Project Manager 4, District Energy Systems (0364U) #85340

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As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Capital Projects manages the design, construction, retrofitting, and restoration of campus buildings and their surroundings. Many skilled professionals work in Capital Projects as Project Managers who have backgrounds in architecture, landscape architecture, planning, engineering, construction and administrative personnel, all of whom work to serve the campus community.

Position Summary

We are seeking a Project Manager who will manage projects with a technical focus on district energy systems, storm drainage, sanitary sewer, and information technology backbone systems.

The position will be assigned to the MEP + Infrastructure team within Capital Projects and focus on Capital Renewal and Deferred Maintenance project, which renews the campus' aging infrastructure.

The successful candidate will act as a primary project leader and may lead other user groups.

The minimum posting duration for this position is 14 calendar days. The department will initiate the application review process on/after April 16, 2026.

• Manages the project program, including meeting with clients to help define both project scope and program. Responsible for keeping the project scope and budget aligned with the program during the life of the project.
• Formally establishes project plan, including working with other units, departments, and the Office of the President (i.e., Capital Planning, Budget Office and other Capital Project Units) to facilitate this effort and ensure funding transfers. Establishes project budget and submits for approval.
• Hires architectural, engineering and consultant firms to develop project requirement definitions, design criteria, and prepare layouts and detail drawings; provides leadership expertise, direction and management of the engineers, architects and other consultants. Responsible for preparing the Request for Qualifications required contracting with design consultants/teams.
• Prepares and approves design/construction cost estimates, functional studies, project schedule and budget and reviews with clients. Establishes milestones and monitors adherence to master plans, budgets and schedules.
• Develops criteria and performance specifications required to meet unique operating requirements and building and safety codes; ensures plans and specifications conform to all codes and regulations. Determines project delivery method and bid type and negotiates construction contracts. Generates bidding documents for construction contracts. Selects contractor delivery method between design-bid-build, design-build, progressive design-build, or CM@Risk.
• Reviews, manages and oversees construction activities, including contractor's schedule, RFIs, Submittals, Change Order Requests, and Punch List; specializes and focuses on monitoring construction milestones. Responsible for review and approval of all contractor change orders.
• Acts as liaison among project participants: client, contractor, consultants, and the architect. Resolves problems or conflicts, including recommending range of solutions to disputed issues or contractor claims. Ensures project is properly closed out, obtains as-built drawings, record drawings, and Operations & Maintenance Manuals for turnover to Facilities Services.
• Creates project in project management software application including updating and reporting of project status as required by organization, regulatory agencies and Capital Projects Management, including budget and schedule; may include monthly written analysis of project.
• Performs organizational, departmental and administrative activities not directly relating to projects, including serving on committees representing department or unit and professional development. May oversee, manage, and / or direct other Project Managers and Analysts.

• Advanced knowledge of building and construction, design, construction contract administration and California Building Codes, including advanced understanding of industry practices, or deep expertise in a highly specialized and critical discipline.
• Advanced project management skills to effectively manage highly complex projects, or highly specialized and critical project component.
• Advanced knowledge of the organization (or comparable institutional knowledge), including its infrastructure, rules, regulations, policies and short and long range strategic building plans.
• Advanced analytical, organizational and problem recognition / avoidance / resolution skills.
• Advanced written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including highly effective negotiation skills and highly developed political acumen.
• Advanced ability to manage contractors and maintain compliance to the agreed-upon scope of work and budget.
• At least 3 years experience (and/or equivalent) in management and/or repair of a district energy system.
• Evening/night-time work may be needed occasionally for construction/testing activities.
• Regular on-site presence may be required on short notice to address operational needs.
• Bachelor's degree in related area and / or equivalent experience / training.

• Advanced technical knowledge of one or many building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, fire alarm, fire suppression elevator/conveying, telecommunications.

This is a full-time, 2-year contract position with the possibility of extension. This position may be eligible for a hybrid/remote work arrangement up to 40%. Regular on-site presence may be required on short notice to address operational needs. Exact arrangements are determined in partnership with your supervisor to meet role responsibilities and department needs and are subject to change.

This position is eligible for full UC benefits. For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted salary range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $101,600.00 - $170,000.00, annually. This is an exempt, monthly-paid position.

This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.

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.

"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

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 status under state or federal law.