MEP Project Manager

This position is being filled at either the MEP Project Manager (JobID: 78140) or Sr. MEP Project Manager (JobID: 78143). Applicants are encouraged to apply for the position level you are best qualified for, if in doubt please apply for both.

HOW TO APPLY

For full consideration, applicants should attach their resume and cover letter when applying for a job opening. For guidance related to the application process or if you are experiencing difficulties when applying, please review the Applicant Resources on our website.

• How to Apply
• Troubleshooting
• Tips for Applicants
• FAQ's

INITIAL REVIEW DATE (IRD)

UC Santa Cruz jobs are posted until filled. All application materials submitted by 11:59 pm on the IRD will be routed to the hiring team for consideration. NOTE: Applicants who miss the IRD are still encouraged to apply; their materials will still be forwarded for consideration if requested by the hiring team. Application materials cannot be accepted outside of the jobs portal. Applications cannot be edited on an applicant's behalf. For more information about the IRD and the applicant review process, view this link.

The IRD for this job is: 05-27-2025

ABOUT UC SANTA CRUZ

UC Santa Cruz is a public university like no other in California, combining the experience of a small, liberal arts college with the depth and rigor of a major research university. It's known as an unconventional place where innovation and experimentation is part of the campus's DNA. That playful, bold spirit still thrives today, all on a campus renowned as among the most beautiful in the world.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

Physical Planning, Development & Operations (PPDO) manages and oversees all University activities and services related to physical and environmental planning, design and construction, engineering, physical plant maintenance and operations, capital and space planning, space management, and the associated business services necessary to support these functions. The University's main campus is spread across more than 2,000 acres and includes over 500 buildings comprising more than 8 million square feet. The department includes operating budgets of over $60 million, manages a project portfolio of approximately $990 million, and employs over 400 full-time staff to carry forth the duties necessary for the campus' development and operation.

More information can be found at: https://ppdo.ucsc.edu/design-construction/

JOB SUMMARY

The MEP Project Manager operates independently as a project management professional in the planning, design, construction, and commissioning phases of medium-scale to large-scale Capital construction projects. The incumbent helps improve the design and performance of physical infrastructure and building engineering systems. Assigned projects may be new construction or alterations, including work inside buildings, site work, and exterior utilities. Project scopes may include architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and landscape. Project management assignments will typically be from project inception through completion. The MEP Project Manager oversees the conceptual phase of engineering studies, defining initial scope and budget, setting design criteria, obtaining project approvals; the design phase of managing the A&E design consultants, coordinating stakeholder input, design reviews, compiling bid documents, budget reconciliation, value engineering, and obtaining final approvals; and the construction phase of soliciting bids, awarding contracts, schedule management, submittal review, project meetings, utility shutdown coordination, inspections, progress reports, payment review, change order negotiations, budget management, start-up, commissioning, and contract closeout, including warranty work. Job emphasis will be on delivering projects that meet the functional design requirements, are reliable, easily maintained, energy efficient, sustainable, have low visual impact, and have a long operating life. Turnover of fully functioning systems to campus operation personnel (Physical Plant Services) is a high priority.

APPOINTMENT INFORMATION

Budgeted Salary: $110,000 - $130,000/annually. Salary commensurate with skills, qualifications and experience.
Under California law, the University of California, Santa Cruz is required to post a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. The salary shown above is the budgeted amount the University reasonably expects to pay and the salary extended should not exceed this posted amount.

Benefits Level Eligibility: Full benefits

Schedule Information:

• Full-time, Fixed
• Percentage of Time: 100%, 40 Hours per Week
• Days of the Week: Mon-Fri
• Shift Includes: Day

Employee Classification: Career appointment

Job End Date: None

Work Location: UC Santa Cruz Main Campus

Union Representation: Non-Represented

Job Code Classification: FAC PROJECT MGT SPEC 3 (007078)

Travel: Up to 25% of the time

JOB DUTIES

35% - Project Management

• Bids or negotiates construction contracts, reviews and manages construction activities, including contractor's schedule, RFIs, submittals, change order requests, and punch list; specializes and focuses on monitoring construction milestones and critical path activities.

20% - Design Development

Hires architectural, engineering, and consultant firms to develop project requirement definitions and design criteria; prepares layouts and detail drawings; provides expertise, direction, and management of the architects and engineers.

Reviews cost estimates, establishes project schedule and budget, and reviews with clients.

Ensures plans and specifications conform to all building codes, University, and the Office of the President requirements and regulations.

Drives a University vehicle with Clients and Vendors around campus to visit job sites.

