Program Manager I

Basic Function

Assists in the implementation of the METRO transit projects. Develops scopes of work for transit projects. Responsible for the over site of design and construction of transit projects. Assists in the management of project documentation and accepts project deliveries against schedule, cost, scope, and baselines.  Manages the execution of work by METRO staff, consultants, and contractors, with adherence to scope, schedule and budget.  Manages toward accomplishing project milestones, while complying with quality assurance, quality control standards and adhering to policies and procedures. Represents METRO in dealings with government utility entities and private businesses, during the design and construction of the projects. Performs duties in a safe, efficient manner and in compliance with all applicable rules and safety procedures.

Responsibilities and Specific Duties

• Assist Program Managers with the implementation of the METRO transit projects.
• Assist with ensuring all documentation and design work meet the City of Houston, FTA and EPA regulatory compliance, local and federal codes, METRO policies and procedures, and contracts negotiated between METRO and the consultants.
• Reviews project construction documents and specifications for the sufficiency for constructability. Prepares technical reports and correspondence for consultants and contractors.  Coordinates other department reviews.
• Reviews proposed change orders to construction, procurement, and installation contracts for necessity, engineering constructability, value engineering and recommends appropriate course of action.
• Assists in responding to consultants and contractors, including:  Requests for Information (RFI’s), construction submittals and shop drawings.
• Monitors performance of work to ensure that project is meeting designated milestones on schedule, under budget, and in compliance of project quality assurance and contract specifications.
• Assists in coordinating the development of agreements with utilities, railroads, City of Houston, Harris County, the State of Texas and government agencies.
• Coordinates the workflow within the area of responsibility, to assure goals and objectives are met among METRO staff, contractors, consultants, stakeholders and outside agencies.
• Oversees the assemblage of reports, maps, drawings and other documents.
• Manages budget expenditures associated with the contractual agreements within the project scope. Receives, approves, and processes contractor invoices, evaluates and resolves claims and disputes, and approves contract payment certificates (CPC) for consultants.
• Develops forecast plan for project assignments from project schedule data obtained from reports/interviews, assigns staff and consultants a project, as required to meet forecast projections.
• May be required to make presentations at inter-departmental, community meetings and present project facts at the Quarterly Budget Reporting Meetings.
• Develops scopes of work for the design and construction of transit related projects (including major projects and facility rehabilitation projects).  
• Communicates efficiently with stakeholders inside and outside of METRO.
• Prepares exhibits using CADD software such as AUTOCAD, MicroStation etc.
• Works simultaneously on multiple design and construction projects.
• Coordinates between contractors and stakeholders to resolve any issues affecting the project implementation.
• Provides excellent customer service to METRO internal and external customers.
• Promotes safety awareness and follows safety procedures to reduce or eliminate accidents.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Education Requirement

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or related field required. Texas Professional Engineer License required.

Years & Experience Required

Minimum six (6) years of progressive experience in project management to include four (4) years managing staff and consultants. Significant experience in multi-modal transit/transportation projects.  Experience with different contracting methods.  Experience with the process of assembling construction packages and dealing with construction issues.  Experience working with local utility agencies and private utilities.

Knowledge & Skills Required

Job will require working in office as well as working extensively in the field. Strong negotiating skills and knowledge of law and contracts. Ability to work in groups and coordinate work activities, including sensitivity to diverse groups of people. Ability to make sound and logical decisions on abstract conditions.  Ability to recognize high-level scenarios and detain impacts.

Additional Information

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas has a zero tolerance drug and alcohol policy for all employees. All internal and external applicants will be required to undergo drug testing before employment and will be subject to further drug and/or alcohol testing throughout their employment.

Further, employees who perform safety-sensitive functions will submit to drug and/or alcohol testing in accordance to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) regulatory requirements.

We provide equal opportunity to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, veteran status, genetic information or disability.