Capital Program Manager – Regional and Waterfront

Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is seeking an exceptional leader with expertise in capital program management and project delivery to serve as the Capital Program Manager – Regional and Waterfront within the Planning and Asset Management Division of the Business Administration and Planning Department.

The Capital Program Manager – Regional and Waterfront is responsible for the planning and implementation of capital projects for Regional and Waterfront Parks under the Capital Development and Major Maintenance Business Unit of MPT’s Planning Division. This Business Unit manages a high volume of impactful park improvement projects within an integrated planning environment, delivering essential facilities to the Tacoma community with an equity emphasis. The Park District’s strategic vision places MPT central to the continued transformation of Tacoma as a healthy, cohesive and vibrant community. The Capital Program Manager must embody the core values of the District as set forth within its long-range and strategic planning framework and demonstrate a commitment to fulfilling a vision for Tacoma as a ‘City in a Park’.

The ideal candidate will have broad knowledge and experience with capital program development and delivery with a keen sense for the role of public parks and recreation facilities as critical urban infrastructure contributing to broader community health and wellness outcomes. This position demands an ability to manage multiple capital programs and projects simultaneously with an emphasis on multi-jurisdictional coordination and collaborative problem solving in a fast paced work environment. The scale of projects ranges from simple major maintenance replacements up to high-profile, multi-million dollar projects with a high degree of complexity. As MPT’s Regional Park system is home to many miles of marine shoreline the ideal candidate will have specific skills and experience in matters related to shoreline planning, regulations, permitting, and coastal resiliency best practices.

The CIP planning and project management framework at MPT is increasingly data-driven in nature and draws upon recent advancement in our asset management systems and broader GIS-based level-of-service and equity mapping. The Capital Program Manager must understand these systems, skillfully interpret and translate this data to effect positive outcomes on behalf of the agency and the community that it serves.

The Capital Program Manager is responsible for the delivery of projects within the Regional and Waterfront Parks sub-section of the overall CIP, contributing towards the District’s Capital Facilities Plan whose two-year spending plan averages approximately $25M annually. The successful delivery of this program requires a keen understanding of CIP rules and regulations, business and accounting practices, public-sector legislative processes, personnel management, tactful and effective communication skill, and a personal and professional commitment to manage through adversity when demanded.

Work where you play!
Join our team at Metro Parks Tacoma to put your skills to use serving your community and making Tacoma a vibrant, healthy, and welcoming place to live.
 
Who We Are
Metro Parks Tacoma (MPT) is a CAPRA-accredited and AZA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community. Located in Tacoma, Washington, Metro Parks’ mission is to create healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow. The independent park district spans the city providing a wide range of life-enriching destinations and services, including 70 parks, 80 miles of trails, 1,000 acres of urban forest, 66 playgrounds, four community centers, Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium, Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, Point Defiance Park, and much more. Our work is guided by eight core values that are the foundation of our actions and goals: innovation, excellence, equity, inclusiveness, sustainability, accountability, safety, and fun.
 
Why You’ll Love it Here
Come work where you play! You will contribute to the overall vitality and well-being of your community when you work for Metro Parks Tacoma, and you’ll do so as part of a supportive team of committed, passionate, and mission-driven professionals. The people of Metro Parks are the key to its success, and you just might be the next great addition to our team. You’ll receive a competitive wage, along with an attractive benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, vacation, holidays, and much more. On top of that, you’ll wake each day knowing that you’re helping make Tacoma a great place to call home.
 
Position Information  
Under the direction of the District-Wide Capital Improvement Manager, the Capital Program Manager serves as the manager of large and small capital project development and oversees the design, sequencing, coordination, fund administration, budgeting and agreements required to plan and construct capital improvements.  This position also leads a staff that includes licensed professional planners, project managers, technical and support staff as well as outside contract project management professionals as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
Work involves administration of MPT's capital design and construction program, requiring experience with feasibility analysis, master plan and design processes, program and project management, construction management, as well as parks operations and maintenance practices.

