Public Works Project Manager

Public Works Construction Project Manager

Company: Rubicon Builders
Location: Sonoma, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $90,000–$130,000 annually, based on experience

Job Description

Rubicon Builders is seeking a motivated and organized Construction Project Manager to join our growing team. This position is ideal for an experienced Project Engineer or Assistant Project Manager with approximately five years of public works construction experience who is ready to take the next step in their career. Candidates who have recently transitioned into a Project Manager role are also encouraged to apply.

The Project Manager will oversee public works construction projects from startup through completion and closeout, managing project coordination, scheduling, budgets, documentation, and subcontractors while working closely with field teams and project stakeholders.

As a smaller, growing general contractor, we offer the opportunity to work closely with company leadership, gain hands-on experience across different aspects of project management, and take on increasing responsibility. We are looking for someone with a strong foundation in construction who is eager to continue learning, developing their skills, and growing professionally with our company.

About Rubicon Builders

Rubicon Builders is a small, Sonoma, California-based general contractor specializing in public works construction and the renovation of educational facilities. We work with school districts, community colleges, and other public agencies throughout Northern California.

As a growing company, we value teamwork, open communication, accountability, and a hands-on approach to managing projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage public works construction projects from startup through completion and closeout.
• Review construction drawings, specifications, contracts, addenda, and project requirements.
• Oversee RFIs, submittals, change orders, procurement, and project documentation.
• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, inspectors, subcontractors, vendors, and field personnel.
• Work closely with Superintendents to manage project schedules, construction sequencing, site logistics, field operations, and subcontractor coordination.
• Manage subcontractor buyout, scopes of work, subcontracts, purchase orders, and subcontractor performance.
• Track project budgets, costs, change orders, and payment applications, including owner progress billings.
• Prepare and manage Potential Change Orders (PCOs), Change Order Requests (CORs), and required supporting documentation.
• Maintain project schedules and monitor long-lead materials and procurement.
• Identify and resolve scheduling, cost, scope, constructability, and construction-related issues.
• Communicate proactively and effectively when challenges arise, ensuring issues are addressed and followed through to resolution.
• Document project delays, unforeseen conditions, owner directives, and other events that may affect project costs or schedules.
• Maintain accurate project records and ensure compliance with public works contracts, prevailing wage requirements, labor compliance, and agency procedures.
• Participate in onsite project meetings and maintain clear communication with project stakeholders.
• Provide direction and oversight to Project Engineers and Project Administrators, including delegation and follow-up of assigned responsibilities.
• Assist with estimating and preconstruction activities, including plan reviews, subcontractor outreach, scope evaluations, and bid preparation.
• Coordinate project closeout activities, including punch lists, inspections, warranties, O&M manuals, as-built drawings, and required documentation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Approximately 5 years of experience as a Project Engineer, Assistant Project Manager, or Project Manager.
• Public works construction experience required, preferably with California school districts, community colleges, municipalities, or other public agencies.
• Experience working for a general contractor preferred.
• Experience managing or supporting construction projects from startup through completion and closeout.
• Strong understanding of construction plans, specifications, contracts, RFIs, submittals, change orders, procurement, scheduling, and cost management.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural, civil, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical drawings.
• Familiarity with public works contracts, prevailing wage requirements, and labor compliance.
• Strong organizational, communication, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Ability to take initiative, manage multiple priorities, anticipate potential issues, and follow through on responsibilities.
• Ability to work collaboratively with office and field personnel and communicate effectively when challenges arise.
• Experience providing direction or oversight to Project Engineers, Project Administrators, or other project support staff preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and construction management software. Experience with Procore, Kahua, Newforma, or similar platforms preferred.
• Valid driver's license and ability to travel to project sites as needed.

Ideal Candidate

We're looking for someone who is reliable, proactive, detail-oriented, and interested in continuing to grow their career as a Project Manager. The ideal candidate takes ownership of their work, communicates effectively, works well with both office and field teams, and approaches challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.

Because we are a smaller company, we value individuals who are adaptable, willing to take on different responsibilities, and eager to learn. We are looking for someone who has a solid understanding of construction project management but is also motivated to gain additional experience, develop their skills, and grow alongside our team.

We recognize that someone transitioning from a Project Engineer or Assistant Project Manager position may still be developing certain project management skills. We value a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, accountability, and the ability to take initiative just as much as previous experience.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary of $90,000–$130,000 annually, based on experience
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid time off and holidays
• 401(k)
• Vehicle allowance
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement within a growing company

Rubicon Builders is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $130,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person