Project Manager - Construction - DPW

Overview

This role supports the Engineering Division by applying engineering knowledge to core operational work. The position calls for a strong sense of initiative and the ability to make independent decisions quickly, often without direct oversight. Choices made in this role may affect the City of Indianapolis, city leadership, and municipal policy. The position reports to the Program Manager.

Key Responsibilities

The job centers on planning, scoping, inspecting, and resolving issues related to public improvement construction projects.

• Define the scope of proposed public improvement work by gathering data and meeting with residents, community groups, elected officials, and other city departments during the scoping stage.
• Develop and compare design options, estimate project costs, and advise on the most suitable alternative.
• Review construction methods and workmanship to verify that roadways, bridges, traffic signals, storm systems, and wastewater projects are being built according to approved plans and specifications.
• Monitor active work and address issues as they arise to keep projects moving toward successful completion.
• Train other DPW staff and act as the sole inspector on assigned construction projects.
• Support inspection oversight on larger and more complex city projects.
• Work directly with contractors as part of day-to-day project coordination.
• Protect confidential information at all times.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, as this list is not exhaustive.

Qualifications

Candidates should have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with at least three years of experience in transportation design, construction inspection, or project management. The role requires deep familiarity with federal, state, and city codes, policies, and ordinances related to transportation, traffic, stormwater, and wastewater management. Applicants must understand civil engineering terminology and core concepts, be comfortable interpreting specifications and construction documents, and be able to perform material, labor, expense, survey, and engineering calculations using algebra, trigonometry, and geometry. Strong communication skills are essential for working with contractors, consultants, and city personnel. The position also requires detailed knowledge of plan and specification review for compliance and solid familiarity with the Indiana Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. A valid driver's license is required.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related technical discipline is preferred. Completion of INDOT construction management and supervision courses and/or APWA construction management courses is also desirable.

Application Process

If the candidate's qualifications match the posting requirements, the application will be forwarded to the hiring agency. After that point, all interview and selection communication will come directly from the agency. Applicants should save the contact details of the person arranging the interview, since city HR will not have access to that information and cannot assist with interview coordination. HR will only be able to confirm whether the application was referred. Once a final selection is made, the official employment offer will be issued by HR.