Working closely with MPT Department Directors who ultimately manage the capital facilities, this customer-service oriented position must be able to develop, monitor, and manage project delivery for efficient use of District capital funds.  The position must be able to address a variety of site development issues including environmental, historic and cultural aspects in a manner that enhances interdepartmental and interagency cooperation and public confidence.  Adaptability, problem-solving and communication skills are essential. Experience with long-term capital asset management is desirable.

This position shall serve a key role in the cross-departmental coordination of CIP and major maintenance projects and shall serve on multiple committees and work groups implementing a work plan driven by MPT policy in the areas of sustainability, asset management and diversity/equity/inclusion. This position has extensive contact with citizen advisory committees, members of the public through presentations and meetings, developers, boards and commissions.  Work is performed with considerable independent judgment within established policies and procedures.  Work is reviewed by the Director or Deputy Director of Planning and Development through regular staff meetings, conferences and reports.

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties all employees are expected to:

• Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
• Interact professionally with other employees, customers and suppliers.
• Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
• Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations.
• Observe applicable safety requirements, use safety equipment provided, implement appropriate safety practices at all times and report immediately any unsafe working conditions or hazards.

The Capital Program Manager shall perform the broad duties of program and project administration while concurrently supervising staff and outside contract project management professionals to provide for the coordination and implementation of the District's capital improvement program. Duties include the following:
 
CIP Program Development & Management
 

• Serve as a liaison with other District departments, partner agencies, business interests, community groups, and/or other interested parties to coordinate planning activities. Duties include coordination of planning activities; serving as a project spokesperson; organizing, participating in, and conducting meetings and presentations; and/or performing other related activities.
• Serve as liaison with other District departments and partner agencies on matters related to CIP project development, design, construction and major maintenance and asset management program implementation.
• Serve as Planning Division's representative on cross-departmental teams, work groups and committees. Through these committees collaborate with operations and program staff on the systematic evaluation, planning and implementation of district policies, goals and objectives related to facility development and management.
• Collaborate closely with other Departments to guide the development and management of park properties in accordance with District policy in areas such as sustainability, asset management, and diversity/equity/inclusion.
• Assist in the development and preparation of the capital improvement program input to the department's work plan and budget.
• Advise Department Director and Department Deputy Director on approaches, methods, regulations and requirements for contracts and agreements; estimates charges for unit services.
• Collaborate in the development of funding strategies and provide financial oversight of capital improvement programs and projects.
• Prepare and deliver oral and graphic presentations to Park Board, Executive Cabinet, Commissions, Committees and special interest groups and general public. 

CIP Project Management
 

• Perform CIP project management, which includes: administering the activities of multiple concurrent projects; performing related construction review to ensure conformance/performance of contractors with design, specification, and contract documents; administering and applying related contracts; negotiating schedules for design and construction; coordinating project close-out and budget reconciliation; preparing reports, correspondence, advertisements, and official documents regarding project status, progress, and payments; and/or performing other related activities.
• Coordinate the activities of multiple design, environmental, and surveying firms in the development of plans and specifications; prepares related project scopes; reviews designs prepared by consultants; coordinates the consultant selection process; negotiates consultant contracts; evaluates the performance of consultants.
• Ensure compliance with construction contractual requirements and conditions from design phase through warranty phase; initiates, negotiates, and processes contracts; administers contract change orders and addenda.
• Approve work authorizations, project estimates, contract awards and initiation of legislation requests.
• Oversee the review and authorization of project budgets and expenditures.
• Authorize payments to contractors and consultants; verifies accuracy of invoices and project accounting; implements and tracks Local and State grant budgets for projects.
• Prepare and file permits with Local and State agencies; prepares grants for Local and State agencies.
• Provide technical assistance to project agencies and departments.

