Primary purpose:
The Engineering Project Manager is responsible for the full lifecycle delivery of capital and infrastructure projects within the Department of Public Works. This role manages projects from initial programming and design through procurement, construction, and closeout. The position serves as a central coordinator across departments, consultants, contractors, and the public, ensuring projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in compliance with all applicable standards. The Project Manager translates complex technical information into clear, actionable communication for non-technical stakeholders and provides regular reporting on project status, risks, and performance. This role is a key contributor to advancing the City’s capital program and maintaining public infrastructure assets. Performs all other duties as required and directed.
Supervision:
Scope and Judgment: This position requires excellent judgement, polished professional skills, superior organizational skills, excellent verbal and written communication skills, research and evaluation skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and the ability to learn and work within a range of engineering and public works projects/arenas. The position is responsible for moving long term projects forward and keeping them on schedule and done to the highest standards without daily oversight. The position must be able to take decisive action when matters are time sensitive while recognizing the municipal setting and limits to resources. Critical thinking, self-motivation, and a passion for serving the public are all key elements of the role.
Supervision Received: Works under the general supervision of the City Engineer or designee and operates in accordance with applicable state and local laws and regulations, department policies and procedures, requiring the ability to plan and perform operations to independently complete assigned tasks according to a prescribed time schedule. Generally establishes their own daily work plan based on regular routine and special assignments and completes work in accordance with established departmental and city policies, standards and expectations.
Supervision Given: Exercises matrix supervision over engineering staff, consultants, and field personnel engaged in project design, survey, permitting, and construction inspection activities. Responsible for directing and assigning work to other staff and office personnel, with time spent assigning and reviewing the work of subordinates and ensuring staff is adequately trained and performing to expectations. Supervisory responsibility includes direct accountability for work results.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Lead and manage capital projects through all phases: planning, design, permitting, bidding, construction, and closeout.
Develop and maintain comprehensive project schedules, budgets, and cost controls.
Maintain and update a centralized project tracking system, including public-facing project updates.
Coordinate with Design Manager on design efforts performed by in-house staff and external consultants.
Prepare and review construction cost estimates, bid documents, and technical specifications.
Manage procurement processes, including bid evaluation and contractor selection.
Provide construction management oversight, including supervision of inspectors and resident engineers.
Ensure contractor compliance with plans, specifications, safety standards, and contract requirements.
Review to recommend approval of contractor payment requisitions and change orders.
Monitor project risks, identify issues proactively, and implement mitigation strategies.
Manage project closeout, including punch lists, as-built documentation, and final acceptance.
Serve as a point of contact for residents and stakeholders, addressing concerns related to construction impacts, drainage, roadway conditions, and related issues.
Interpret and ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and ordinances.
Support permitting and site plan review functions, including evaluation of field changes.
Assist in capital planning and tracking of division resources, including equipment and software.
Coordinate and prioritize service requests (e.g., 311/GoGov) as they relate to engineering projects.
Participate in emergency response operations for critical incidents, as required.
Attend staff meetings and other meetings as required and directed.
Performs all other duties as required and directed.
Minimum Entrance Qualifications:
(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities as outlined in this position description, regardless of the qualifications listed below to apply.)
Education, Training, and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related field and five to ten (5–10) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering project management, with a focus on construction management and infrastructure projects; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Valid driver’s license required, preference for a Massachusetts Class D driver’s license. Professional Engineer (PE) license strongly preferred.
Knowledge, Ability and Skill:
Knowledge: Demonstrated knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices. Knowledge of construction management methodologies. Knowledge of and experience with public procurement and contract administration. Experience with cost estimating and scheduling techniques. Knowledge of applicable federal, state and local regulations related to civil engineering, public works construction, etc. Knowledge of supervisory practices, including staff training, scheduling, and performance evaluation.
Ability: Ability to interpret, comprehend and apply engineering plans, specifications, and regulations. Ability to communicate complex technical information clearly, both verbally and written, to diverse audiences which may be controversial in nature. Ability to prepare detailed reports, presentations, and correspondence. Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under deadlines. Ability to organize time, work independently and accomplish tasks despite frequent interruptions. Ability to address public concerns professionally and effectively. Ability to respond participate in emergency situations response operations for critical incidents which may occur outside of normal business hours and may result in unexpected shifts in workload and conditions. Ability to supervise and motivate staff and work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
Skills: Strong organizational skills, project planning and execution skills and performance tracking. Skill in stakeholder engagement and public communication. Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills. Skill and ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously; ability to work under pressure. Demonstrated negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Excellent writing skills including writing of memos, reports, proposals, analyses, and professional communications; excellent oral communication skills for presentations, meeting facilitation, and public interactions; and expertise and skill in using personal computers and common computer programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, engineering software systems and databases, etc.).
Job Environment:
Work is performed under typical office conditions, with little exposure to occupational risks; has interruptions during the day from inquiries by the general public, business organizations or contacts and other city personnel. Must have the ability to visit construction job sites throughout the City.
Operates computers, calculators, typewriters, copier, telephone and all other standard office equipment.
May have contact with the general public, other town departments and officials, outside agencies, businesses, vendors, and other governmental organizations and attorneys, etc. Communication is by means of telephone, personal discussion, and correspondence and involves discussing routine information requiring patience and courtesy. Errors in judgment could result in significant delay or loss of services, legal ramifications, adverse public relations, and monetary loss.
Has access to confidential information regarding personnel records.
Physical requirements:
Work is performed in both office and field environments. The role requires site visits to active construction areas and the ability to navigate uneven terrain. Physical requirements include standing, walking, bending, and occasional lifting (up to 20 lbs.). The position requires effective communication, both verbal and written, and the ability to manage multiple priorities under time constraints.
Performance Standard:
Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.
(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)
THE CITY:
The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.
OUR GOVERNMENT:
Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Marc C. Laredo was sworn in on January 1, 2026 after serving on the City Council. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.
AS AN EMPLOYER:
The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.
Human Resources Diversity Statement
We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:
The targeted salary range reflects what the City of Newton reasonably and in good faith expects to offer for this position at the time of posting, but the final salary determination may be within or outside this range based on various factors, including, but not limited to, experience, skills, education, and market factors. The range will be reviewed regularly and is subject to change.