Project Manager - Local/Municipal Agency

TRANSPORTATION PRACTICE

Consistently ranked by Engineering News-Record as a Top 20 transportation firm, Michael Baker International offers clients an integrated team of professionals versed in all aspects of transportation planning, design, permitting, and construction management and inspection.  In addition, Michael Baker International is a recognized leader in the practical aspects of operating and maintaining a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure. 

DESCRIPTION

Michael Baker International is seeking a Project Manager – Municipal/Local Agency for our Highway Department in Chicago, Illinois with a flexible hybrid schedule. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in planning, design, modeling, and plan production for IDOT and Local Agency/Municipal projects. This role leads Phase I and II engineering design and ensures successful delivery of transportation and public works projects across Illinois, focusing on Local Agency (municipal, township, county) and IDOT Bureau of Local Roads -administered projects.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Project Planning & Resource Management
  • Review project proposals and plans to determine scope, schedule, budget, staffing needs, and resource allocation
  • Establish work plans and staffing for each project phase; coordinate recruitment or assignment of personnel
  • Develop and implement project methodologies for complex, single- or multi-discipline projects
• Team Leadership & Coordination
  • Outline work plans and assign duties, responsibilities, and authority to project staff
  • Direct and coordinate project activities to ensure timely progress and adherence to budget
  • Provide technical guidance and problem resolution to project personnel
• Performance Monitoring & Reporting
  • Review status reports and adjust schedules or plans as needed
  • Prepare project reports for internal management, clients, and stakeholders
  • Conduct cost management analysis to ensure financial alignment with project goals
• Client Engagement & Business Development
  • Maintain strong client relationships to ensure satisfaction throughout the project lifecycle
  • Identify opportunities for additional work and contribute to business development efforts
• Regulatory & Safety Compliance
  • Coordinate project activities with government agencies and regulatory bodies
  • Conduct safety meetings and training programs to ensure compliance with safety standards
• Administrative Oversight
  • Approve purchase orders, rebills, and credits; review and manage timesheets
  • Perform analysis of project success metrics to align with company strategies
• Other Responsibilities
  • Occasional to moderate travel may be required
  • Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervises employees and indirect external project staff

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience with a proven track record managing a diverse range of local agency projects.
• Project experience should include a combination of the following:
  • Transportation and roadway improvements
  • Utility infrastructure upgrades
  • Public facility construction
  • Environmental and sustainability initiatives
  • Streetscape and urban design enhancements
  • Special programs and federally funded projects
• Experience on IDOT Bureau of Local Roads and Illinois local agency projects required
• Experience with Illinois Tollway (ISTHA) projects is a plus, but not required

EDUCATION AND LICENSURE

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering is required.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.)  license in the State of Illinois, or the ability to obtain an IL P.E. license within six months of hire. 
• Additional certifications such as PTOE (Professional Traffic Operations Engineer), CFM (Certified Floodplain Manager) and/or PMP (Project Management Professional) are welcome but not required.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively on all levels, internal and external
• Ability to conceptualize and think creatively
• Ability to apply effective use of project contingencies, both budgets and schedules
• Demonstrated ability to manage teams across multiple offices and with several subconsultants
• Establish clear lines of communications within project team and with client for free flow of information
• Knowledge of IDOT standards and procedures specifically as it relates to Phase I / Phase II design requirements and MFT requirements highly desired
• Demonstrate intimate familiarity with client's requirements, challenges, and key areas of interest for growth. Preference given to IDOT and Illinois Local Agency client relations.
• Demonstrated ability to properly address and manage change.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, negotiations and decision-making skills.
• Software proficiency – roadway design software (MicroStation and Openroads Designer), Microsoft Office, Microsoft Project, Bluebeam, Projectwise

COMPENSATION 

The approximate compensation range for this position is $115,478 to $180,344. This compensation range is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting.  Actual compensation is dependent upon factors such as education, qualifications, experience, skillset, and physical work location.

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About UsMichael Baker International, a leading provider of engineering and consulting services, including design, planning, architectural, environmental, construction and program management, has been solving some of the world’s most complex infrastructure challenges for more than 85 years with a legacy of expertise, experience, innovation and integrity.

Based in Pittsburgh and with over 100 offices nationwide, we partner with clients on everything from roads, bridges, tunnels, mass transit, and airports, to water treatment plants, arctic oil pipelines, environmental restoration and specialized overseas construction. We serve as a trusted adviser to the communities we serve, making them safer, more accessible, more sustainable and more prosperous.

We provide visionary leadership in facilitating transformational change for our clients. Our work delivers differentiating innovations and dedicated experts who challenge the status quo and share a world of diverse experience and an impassioned entrepreneurial spirit. We deliver quality of life.

We Make a Difference.