Principal Construction Manager

### San Diego County Water Authority ## Principal Construction Manager SALARY $81.71 - $109.89 Hourly $14,163.07 - $19,047.60 Monthly $169,956.80 - $228,571.20 Annually LOCATION Kearny Mesa, CA JOB TYPE Full Time JOB NUMBER 2026-08-1329 DEPARTMENT Engineering OPENING DATE 09/02/2026 SALARY $81.71 - $109.89 Hourly $14,163.07 - $19,047.60 Monthly $169,956.80 - $228,571.20 Annually LOCATION Kearny Mesa, CA JOB TYPE Full Time JOB NUMBER 2026-08-1329 DEPARTMENT Engineering OPENING DATE 09/02/2026 ### The Organization JOIN THE SAN DIEGO COUNTY WATER AUTHORITY! The San Diego County Water Authority is an independent public agency that serves as San Diego County's regional water wholesaler. The mission of the Water Authority is to provide a safe and reliable water supply to its 22 member agencies serving the region's $267 billion economy and 3.3 million residents. The Water Authority is executing a long-term strategy to diversify the region's supplies, make major investments in the region's water delivery and storage system, and improve water use efficiency. Through dynamic leadership, thoughtful planning, and prudent fiscal policies, the Water Authority is cost effectively managing the region's water portfolio, while continuing to diversify supplies to enhance current and future reliability. **_We welcome veteran or transitioning military to apply._** Are you a transitioning or former member of the military with experience as a construction project manager, engineering officer, facilities maintenance supervisor, civil engineering technician, Seabee builder/equipment operator or in a similar military role? Your leadership, project coordination, infrastructure operations, and mission-focused execution experience may translate directly into success in this position. Applicants may also explore how their military experience aligns with civilian roles by using the Military Skills Translator at [https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe onload="load(this)"/mos-translator](https://www.military.com/mst/military-iframe onload=). **The Engineering Department** The Engineering Department is responsible for the design and construction of regional water facilities in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); identifying and employing value engineering design concepts to optimize facility and aqueduct system performance; managing major emergency facility repairs; and providing overall CIP programmatic monitoring and controls. It also manages the Water Authority's real-estate interests by acquiring, disposing of, and leasing real property; patrolling and managing 168 miles of right of way; and providing survey services. In addition, the department provides technical support to other agencies, departments, and member agencies. The Water Authority’s Energy Program also resides within the Engineering Department, focused on developing low-cost energy supplies, generation, and storage opportunities; improving the Water Authority’s energy resilience; fostering collaborative energy relationships; and supporting the Water Authority’s legislative energy initiatives. **The Construction Section** The Engineering Department's Construction Group is responsible for administering construction projects for the Water Authority’s CIP and providing a full range of construction management services. The Group also performs constructability reviews; construction inspections; and supports projects in the planning and design phases. **The Ideal Candidate** The ideal candidate is an accomplished construction management professional with a strong background in water utility construction, including the design and construction of major capital infrastructure projects. This individual is an adept problem-solver, able to anticipate challenges, evaluate complex technical issues, and implement effective solutions that support the Water Authority’s mission and long-term capital program. The successful candidate will be highly organized, demonstrating the ability to manage multiple projects, consultant contracts, competing priorities, and diverse teams simultaneously in a fast-paced environment. They excel at building strong working relationships and maintaining clear communication with internal staff, consultants, contractors, and member agencies. This person will possess exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to prepare high-quality technical correspondence and convey complex engineering and construction concepts clearly and effectively. The ideal candidate will also have significant experience guiding, mentoring, and developing professional and technical staff, fostering a collaborative team environment focused on continuous improvement and high-quality project delivery. ### The Position The Principal Construction Manager serves as a key leader within the Engineering Department’s Construction Group, overseeing a team of in-house and consultant construction managers and inspectors who support the delivery of major Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects. This position provides day-to-day leadership, mentoring, and guidance to professional and technical staff while ensuring proactive, accurate, and high-quality construction management throughout all project phases. Working in close collaboration with the Engineering Manager, the Principal Construction Manager plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of assigned staff. The role is responsible for developing, implementing, and monitoring work plans that advance the Water Authority’s Business Plan objectives, particularly those within the Water Supply and Water Facilities focus areas. The position plays a central role in administering construction contracts; reviewing project