Project Manager (On-site)

The University of California, Merced is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this position is $77,900 - $143,300. The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $92,000 - $105,000/yr.

Initial applicant review will begin on or around July 31, 2024. Posting will remain open until filled.

Remote/Hybrid eligibility: This position is fully on-site.

Please note: This is a 2-year contract with an option for an additional 2 years, based on need and funding.

The University of California, Merced, is the newest of the University of California system's 10 campuses and the first American research university built in the 21st century. With more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UC Merced offers an environment that combines a commitment to diversity, inclusion, collaboration and professional development. With bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs, strong research and academic partnerships, and community involvement, the UC Merced campus is continually evolving and requires talented, knowledgeable and dynamic educators, researchers, management and staff.

Ranked among the best public universities in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, UC Merced is uniquely equipped to provide educational opportunities for highly qualified students from the San Joaquin Valley and throughout California. The campus enjoys a special connection with nearby Yosemite National Park, is on the cutting edge of sustainability in construction and design and supports the economic development of Merced and the region.

The Merced 2020 Project, a $1.3 billion public-private partnership unprecedented in higher education and completed in 2020, nearly doubled the physical capacity of the campus, enhancing academic distinction, student success and research excellence. UC Merced also operates the Downtown Campus Center, a $33 million, three-story administrative building located in the heart of Merced.

The university's mission of educational excellence and rigorous inquiry is powered by three schools and numerous research institutes and centers that seek scientific and social solutions for the Valley, California and the world. In partnership with UC San Francisco, UC Merced is preparing the way for a rigorous medical education program.

The course of UC Merced's evolution is piloted by a long-range strategic plan. Enacted in 2021, the 10-year blueprint is guiding how the values of equity and justice influence our pathway to earning Carnegie R1 research status, growing enrollment, upholding our identity as a minority-serving institution, and operationalizing how commitments to equity, diversity and inclusion are enacted in each campus unit.

Under general direction of the Executive Director of Planning, Design & Construction Management, the Project Manager (PM) is accountable to deliver capital and non-capital projects on schedule and within the established budget while managing the scope of the project to meet the most appropriate needs of the Client. The Project Manager simultaneously organizes, plans, and controls the design, construction, and fit-up for multiple projects across multiple timelines. Types of projects include renovations, new facilities, infrastructure, and site work; with the majority of projects being major capital. Specific tasks include evaluating existing building conditions, meeting with User groups to obtain specific project objectives, preparation of program definition, conceptual space planning and design, cost estimating, project schedules, and preparation of Project documents for regental approval.

The Project Manager is the liaison between all stakeholders. They are responsible for coordinating the activities of the Clients, design professionals (architect, engineers, etc.), contractors, vendors, inspectors, regulatory and other individuals associated with the project. They will ensure the compliance of all state agency requirements, working closely with our internal and external officials for compliance. The Project Manager will act independently, exercising sound judgement in their approaches, techniques, and methods to deliver projects. They will responsibly communicate with our Clients and Leadership on project status related to scope, schedule, cost, and quality.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre-Design:

• Meet with Users to help define project scope and program; managing that program to assure the project meets client needs.
• Manage the collection of program data, including space and adjacency needs, functional requirements, operational workflows and goals, equipment needs and forecast staffing.
• Establish expectations and a plan for ongoing communication and coordination between project stakeholders, focused on budget and schedule to ensure we are meeting the goals of Users and Campus Leadership.
• Provide pre-design services, including site analysis, existing building investigation, program development, Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM) estimates, preliminary schedule development, conceptual design/plans. This package will be the presentation to Campus Leadership for review and approval.
• Create projects in our project management application (ProjectSight), uploading schedules, budgets, and all related documents. All documents will live and be maintained on ProjectSight and it will be used for updating and reporting out status as required by Users, project team, and Campus Leadership.

Estimating:

• Develop ROMs and budgets by leveraging historical data, accepting building trade information, and collaborating with internal stakeholders. ROMs and estimates will include labor hours, materials, preliminary schedules, means and methods, hard construction costs, and project soft costs.
• Will use their knowledge of estimating to review contractor BID budgets to ensure they are accurate and capture the full project scope.

Design:

• Hire and manage architectural and engineering firms to develop full project definitions, coordinate and produce construction documents, provide construction administration, and close-out services.
• Prepare consultant contracts and authorizations, establish priorities, ensure adherence to UCOP policies and procedures, evaluate work, and approve payments.
• Oversee independent reviews of design and construction documents for adherence to applicable codes, programs, Campus design standards and agency requirements. These may include outside estimate review, value engineering, and constructability assessments.
• Develop criteria and performance specifications required to meet our unique operating and building safety requirements.
• Ensure that plans and specifications conform to all codes and regulations related to the Office of the State Fire Marshal (SFM) code and policy requirements for Higher Education Major Capital Facilities.

Bid & Construction:

• When required, manage the preparation of Request for Proposals (RFPs) and Request for Qualifications (RFQs), and will direct the pre-qualification process of potential bidders.
• Oversee preparation of bidding documents by design professionals, coordinating bidding process with our contracts team in conformance to University policies and procedures.
• Directly responsible for the administration of contracts and the contractor's schedule and budget.
• Final approval of submittals, RFIs, negotiation and approval of change order and payment requests, and punch list items.
• Represents the University on site, monitoring contractor operations for conformance to contract documents and applicable codes. They support and monitor the work of inspectors and actively assist contractors and design team in the resolution of technical and procedural issues.