Supervision of Staff and PM Consultants
 

• Schedule, assign and review work of project administrators and contract project management professionals in the planning, coordination and administration of capital improvement projects.
• Supervise staff and outside consultants in the planning, design and development  of park projects, including: implementing and completing approved capital budget projects and other District-funded projects for development of parks and recreation facilities; participating in the review of private development projects and their impacts; identifying and researching issues and impacts of programs, policies, or projects; attending meetings; participating in inter-departmental and regional planning activities related to growth management and land use; preparing and drawing maps, schematics, and master plans; designing and drawing plans for construction documents; writing and preparing bid construction specifications; preparing cost estimates; and/or performing other related activities.

Occasional Duties:
 

• Perform a variety of professional level work in managing the planning, designing and construction of park, open space and recreation facilities.
• Maintain current knowledge of design trends and techniques; assure compliance with limitations and parameters of new laws, rules and regulations related to planning and development activities

Perform related duties as assigned.EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• A bachelor's degree in planning, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, construction management or other field related to this work.
• At least six years of professional experience in planning, design and construction program management, or related work, including at least five years of capital project management experience.
• Additional experience in shoreline planning, regulations, permitting and coastal resiliency best practices is needed when overseeing waterfront projects.

LICENSE & OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Valid Washington driver's license with acceptable driving record.
• Obtain a valid First Aid and CPR Card within the probationary period.
• Landscape Architecture, Architecture or Professional Engineering license desired.
• Public-sector management
• Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed

ENVIRONMENT:
Office and outdoor work environment.
Working evenings, weekends and variable hours.
Constant interruptions.
Driving a vehicle to conduct work.
 
PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
Sitting for extended periods of time.
Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations.
 
HAZARDS:
Contact with dissatisfied or abusive individuals.

ABILITY TO:
 

• Develop and prepare plans, studies, reports and drawings related to planning, design and construction projects.
• Manage logistics, sequencing and work plans to successfully deliver multiple projects in the capital program;
• Negotiate complex issues having broad public policy implications with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver oral presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, public and private officials, developers, representatives from the city and other governmental agencies, community groups, and the general public.
• Attend meetings and facilitate communication with elected bodies, special interest groups and the general public.
• Provide training and give work direction and assistance to assigned staff.
• Work confidentially with discretion.
• Perform complex or varied tasks
• Manage time efficiently and effectively through scheduling and prioritizing.
• Work within and contribute to the effectiveness of a team, respecting differences.
• Interpret rules and regulations.
• Communicate clearly verbally and in writing.
• Assess and evaluate situations effectively.
• Exert optimal effort in successfully completing tasks.
• Take initiative with minimal supervision.
• Extract and record data and carry out calculations accurately.
• Set up and operate equipment that can require selection from options or different settings.
• Report for work regularly and on time.
• Perform emergency first aid and CPR as needed and according to established guidelines.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
 

• General content and types of laws, codes, administrative rules and policies governing urban/regional/park planning/design and land use.
• Principles and practices of effective management and supervision.
• Project design and coordination, public and community relations and policy development in a complex work program.
• Park District operations, policies and procedures.
• Oral and written communication skills.
• Research, report writing and plan interpretation techniques.
• Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
• Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, and record keeping.
• Current GIS applications, CADD, and building information modeling (BIM)
• Working knowledge in the field of Sustainability Best Practices
• Working knowledge in the field of Asset Management
• Working knowledge of Public Art project implementation
• Correct English usage, grammar and vocabulary.

METRO PARKS TACOMA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.
All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation, disability or any other merit factor. Members of ethnic minorities, women, special disabled veterans, veterans of the Vietnam-era, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans, persons of disability and/or persons age 40 and over are encouraged to apply.
   
MPT employs only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized non-U.S. citizens. All new employees must show employment eligibility verification as required by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
   
MPT is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodation in its services, programs, activities, education and employment for individuals with disabilities. To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact Human Resources at hr@tacomaparks.com.
   
Employment is subject to a national background check.
   
This position is an at-will position with no written or implied contractual agreement.    

Salary : $110,957 - $151,901