Principal Contract Administrator
Listed on 2026-07-21
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Construction
Civil Engineering -
Engineering
Civil Engineering
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.
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.
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
.
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…
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