Technical Project Manager I or II- Engineering Services (Austin District)

TxDOT’s Austin District Engineering Services Utility Section is seeking a self-motivated individual with an enthusiastic outlook and ability to learn.  A professional attitude toward taking on new challenges, setting high District goals, and expected to think outside the box to deliver projects on time and on budget.  The utility team is highly collaborative and works with Area and Design offices on multiple projects at the same time.  For this level of collaboration to be successful there are multiple guidelines, processes and procedures that have been implemented, guidelines are available for review on the Austin District standards and guidelines website.  This is a full-time position in office at the Austin District campus. 

Title                                     Salary Grade    Minimum - Maximum Annual Salary
Technical Project Manager I    B24                     $65,104 - $106,634/Annual
Technical Project Manager II   B26                     $76,530 - $129,430/Annual

**The Texas Department of Transportation reserves the sole right in determining the level of position based on business needs and the applicants' work experience, education, skill level, and all other appropriate factors.

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package
To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

This is a technical position supporting the Austin District Engineering Services Utility Section as a utility subject matter expert (SME).  A  large part of the utility SME effort is providing excellent technical customer service to both internal and external stakeholders.  Work requires contact with utility company representatives, engineering consultants, TxDOT staff and governmental agencies.  This is a regulatory position that requires the ability to understand and effectively interpret rules and regulations.  Employees at this level establish their own work plan and priorities to meet set objectives. Issues are handled at the production level with assistance from the team lead and escalated to section supervisor as needed. 

Standard Responsibilities:

1. Performs training and provides support for maintenance section personnel responsible for monitoring the installation/removal, adjustment or relocation of utilities.
2. Ability to develop and provide training as needed to improve production and/or to mitigate existing or proposed issues.
3. Research problems and coordinates solutions regarding potential utility conflicts and reimbursements; prepares correspondence and makes recommendations to improve programs.
4. Conducts reviews of processed permits by other staff members to ensure accuracy and completeness in accordance with department guidelines.
5. Implements and interprets Department policies and procedures as they relate to utility adjustments, relocations, negotiations, reimbursements and compliance with applicable state and federal laws.
6. Maintains liaison with and serves in a consultative capacity between the Department, federal agencies, utility companies, and other entities.
7. Prepares, processes and maintains documents, references and/or resource materials.
8. Consults with area engineer and/or maintenance supervisor on complex utility permit issues.

Essential Duties:

The Responsibilities For a Technical Project Manager I or II Include:

•  Responsible for providing utility subject matter expert (SME) support on multiple projects.  This includes detailed understanding of Austin District Guidelines and Forms published online along with, the TxDOT Right of Way (ROW) Utility Manual and the Utility Accommodation Rules (UAR) published in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC).

• Performs technical analysis of utility plans submitted to TxDOT for roadway project relocations and new utility installations.  This may include field visits to evaluate planned work vs. actual construction.  Ability to make decisions in the field based on knowledge of regulatory compliance will be required.
• Responsible for serving as the Austin District Engineering Services Utility Section expert for all modules of the Right-of-Way Utilities Leasing Information System (RULIS). 
• Ability to utilize emerging technology to improve the Austin District utility inspection program and voluntary compliance by utility contractors. 
• Coordinates utility installation permits as a District Permit Coordinator (DPC). 
• Meets with utility representatives and other entities to explain the utility accommodation policy, relocation and reimbursement processes, negotiate/ensure resolution to any disagreements regarding these policies, and answer unresolved questions early in the project development process to minimize delays.
• Provides support to TxDOT project managers working on roadway projects that require utility relocations that are not reimbursable.  This may include coordinating with TxDOT Contract Services Division (CSD) if a Voluntary Utility Advanced Funding Agreement (AFA) is required.
• Ability to assist project managers and consultants with development and updates to utility relocations schedules using the Austin District Utility Status Report (USR) tool.

• Ability to process new Utility ID requests using the Austin District Utility ID form.  
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities For a Technical Project Manager II Include:

• Ability to negotiate and manage utility engineering consultant work authorizations.
• Responsible for reviewing and understanding all resources, guidelines, and forms available.  Ability to reference these guidelines and forms in meetings both online and in person.
• Ability to review, process and execute temporary saltwater leases for the Austin District.
• Responsible for providing customer service support to utility partners with the standard utility adjustment reimbursement process.  This position requires Microsoft Excel skills working in complex cost estimate tools and assisting utility with the assembly of invoice packages. 

