Job Description:
Supervising Capital Projects Manager (Open and Promotional)
Description
Description
The Department of Public Works is seeking highly-qualified candidates for the position of
Supervising Capital Projects Manager.Under general direction, plan, organize, coordinate, supervise and evaluate staff and activities of a unit performing complex construction and capital improvement project management work; assist in developing and implementing unit goals and process improvements; and provide assistance to staff on difficult, technical and specialized projects.
Supervising Capital Projects Manager is the working supervisor level in the Capital Projects Manager series. This classification is distinguished from Capital Project Manager II in that it supervises Level I Capital Project Managers and is assigned to projects with a budget of up to $75 million. It is further distinguished from Senior Capital Projects Manager who are assigned the largest and most complex capital projects with a budget of up to $100 million and who may be assigned to supervise Level II Capital Projects Managers.
The DepartmentThe Department of Public Works is involved in the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure projects within the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. Our mission is to provide the public with safe, accessible roads and structures that make our communities more livable. The Capital Projects Group is responsible for delivering a wide variety of building construction projects for the County's airport, hospital, office buildings, parks, correctional facilities, and state courts. Your role as the project leader will require you to have technical, organizational, project administrative, and budgeting skills.
Ideal Candidate will possess:
- Five years of experience managing large capital projects, including at least five years of supervisory and/or management experience which may include managing a diverse project team associated with delivering high dollar value projects.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, demanding environment.
- Skills in project management, strategic planning, and performance management.
- Experience managing, directing, and overseeing professional service consultants.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with clients and co-workers.
- Effective communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- Knowledge of architectural planning and design practices; building construction materials and methods; and structural, mechanical, and electrical engineering principles as related to capital improvement projects in government buildings including healthcare and correctional facilities.
- Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local regulatory codes and rules; and contract development and administration experience related to public works facility improvement activities and operations.
- Knowledge of the State of California and local jurisdiction regulations and permit procedures related to capital improvement projects.
- Experience in public works project management, design, construction, and contracting for complex public works facility construction/improvement projects; and knowledge of standard practices related to public works projects.
- Ability to monitor, review, and revise job orders, schedules, and budgets.
- Ability to monitor and track project progress and expenditures and implement cost controls.
Examples Of Duties
Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:- Set work priorities and monitor activities of unit assigned; evaluate operations and recommend improvements.
- Plan, schedule, assign and monitor work of assigned staff.
- Support, assist and guide staff in difficult situations including contact with upset customers and escalated customer issues.
- Evaluate employee performance, counsel employees and recommend initial corrective action and other personnel decisions for management approval.
- Participate in the hiring of assigned staff, recommending selection for management approval.
- Research and compile operational and statistical data and information from varied sources; maintain records; and prepare special and periodic reports.
- Manage major and/or complex capital projects.
- Manage the budgetary aspects of capital projects including analyzing, projecting and recommending fiscal expenditures; obtaining fiscal approval when required; and verifying, monitoring and processing fiscal/budgetary matters at various phases.
- Represent the department at townhall, community and commission meetings; make presentations at public hearings; and conduct community outreach as necessary. Prepare correspondence, communication and reports for the Board of Supervisors.
- Manage permit applications, resolve claims and disputes, and file notices.
- Act as coordinating liaison with county officials, consultants, contractors, architects, engineers, outside agencies and the public regarding capital improvement projects.
- Work with consultants, architects, engineers, end users, building inspectors, maintenance and operations staff, contractors and vendors during the course of projects.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of : - Supervisory principles and practices including work planning, scheduling, review, evaluation, corrective action and employee training.
- Concepts of cost estimating, budgeting and scheduling techniques.
- Architectural planning, detailing and design practices and standards.
- Modern construction design methods and practices including, building construction materials.
- Principles, practices, theories and techniques of construction management including management of all phases of project delivery from project planning to post-construction.
- Structural, mechanical and electrical engineering principles as related to capital projects.
- Project development, management and finance mechanisms.
- Contract negotiation and management practices.
- Codes, ordinances, laws and environmental standards and requirements, including LEED.
- Construction administration including the roles and responsibilities of the various architectural/engineering disciplines, construction managers, contractors and other professionals in the design/construction process.
- Construction safety standards, procedures, best practices and personal protective equipment.
- Construction project management software and other various computer programs and applications relevant to the position.
- Contract negotiation, building cost estimates and budget preparation and control.
- Computer technology and management information systems including integrated workplace management software.
Skill/Ability to :- Plan, assign, supervise, review and monitor the work of others.
- Develop training plan and train staff in related procedures.
- Provide technical assistance to staff and subcontractors on assigned area.
- Analyze operational and/or administrative problems, consider alternatives and recommend solutions.
- Conduct and facilitate staff meetings.
- Interact tactfully and effectively with a variety of individuals who may be emotional, hostile or irate.
- Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
- Anticipate, investigate and research a wide spectrum of technical problems and develop alternative solutions.
- Apply architectural and/or engineering techniques and methods.
- Review and approve designs and contract documents for program compliance.
- Prepare, maintain and monitor accurate project budgets, schedules and records.
- Represent the department and make presentation as needed at townhall, community and commission meetings, public hearings and community outreach efforts related to the project.
- Prepare and present a variety of reports and correspondence.
- Use a personal computer for basic spreadsheet, word processing and project management programs.
- Drive to and from jobsites located throughout the County; walk construction sites and/or natural terrain; climb ladders, scaffolds, lifts and inspect confined spaces to observe and approve work.
Education and Experience :Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:
Education : Graduation from an accredited college or university with a major in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management or a closely related field.
Experience : Five years of experience as a capital project manager including at least one year in a supervisory or lead capacity.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score on this examination.
The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: Pass/Fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification . All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination.
All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California and applicants must participate at their own expense. IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "
Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to
https://jobs.smcgov.org / to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form.
A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire. Tentative Recruitment Schedule Final Filing Date: Monday, July 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM PST Application Screening Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Civil Service Panel Interview: Week of August 10, 2026
About the CountySan Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
The County of San Mateo is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels. HR Analyst: Sarah Huynh (070626)(N109 - Supervising Capital Projects Manager)
Salary:
$150,508.80 - $188,219.20 Annually