Close-out:

• When required, coordinate with Regulatory staff to assemble all documents required for licensing as maybe required.
• Provide operational and performance testing (commissioning) of building systems like HVAC, electrical systems, fire and life safety systems, diagnostics, telecom, and information technology.
• Provide record drawings to Facilities Management, Facilities Engineering, and Campus Planning.
• Coordinate with Finance staff to ensure all deliverables have been received, payment requests have been processed and accounts have been closed out.

EDUCATION and REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Business, Healthcare Administration or related area.
• 3 years of related experience or 7 years of related experience/education in areas described above.
• Five (5+) or more years of project management experience/or related exp, preferably managing construction projects for higher education and public works.(Preferred)
• Ten (10) years of related experience, education/training in construction management and/or supervision. (Preferred)
• CA Driver's License.

CRITICAL KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Experience and knowledge of building and construction, design, engineered systems, construction contract administration and California Building Codes, including advanced understanding of industry practices, or deep expertise in a highly specialized and critical discipline.
• Thorough working knowledge of design, building and construction, contract administration, and full understanding of industry practices. Experience of current project and construction costs and with industry-standard cost estimating. Must have financial skills to develop and manage project budgets.
• Comprehension of California Building Code, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), and policy requirements for higher education facilities.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse User groups and departments and be responsive to their needs. Excellent communication skills that demonstrate you are an effective, courteous, and diplomatic professional and can interact with a highly diverse population.
• Outstanding soft skills in problem recognition, avoidance, and issue resolution.
• Familiarity with design and construction contracts, contract law, public contracting code, and construction claims procedures. Ability to draft agreements consistent with Regental Policy.
• Thorough working knowledge of building and construction practices, design, construction contract administration and California Building Codes, including a full understanding of industry standards.
• Ability to administer a construction contract through all phases of construction including contract document assembly, budgetary estimating, obtaining approvals, bidding, addendums, contract award, submittals, scheduling, progress/status meetings, contract compliance, change order negotiations, commissioning, punchlist, contract closeout, and enforcement of warranty period.
• Comprehensive project management skills, including skills to manage complex projects. Minimum six (6) years progressively responsible experience in construction project management.
• Proven skills in problem recognition/avoidance/resolution
• Organizational and analytical skills, including the ability to provide quality control. Detail-oriented to accurately proof contracts, plans, specifications, and other documents.
• Comprehensive written, verbal, and interpersonal communications skills including a high level of political acumen.
• Proven ability to manage contractors and consultants, while maintaining compliance with the agreed-upon scope of work and budget.
• Knowledge of and ability to use computer software including Windows, MS Excel, MS Word, Bluebeam and AutoCad.
• Demonstrated understanding of technical staffing and workload issues across al crafts sufficient to accurately estimate, plan and schedule projects.
• Work experience requiring excellent interpersonal, public relations, team and consensus building, facilitation, and public speaking skills with the ability to clearly communicate technical information to lay persons.
• Knowledge of and ability to use project scheduling programs (MS Project, Primavera or equivalent) and database software (ProjectSight). (Preferred)
• Ability to analyze technical and budgetary data and clearly communicate results in written or verbal form. (Preferred)
• Experience working in an academic center setting.(Preferred)
• Familiarity with the UCOP Facilities Manual, policies, and procedures. (Preferred)
• Familiarity with California Public Contracting Code and Prevailing Wage Requirements. (Preferred)
• Estimating and construction administration experience. (Preferred)

Background check required.

How to Apply:
An online application is required for each position to apply.The University of California, Merced is aware that some web-based application processes may be cumbersome for differently abled applicants. Where appropriate, alternative accommodations will be provided. For applicants with disabilities who need additional assistance using TAM, or reasonable accommodations during the interview or search process, please contact ucmjobs@ucmerced.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity:
The University of California, Merced is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer advancing inclusive excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, pregnancy, or status as a disabled veteran or Vietnam-era veteran, or other protected categories covered by the UC Nondiscrimination and Affirmative Action Policy. UC Merced intentionally promotes and maintains a discrimination- and harassment-free workplace by demonstrating it neither condones nor tolerates employment practices that discriminate against or harass any person or specific group of persons on the basis listed above. We seek candidates who will support our vision to cultivate a vibrant, equity-minded, inclusive excellence university community. When applying to UC Merced, we strongly encourage you to reflect on our Principles of Community and our 2021 strategic plan.

Vaccination Program Policy:

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program Policy. All Covered Individuals under the policy must provide proof of Full Vaccination or, if applicable, submit a request for Exception (based on Medical Exemption, Disability, and/or Religious Objection) or Deferral (based on pregnancy) no later than the applicable deadline. For new University of California employees, the applicable deadline is 14 days after their first date of employment.

Smoke and Tobacco Free Policy:
The University of California, Merced is a smoke and tobacco free workplace. Information and the Smoke and Tobacco Free policy is available at http://smokefree.ucmerced.edu.

E-Verify:
All employers who receive Federal contracts and grants are required to comply with E-Verify, an Internet-based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA). E-Verify electronically verifies employment eligibility by comparing information provided on the I-9 form to records in the DHS and SSA databases. Certain positions funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requires UC Merced to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate must pass the E-Verify check.

Pay, Benefits & Work Schedule:
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University of California visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/compensation-and-benefits/

This position is eligible for the UC Merced Employee Referral Program (ERP). If you were referred by a UC Merced employee, please identify that employee by name in your application as follows:

Step 5 of 7 Referrals

How did you hear about the job? (select) "other"

Additional information? (select) "other"

Specific Referral Source? (write in) first and last name of referring employee

Referring employee MUST be named on application for eligibility.