• Responsible for developing and executing supplemental standard utility agreements. 

   

• Responsible for developing and executing standard utility agreements for reimbursable utility adjustments including the Austin District advanced approval processes for forced betterment, proof of property, UAR exceptions, and easement value approval.
• Responsible for reviewing and providing guidance to utilities on Buy America and Build America Buy America (BABA) compliance for reimbursable utility adjustments.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree in a related discipline. Relevant experience may be substituted for education on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience: 

Technical Project Manager I: Must demonstrate relevant experience of noted essential responsibilities listed for this position; and have 5 YEARS utility construction experience; construction project management; utility engineering, utility coordination, sub-surface utility engineering (SUE) investigation, accounting processes, contract management and/or business process improvement methodologies.

Technical Project Manager II: Must demonstrate relevant experience of noted essential responsibilities listed for this position; and have 6 YEARS utility construction experience; construction project management; utility engineering, utility coordination, sub-surface utility engineering (SUE) investigation, accounting processes, contract management and/or business process improvement methodologies. 

For all levels; (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent). Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver’s license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.

• May require certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Black Belt or one or more change management
  disciplines.

   

   

  
  Competencies:

The Required Competencies of a Technical Project Manager I or II Include: 

• Compiles and distributes project information, status reports, and project budget expenditures.
• Conducts project reviews and coordinates with various inspectors and contractors’ superintendents on work progress and construction problems; reviews equipment utilization data and time/cost estimates.
• Coordinates project activities with other state agencies, government jurisdictions, or private sector partners and contractors and assures coordination and approvals through FHWA or US DOT.
• Creates documentation procedures to capture and deal with changes in original project plans.
• Oversees and monitors the inspections of construction methods, workmanship and maintenance procedures to ensure contractors build, install, maintain and repair traffic control/data collection related equipment or facilities in accordance with plans, specifications and contract requirements.
• Industry guidelines, specifications and codes in the production and use of technical plans for the development and delivery of products and services.
• Applicable project development (planning, environmental, right of way, design, letting, construction, and project closeout) document preparation, review, processing and compliance requirements.
• Project management theories and practices applicable to highly complex projects.
• Public relations for maintaining effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both internal and external.
• Addressing changes in scope and budget.
• Identify project risks and gaps.

Additional Competencies for a Technical Project Manager II Include:

• Identifies potential project impediments, risks, and issues; and designs strategies to mitigate or avoid them.
• Monitors and manages project cost and quality to ensure project is completed within budget and to ensure deliverables are acceptable and fulfill the terms of the project contract or specifications.
• Oversees project assignments, determines work requirements to complete project plans and coordinates scheduling to accommodate projects already underway.
• Leading, assigning, reviewing, and monitoring the work of others.
• Project management monitoring.
• Using computers and applicable computer software.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

•  Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools

•  Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs

• Standing-prolonged periods of time

• Repetitive Motion-substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers

•  Close Visual Acuity-work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Resources for potential candidates:

·         Austin District standards and guidance (see Austin District Utility guidance)

o   Utility Coordination Life Cycle

o   Utility Coordination

o   Utility ID Guideline

o   Utility Status Report Guideline

·         Utility Accommodation Rules (UAR) as published in the Texas Administrative Code (TAC)

·         Right of Way (ROW) Utility Manual

Conditions of Employment:
Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• This job has been identified as physically demanding and will require a pre-employment physical. 
• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation – 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) – does not authorize “medical marijuana” under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.

TxDOT is committed to hiring veterans. To assist in determining whether your military experience may pertain to the minimum requirements for this position, Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) codes from each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces have been assigned to each state classification code/title where applicable. The MOS codes are grouped by occupational category.

 To view the MOS codes please click on link below and click on the appropriate occupational category.

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions

The Texas Department of Transportation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

If requested, reasonable accommodations will be made for persons with disabilities for any part of the employment process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Action of 1990.

 Please click this link to read the information for applicants: Additional Applicant Information