Principal Contract Administrator

We are the Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area. We plan 30 years ahead for the future of the metropolitan area and provide regional transportation, wastewater, and housing services. More information about us on our website.

Join an award-winning wastewater industry leader in protecting our environment! Metropolitan Council Environmental Services operates and maintains the wastewater collection and treatment system in the Twin Cities metropolitan region. It also provides coordinated long-range water supply planning and air and water quality monitoring to meet future needs. Met Council water resource recovery facilities consistently earn state and national awards for complete compliance with their environmental permits. Met Council received a Governor's Award as a Great Place to Work.

To find out more about the Environmental Services division, please click on the link for more information: https://metrocouncil.org/Wastewater-Water.aspx.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.

The Construction Department in the Metropolitan Council's Environmental Services Department has one (1) vacancy for a Principal Contract Administrator.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:
The Principal Contract Administrator serves as the Metropolitan Council Environmental Services (MCES) Council's Authorized Representative (CAR) and administers construction contracts for capital improvement projects. This position oversees construction quality assurance services and coordinates work with Operations staff and external parties affected by that construction. The "home base" for these positions will be based at one of three water resource recovery facilities located in either St. Paul, Shakopee or Eagan, from which you may be assigned to construction field offices located throughout the seven-county metro areas and is subject to change, as needed.

Notes: This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. Candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. This posting will create a six-month eligibility list for current and future openings.

• Provides input to the Project Manager and project team during the planning and design phase.
• Reviews and approves contractor CPM schedules for completeness and for compliance with plans and specifications.
• Observes and supervises the inspection of the construction project to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Anticipates, identifies and resolves construction problems that arise as a result of differing site conditions, unanticipated conditions, scope changes, or inadequate plans and specifications.
• Coordinates MCES-provided services and/or related contracted services.
• Negotiates and prepares change orders with the contractor on behalf of MCES.
• Determines entitlement through interpretation of contract documents. Document cost estimates and negotiation.
• Conducts weekly progress meetings and other special meetings with affected parties to monitor progress, identify issues, ensure realistic schedules, and resolve problems.
• Reviews monthly payment requests in a timely manner by verifying that requested quantities for payment are installed.
• Monitors and documents the demonstration of equipment and systems. Provides acceptance letters to contractors when MCES assumes beneficial use and initiates the correction period (warranty).
• Responds to questions and concerns of communities and individuals regarding construction projects and keeps senior management informed.
• Continuous Improvement through lessons learned group discussions and implementation.
• Mentor staff within your team to help promote advancement within the team.
• Is "Available for Call" after hours and will respond, if able, to project emergencies in a timely manner.

Any of the following combinations of completed education (degree field of study in Construction Management, Engineering, or a closely related field) and experience (progressively responsible experience in construction management for heavy industrial construction, preferably in wastewater collection and treatment projects):

• High school diploma/GED with nine (9) years of experience
• Associate degree or two- year technical degree AND seven (7) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree or higher AND five (5) years of experience

License Requirements:
You must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record.

What additional skills and experience would be helpful in this job (desired qualifications):

• Experience in the construction of capital projects for wastewater collection and treatment systems.
• Experience with industrial Civil, Structural, Mechanical, and Electrical construction.
• Experience with project or document management software, including Trimble Unity Construct (formerly e-Builder)
• Knowledge of contract documents, including terms and conditions.
• Knowledge of construction management methods/techniques.
• Experience working with a diverse workforce and diverse communities.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of engineering design and construction principles.
• Knowledge of construction codes/standards.
• Strong interpersonal skills and well-developed verbal and written communication skills.
• Skilled in being an active participant in effective teams, problem-solving, planning, and scheduling.
• Proficient in using Word, Excel, Outlook, and the Internet.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, and government regulations.
• Ability to effectively prepare and present information and respond to questions from diverse groups of customers or clients.
• Ability to analyze and manage complex problems independently.

What you can expect from us:

• We offer the opportunity to make a difference and positively influence the Twin Cities metropolitan area.
• We encourage our employees to develop their skills through on-site training and tuition reimbursement.
• We provide a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and a good work/life balance.

More about why you should join us!

Union/Grade: AFSCME, Grade I
FLSA Status: Exempt
Safety Sensitive: No

Work Environment:
The work environment changes depending on the project assignment. Work may be performed in an office environment or on a construction site with exposure to outdoor weather conditions. In the field, you would perform your work in an industrial wastewater treatment plant or a collection system. This position involves working near moving equipment parts and frequent exposure to fumes or airborne particles. Work may occasionally be performed in high, precarious places or in confined spaces. Local travel by car is required to visit construction sites. The position is exposed to loud noise.

Physical Requirements:
Physical requirements change depending on project assignments. The position requires standing and walking for long periods, occasional sitting, and frequent climbing or balancing. May be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, turn, twist, and bend at the waist. The position requires the use of hands and fingers to grasp, handle, or feel, and to reach with hands and arms. Must have the strength and dexterity to operate a variety of construction testing equipment. Must be able to lift/carry/push/pull up to 25 pounds. Must be able to speak, hear, read, and write, and have adequate close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. The position requires the ability to smell.

What steps the recruitment process involves:

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We rate your education and experience.
3. We conduct a structured panel interview.
4. We conduct a selection interview.