams, often requiring knowledge of industry standards, safety regulations, and project management tools like MS Project or Primavera.

What is the difference between Utility Project Manager vs Utility Engineer?

AspectUtility Project ManagerUtility Engineer
CredentialsProject management certifications, engineering degree often preferredEngineering degree, professional engineer (PE) license often required
Work EnvironmentOversees projects, manages teams, coordinates with stakeholdersDesigns, analyzes, and develops utility systems, often in office or field
Employer & Industry UsageUtility companies, construction firms, project management firmsUtility companies, engineering consulting firms, construction

The Utility Project Manager focuses on overseeing utility projects from planning to completion, ensuring timelines and budgets are met. In contrast, the Utility Engineer concentrates on designing and analyzing utility systems. Both roles require technical knowledge, but the Project Manager emphasizes coordination and management, while the Engineer emphasizes technical design and analysis.

Can I make 100k as a project manager?

Utility 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 location, industry, and company size, with senior roles and those in high-cost areas more likely to reach or exceed this level.

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

To thrive as a Utility Project Manager, you need expertise in project management, utility infrastructure, budgeting, and relevant engineering or construction qualifications. Familiarity with project management software (such as MS Project or Primavera), GIS systems, and safety or PMP certifications is typically required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and effective communication skills help manage diverse teams and stakeholders. These competencies ensure projects are completed safely, on time, within budget, and in compliance with industry standards.

What is the highest paying project manager?

Utility Project Managers overseeing large infrastructure or energy projects tend to have higher salaries, especially when managing complex, high-budget projects or working in regions with high living costs. Senior project managers with extensive experience, certifications like PMP, and expertise in utility systems can earn significantly higher compensation, often exceeding $120,000 annually. Salary varies based on project size, location, and industry demand.

What are some common challenges Utility Project Managers face when coordinating between multiple stakeholders?

Utility Project Managers often manage projects involving utility companies, contractors, regulatory agencies, and local communities. A common challenge is aligning the priorities and timelines of these diverse groups, especially when dealing with permitting processes, unexpected site conditions, or public concerns. Effective communication and proactive planning are essential to mitigate delays and maintain project momentum. Building strong relationships and staying adaptable helps overcome these hurdles and ensures successful project delivery.

What does a Utility Project Manager do?

A Utility Project Manager oversees and coordinates projects related to utilities such as water, electricity, gas, or telecommunications. Their responsibilities include planning project timelines, managing budgets, ensuring regulatory compliance, coordinating with contractors and stakeholders, and addressing any issues that arise during the project lifecycle. They play a key role in ensuring that utility projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget while meeting quality standards.

What are the 4 types of project managers?

The four main types of project managers are functional, projectized, matrix, and hybrid. Functional managers work within specific departments, projectized managers lead projects independently, matrix managers operate across departments with shared authority, and hybrid combines elements of these structures. Each type influences project planning, communication, and resource management differently, which is important for a Utility Project Manager to understand when leading infrastructure projects.
What are popular job titles related to Utility Project Manager jobs in California? For Utility Project Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Utility Project Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Utility Project Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Utility Project Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Utility Project Manager job openings:
Utility Project Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Utility Project Manager job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,337 per year, or $48.7 per hour.

Project Manager - Civil Work

ZARRELLCO

Irvine, CA • On-site

$115K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Project Manager

Irvine, CA

A growing civil construction contractor in the Irvine area is seeking an experienced Project Manager to oversee heavy civil and site development projects involving excavation, land clearing, grading, and underground utility installation.

This individual will be responsible for managing projects from preconstruction through completion while ensuring schedules, budgets, subcontractors, and client expectations are successfully maintained.

Responsibilities
  • Manage heavy civil construction and site development projects from start to finish
  • Oversee excavation, grading, land clearing, and underground utility projects
  • Coordinate project schedules, subcontractors, vendors, and field teams
  • Track budgets, change orders, RFIs, submittals, and project documentation
  • Maintain communication with owners, developers, municipalities, engineers, and inspectors
  • Work closely with Superintendents to ensure field operations stay on schedule
  • Monitor project costs and maintain profitability
  • Review plans, specifications, and contracts
  • Assist with buyout and procurement activities
  • Lead project meetings and provide regular project updates
  • Ensure projects are completed safely, on time, and within budget
Qualifications
  • 4+ years of Project Management experience in heavy civil, land development, or underground utilities
  • Strong understanding of excavation, grading, earthwork, and utility installation
  • Ability and willingness to drive to jobsites as needed
  • Experience managing civil construction projects in Southern California preferred
  • Ability to read and interpret civil drawings and specifications
  • Strong communication and leadership skills
  • Experience with project management software and construction documentation
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary ranging from $115,000-$155,000 depending on experience
  • Industry standard benefits
  • Opportunity to work with a growing and established civil contractor

Apply today or send your resume to rob@zarrellco.com