10% - Planning

• Formally establishes project plan, including working with other units, departments, and the Office of the President (i.e., SMCP, Budget Office, and other Capital Project Units) to facilitate this effort and ensure funding transfers.

10% - Programming

Meets with clients to help define both project scope and program.

Manages the project program.

10% - Conflict Resolution

• Acts as a liaison among project participants and resolves problems or conflicts, including recommending a range of solutions to disputed issues or contractor claims.

5% - Closeout

Ensures project is properly closed out and Operations and Maintenance Manuals and record drawings are turned over to Physical Plant Services.

Ensures training is provided for campus stakeholders.

5% - Reporting

• Creates a project schedule and budget in project management software, including systematic reporting and updating of project status as required by the University, regulatory agencies, and the Office of the President, which may include monthly written reporting and KPIs.

5% - Organizational Activities

• Performs organizational, departmental, and administrative activities not directly relating to projects, including serving on committees representing department or unit.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Thorough working knowledge of building and construction practices, design, construction contract administration, and California Building Codes, including a full understanding of industry standards.
• Ability to administer a construction project through all phases of construction including contract document assembly, budgetary estimating, obtaining approvals, bidding, addendums, contract award, submittals, scheduling, progress meetings, contract compliance, change order negotiations, commissioning, punch list, contract closeout, and enforcement of warranty period.
• Comprehensive project management skills, including skills to manage complex projects. Minimum six years of progressively responsible experience in construction project management.
• Demonstrated technical familiarity with at least five building systems or project disciplines, including Architectural, Civil, Building Envelope, Landscape, Hardscape, HVAC, Process/Hydronic Piping, BMS, Plumbing, Fire Protection, Fire Alarm, Electrical, Lighting, Elevators, Life Safety, Site Work, and Underground Utilities.
• Proven analytical, organizational, and problem recognition/avoidance/resolution skills.
• Comprehensive written communication skills.
• Comprehensive verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including highly developed political acumen. Proven ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and understandably to a non-technical audience.
• Proven ability to manage contractors and consultants while maintaining compliance with the agreed-upon scope of work and budget.
• Strong computer skills and knowledge of software programs including, but not limited to, MS Office, MS Project, Adobe Acrobat, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and database systems (FAMIS, Tririga, Filemaker, or equivalent).
• Work experience requiring team and consensus building, facilitation, and public speaking skills. Ability to prepare clear, concise, and professional reports and correspondence. Ability to work effectively with project stakeholders and be responsive to their needs.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Project Management, or Construction Management.
• Possession of a valid California Professional Engineering (PE) license upon employment, or ability to seek reciprocity and obtain a CA PE within 12 months of employment.
• LEED AP or Green Associate.
• Project Management Professional (PMP).
• Knowledge of the University, including its infrastructure and short and long-range strategic building plans.
• Familiarity with Public Works contract law and statutes.
• Experience with energy efficiency projects, including payback periods and cost-benefit analysis.
  

SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• Selected candidate will be required to pass a pre-employment criminal history background check.
• Selected candidate must pass the employment misconduct disclosure process.
• Exercise the utmost discretion in managing sensitive information learned in the course of performing their duties. Sensitive information includes but is not limited to employee and student records, health and patient records, financial data, strategic plans, proprietary information and any other sensitive or non-public information learned during the course and scope of employment. Understands that sensitive information should be shared on a limited basis and actively takes steps to limit access to sensitive information to individuals who have legitimate business need to know. Ensure that sensitive information is properly safeguarded. Follow all organizational policies and laws on data protection and privacy. This includes secure handling of physical and digital records and proper usage of IT systems to prevent data leaks. The unauthorized or improper disclosure of confidential work-related information obtained from any source on any work-related matter is a violation of these expectations.
• Must possess a valid license to drive in the state of California and be able to participate in the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) pull notice program.
• Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as directed.
• Ability to respond to emergencies after hours as necessary.
• Selected candidate will be required to complete training within established time frames as directed including UC compliance training.
• The University of California has implemented a Vaccination Policy covering all employees. Employees, including new hires, are required to comply with any applicable policies relating to the University of California vaccine program.
• Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment. CANRA Penal Codes, and related definitions, requirements, and responsibilities may be obtained here.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement

As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

SAFETY STATEMENT

All UCSC employees must understand and follow job safety procedures, attend required health and safety training, proactively promote safety at work, and promptly report actual and potential accidents and injuries.

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

EEO/AA

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected categories covered by the UC Anti-Discrimination Policy.

It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.