scopes, schedules, and budgets; coordinating with consultants and contractors; and ensuring compliance with Water Authority standards, policies, and specifications. This role also requires sound judgment, strong communication skills, and the ability to resolve complex construction issues while maintaining productive partnerships with internal teams, member agencies, and external stakeholders. Through effective guidance, coaching, and oversight, the Principal Construction Manager helps ensure that CIP projects are completed safely, efficiently, and in alignment with organizational goals. **Representative Duties** _The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statement of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the class._ - Reviews the work of construction managers and inspectors providing guidance on the administration of the design, preparation and construction of major capital projects using in-house staff, consulting engineering firms and construction contractors. - Establishes the recommended scope, schedule and budget for construction projects. - Interprets specifications and Water Authority policies and initiates or reviews change orders. - Establishes performance requirements and personal development targets with assigned staff; regularly monitors performance improvement and development; recommends compensation subject to management concurrence. - Represents the Water Authority with consultants and contractors. - Prepares correspondence on highly technical construction management issues. - Revises design and construction standards to improve methods, procedures and practices. - Participates in the preparation of CIP and operating budget recommendations. - Authorizes the purchase of materials and monitors work activities and expenditures to control costs. For further details regarding the duties and responsibilities, and qualification guidelines for this class specification, please click on the following link: [Principal Construction Manager](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sdcwa/classspecs/1378326?keywords=principal%20construction&pagetype=classSpecifications) Work Schedule: Employees assigned to work at the Kearny Mesa office work a 9/80 schedule, where the entire facility is closed every other Friday. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work schedule. ### Qualification Guidelines _The qualification guidelines generally describe the knowledge and ability required to enter the job to successfully perform the assigned duties. Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities will be considered._ A typical way of obtaining the knowledge, skills and abilities outlined above requires graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in construction management or civil engineering and eight years of professional construction management experience; including experience in public water/utility construction management; and at least two years supervisory experience at the level of the Water Authority's Senior Construction Manager; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience. **Licenses and Other Requirements** - A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the Water Authority's Vehicle Insurance Policy may be required. - A valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California or Certified Construction Manager through the Construction Management Association of America. In lieu of these certifications, applicants may be considered with fourteen years of increasingly responsible construction management experience in heavy civil construction, with at least six years of experience at the level of the Water Authority's [Senior Construction Manager](https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sdcwa/classspecs/1020371?keywords=senior%20construction%20manager&pagetype=classSpecifications), or an equivalent combination of training and experience. ### Application Procedure To be considered for this position, please submit an employment application and supplemental questionnaire. **This recruitment is open until filled, with a first application review date of September 28, 2026.** Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application and supplemental questionnaire. All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be evaluated in relation to the criteria outlined in this job announcement. The selection process may consist of an appraisal interview, writing exercise, and/or other appropriate screening devices. To ensure timely and successful navigation, please consider applying early if you are new to the governmentjobs.com application system. For technical assistance with the online application system, please review the Government Jobs online application guide, or contact their toll-free applicant support line at (855) 524-5627. If you have questions regarding the position, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663. _The San Diego County Water Authority is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy status), gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, age, genetic information, mental or physical disability (whether perceived or actual), ancestry, military or veteran status, citizenship status, medical condition, and/or national origin._ _The San Diego County Water Authority welcomes veterans or transitioning military. If you have questions whether your Military Occupational Specialties or rating qualifies you for a job opening, please visit__.