Project Manager - Underground Utilities

Job Summary:
Ella Contracting is seeking an Underground Utilities Project Manager responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing all aspects of underground utility construction projects. This includes water, sewer, storm drainage, and other underground infrastructure. The Project Manager ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, managing changes, and meeting quality and safety standards.

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Key Responsibilities:
Project Planning

• Develop overall project plan for utility installation (water, sewer, storm, telecom), including sequencing, phasing, and execution strategy

Budget Management

• Creates and manages project budget, tracks costs (labor, equipment, materials), and approves expenditures

Scheduling & Time Management

• Develops master schedule and key milestones (excavation, pipe install, testing, sub mobilization, restoration, etc.)

Resource Allocation

• Allocates crews, subcontractors, heavy equipment, and major material orders

Field Operations Coordination

• Provides high-level direction to Superintendent; resolves major field conflicts (utility clashes, delays) Communicate client feedback to Superintendent for their awareness

Utility Coordination & Permitting 

• Oversee permitting strategy and compliance with city/municipal requirements

Quality Assurance

• Ensures adherence to specifications (pipe grade, compaction, pressure testing, inspections)

Safety Oversight

• Enforces company safety policies and ensures compliance with OSHA  standards

Risk Management

• Identifies major risks (unknown utilities, soil conditions, weather delays) and develops mitigation plans

Subcontractor Management

• Manages subcontractor contracts, scope, and performance

Documentation & As-Builts         

• Reviews and approves critical documentation and reports

Material Management     

• Approves major material purchases and vendor agreements

Progress Tracking & Reporting       

• Reviews production, monitors installed quantities, and reports to stakeholders, evaluates deficiencies and strategies to overcome.

Administrative Support       

• Oversees overall project administration and reporting requirements, schedules meetings/reviews as appropriate.

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Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Proven experience in underground utility construction or a similar industry.
• Strong understanding of underground utility systems, materials, and construction methods.
• Proficiency in project management software (Heavy Job, Heavy Big, Foundation).
• Knowledge of local, state, and federal construction regulations.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to travel to job sites as needed.

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Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional Engineering (PE) license or Project Management Professional (PMP) certification.
• Experience working with GIS mapping tools and utility locating technology.
• Familiarity with green infrastructure or sustainable construction practices.

Estimating Software plans- Planswift, Heavy Bid, HCSS Plans