Project Engineer

Job Summary

The Project Engineer assists with construction and infrastructure projects from initial planning through closeout. Working under the Director of Engineering, the role supports project management, scheduling, cost estimating, budgeting, scope development, design reviews, and field condition assessments. It helps coordinate project activities, maintain documentation, and supports consultant and third-party agreements to keep projects on track and compliant. The position also provides regular onsite support by observing construction work, assisting with inspections, coordinating with contractors, and helping monitor quality and adherence to plans and specifications. The expectation for this position is that the successful candidate increases responsibility over time as certain performance and experience levels are reached.

Essential Functions

• Assist with day-to-day construction activities and help monitor schedule and budget adherence
• Support the development of project scopes, schedules, budgets, and resource plans in alignment with organizational goals and applicable regulations
• Participate in the consultant selection process by gathering information, preparing evaluation materials, and reviewing submittals
• Attend permit review meetings and public hearings to support senior project staff.
• Assist in reviewing plans, specifications, and technical documents to verify accuracy and compliance
• Assist in soliciting public works bids, review technical specifications, respond to questions, and compile bid tabulations
• Help prepare contract documents, track change orders, and support vendor coordination.
• Contribute to identifying project risks and constraints and assist in implementing mitigation steps
• Conduct routine site visits to observe construction progress, document field conditions, support issue resolution, and assist with quality checks
• Maintain daily logs of construction and inspection activities, including workforce, equipment, materials, and progress compared to the contractor’s schedule
• Prepare basic sketches or field notes for construction changes and submit them for incorporation into record drawings
• Track expenditures, document variances, and support financial reporting by maintaining accurate material and cost records
• Coordinate with independent testing laboratories by relaying information, scheduling tests, and documenting results
• Assist with coordinating project milestones, construction sequencing, and resource needs
• Help organize and participate in project meetings with contractors, stakeholders, and internal teams
• Serve as a point of contact for routine communication between engineering staff, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies
• Provide timely updates on project status, field observations, and emerging issues to senior staff
• Support compliance efforts by documenting environmental, safety, and building regulation requirements
• Assist in evaluating completed work for quality and adherence to approved standards
• Help prepare documentation for audits, grant reporting, and regulatory reviews
• Contribute to a collaborative, solution-focused project environment and engage in continuous improvement efforts
• Maintain organized project records and files, including logs, reports, meeting minutes, and correspondence
• Support project drawing design and record documentation, supports asset management drawing documentation and updates
• Attend and participate in public meetings 
• Participate in Port events to support organizational engagement and culture
• Perform other duties and project assignments as directed to meet operational needs

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities (KSA’s) Required of all Employees:

The following KSAs ensure we maintain a knowledgeable, capable, and professional workforce aligned with our mission. All employees are expected to:

• Demonstrate expertise specific to their profession and maintain appropriate licensing/certification
• Possess proficient level personal computer skills and the ability to effectively utilize electronic communication systems
• Possess a high level of professionalism and strong written and verbal communication skills
• Display the diplomacy necessary to address sensitive issues or complaints—both public and private
• Possess effective conflict resolution and interpersonal communication skills
• Exhibit high ethical standards in the execution of position responsibilities
• Cultivate and contribute to a dynamic, team-oriented work environment by being responsive, timely, respectful and knowledgeable
• Communicate effectively in English, including the ability to read, write, analyze and interpret complex documents and other written material
• Have the ability to make effective and persuasive group presentations
• Have the ability to obtain a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• Possess a valid driver’s license, and maintain insurability under the Port’s auto insurance plan
• Respond to evening, night and or weekend concerns/needs as required to fulfill position responsibilities

Required Work Experience:

• At least three (3) years of professional experience in civil engineering, construction, public works, or a related field
• Familiarity with construction sites, field inspections, engineering design work, and exposure to project coordination tasks in these environments 

Preferred Work Experience:

• Three (3) - Five (5) years of professional experience in civil engineering, construction, public works, or a related field
• Experience in implementing project management methods 
• Demonstrated experience in marine construction, including work on waterfront, shoreline, or in-water infrastructure projects water infrastructure projects
• Experience with permitting processes, site development and utility infrastructures

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering
• Hold an Engineer In Training (E.I.T) or Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure
• Certified Associates in Project Management (CAPM) 
• Professional practices in project planning, engineering design, technical plan and specification development, cost estimation, and reporting for civil infrastructure improvement initiatives
• Comfortable with principles of design, construction and maintenance of public works projects, including conceptual design, project scoping, design, environmental assessment and right-of-way
• Working knowledge of and the ability to interpret and apply federal and state public works codes, regulations, and compliance standards across all phases of project delivery
• Working understanding of field inspection procedures, methodologies, and best practices for public works construction projects
• Ability to interpret and apply safety standards, complex variables, state and federal regulations, public works standards, and city codes
• Skilled in reading and evaluating blueprints and technical schematics, collecting and analyzing data, and performing mathematical and statistical calculations
• Effective in analyzing and evaluating technical engineering data and construction documentation
• Experience in using MS Office applications plus knowledge of MS Project, Bluebeam, AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Civil 3D
• Experience in team leadership, work- or non-work-related experience

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Capability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, and climb for extended periods during daily tasks
• Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials, tools, and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds
• Ability to work on uneven surfaces, docks, and boats with balance and stability
• Able to tolerate a work environment that is moderate to noisy.
• Able to work outdoors and indoors.
• Able to work extended hours in varying weather 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.