___Should you have any questions regarding the recruitment process or require accommodations pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Patricia Duran, Senior Human Resources Analyst, at (858) 522-6663._ EmployerSan Diego County Water Authority Address 4677 Overland Avenue San Diego, California, 92123 Phone 858-522-6660 Website[http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfm](http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfm) EmployerSan Diego County Water AuthorityPhone 858-522-6660 Website[http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfm](http://agency.governmentjobs.com/sdcwa/default.cfm)Address 4677 Overland Avenue San Diego, California, 92123 Principal Construction Manager Supplemental Questionnaire* QUESTION 1**APPLICANTS - PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:** Each applicant must complete this supplemental questionnaire as part of the application screening and selection process. The supplemental questionnaire is used to further evaluate your experience and education to determine your eligibility for this position. Please answer each question accurately and thoroughly. The information you provide will be reviewed and used to determine your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Incomplete responses, false statements, omissions, or partial information may result in disqualification from the selection process. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History/Experience section of your Employment Application. Failure to complete the "Work History/Experience" section of the employment application will result in your application not being considered. Please do not refer your responses to your resume. A resume will not be considered in determining your qualifications, unless specifically required as part of the application process. I understand and agree to answer each question truthfully, and that my responses can be verified from information included within the application. * QUESTION 2**EDUCATION:** Have you completed a Bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university? Yes No QUESTION 3 If you have you graduated from an accredited college or university, please indicate the major area of study below. Construction Management Civil Engineering Other related field Other non-related field * QUESTION 4**LICENSES:** Do you possess a valid certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer issued by the State of California? Yes No * QUESTION 5 Do you possess a Certified Construction Manager (CCM) certification through the Construction Management Association of America? Yes No * QUESTION 6**EXPERIENCE** Please indicate your years of professional construction management experience. I do not have any related work experience. Less than 8 years More than 8 years, but less than 10 More than 10 years, but less than 12 More than 12 years, but less than 14 More than 14 years * QUESTION 7 Please indicate your years of construction management experience in a supervisory or management capacity. I do not have any related work experience I have less than 2 years I have more than 2 years, but less than 4 I have more than 4 years, but less than 6 I have more than 6 years * QUESTION 8**SUPPLEMENTAL QUESTIONS:** Please note, your response to the following questions will be used to determine your eligibility to advance in the recruitment. Please be thorough, and do not paste text from your work history or resume as a response. Based on the information provided on the job announcement, please describe how your background makes you the ideal candidate for the Principal Construction Manager position. Include a brief explanation of your experience with managing major capital construction projects for a public water utility. If you do not have any related experience, type "N/A". * QUESTION 9 Briefly describe your experience in a supervisory or management role. Please include the number of direct and indirect staff, job title, and supervisory responsibilities. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A." * QUESTION 10 Please describe your role and experience negotiating change orders and settling construction claims; and your philosophy around "grey" areas in contract documents. If you have no experience in this area, please type "N/A." * QUESTION 11**WORK HISTORY** Applicants are required to provide a complete work history. Individuals with an extensive employment history should include at least ten years of employment history. All applicants must account for any gaps in employment of more than 30 days. Failure to provide a complete employment history, omission of prior employers, or failure to account for employment gaps of more than 30 days, may result in disqualification from the selection process. I understand and have provided a complete employment history, including accounting for any employment gaps of more than 30 days. * QUESTION 12**APPLICANT'S ACKNOWLEDGMENT - NOTIFICATION VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL (E-MAIL)** The San Diego County Water Authority Human Resources Division uses e-mail to notify applicants of important information relating to the status and processing of your application. We do so as part of our ongoing efforts to increase operational efficiency, promote the conservation of resources, and minimize delays and costs. Therefore, as an applicant, please ensure that the e-mail address and contact information you provide are current, secure, and readily accessible to you. Do not share e-mail addresses. Spam or other filters should be adjusted to accept our e-mails. **We will not be responsible in any way if you do not receive our e-mails** (i.e., for the non-delivery of e-mail or if you fail to check your e-mail inbox on a timely basis). Read any notices that we send carefully and in a timely manner. Follow further instructions, if any. We recommend that you print and keep hard copies of our notices for your records. I acknowledge that I have read, understand, and agree to the above. * Required Question