Principal Contract Administrator

WHO WE ARE

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.

We are committed to supporting a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Metro Transit is one of the country's largest transit systems, employs more than 3,000 people, and prior to Covid provided more than 80 million rides a year through an integrated network of buses, light rail and commuter trains, as well as resources for those who carpool, vanpool, walk, or bike in the Twin Cities.

How your work would contribute to our organization and the Twin Cities region:

Metro Transit's METRO Capital Program seeks to hire a Principal Contract Administrator. In this role, you will assist in managing capital construction project contracts by: tracking and reporting on the current status of contract change orders and change order requests to project management; reviewing change orders for accuracy and consistency and assigning appropriate cost codes; and other responsibilities as described below. This position is currently located at the Green Line Extension project office in St. Louis Park.

This position is eligible for a hybrid (both remote and onsite) telework arrangement. The candidate's permanent residence must be in Minnesota or Wisconsin.

What you would do in this job

• Prepare and lead weekly change order meetings conducted to convey current change order information to project leadership and stakeholders

• Facilitate the processing of change order requests with internal and external parties

• Monitor change orders for those that meet Executive Change Control Board (ECCB) threshold, write business items for submittal to the ECCB, and attend ECCB meetings

• Prepare and present reports on forecasting data that track the change program against the project budget

• Negotiate change order scope, schedule, and budget with the assistance of the Council Authorized Representative and Construction Manager(s), as needed

• Update and maintain a log of design errors and omissions for construction, design, project controls, and project leadership review

• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations, specifications, and procedures

• Assist with the preparation and/or review and management of plans and procedures

• Prepare and track required Federal Transit Administration (FTA) documentation

• Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees

• Perform other related duties as assigned

What education and experience are required for this job (minimum qualifications)

Any of the following combinations of experience in project and construction management AND completed education in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or closely related field:

• High school Diploma/GED and nine (9) years of experience
• Associate's degree and seven (7) years of experience
• Bachelor's degree and five (5) years of experience

• Experience working on Federal Transit Administration projects

• Experience working in the public sector

• Experience in project management and coordination of multiple disciplines

• Experience and technical knowledge in the preparation and processing of construction contract change orders

• Experience with construction management software programs, including e-Builder

• Demonstrates ability to promote and support an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural diversity among all employees

• Knowledge of construction contracts

• Knowledge of contract administration and change orders

• Knowledge of construction management software programs, including e-Builder

• Knowledge of heavy construction means and methods

• Skilled in verbal and written communications

• Skilled in time management

• Skilled in team management techniques, principles, and practices

• Skilled in communication techniques to bring about agreement between divergent points of view

• Skilled in using Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Project, or equivalent software packages

• Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, or Council members

• Ability to promote an equitable, positive, and respectful work environment that values cultural and diversity among all employees

• 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.

Additional information

Union/Grade: Non Represented/Grade I
Safety Sensitive: No
FLSA Status: Exempt

What your work environment would be:
You would perform your work in a standard office setting. Work may sometimes require travel between your primary work site and other sites.

What steps the recruitment process involves:
You must qualify at each of the numbered steps below to be considered a final candidate for the job.

1. We review your minimum qualifications.
2. We request your Work Record Evaluation (ATU employees only).
3. We rate your education and experience.
4. We conduct a structured panel interview.
5. We conduct a selection interview.