Director of Construction

Position Information

TxDOT's Houston District, the largest district in the agency, is seeking a skilled and committed professional to serve as Director of Construction. This challenging and rewarding role oversees the district's construction program which encompasses more than 300 projects totaling over $7.5 billion. The role also provides oversight of the district's materials lab and pavement functions. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction to district staff for the effective and comprehension implementation of relevant programs.

Benefits and Perks

At TxDOT, we value work-life balance and are committed to providing our employees with a comprehensive range of benefits and programs, including:

• Retirement Plans
• Alternative and/or Flexible Work Schedules
• Paid Leave and Holidays
• Health Premiums paid at 100% for Full-Time Employees
• On-the-Job Training
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Holistic Wellness Program with Leave Incentives
• Career Development and Advancement Opportunities
• Family-Friendly Policies and Programs

In 2024, TxDOT was recognized as a Best Place for Working Parents, and many of our offices statewide are also designated as Texas Mother-Friendly Worksites. These recognitions reflect our dedication to supporting families and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

For a complete list of our total compensation package please visit our website at: Total Compensation Package

To view benefits available to all State of Texas employees visit: Benefits at a Glance | ERS (texas.gov)

Position Description

Administers all construction contracts pertaining to highways, bridges and highway-related structures from the time of letting through final payment to contractors for metropolitan districts. Serves as consultant to other district staff. Acts as liaison with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ensures compliance with federal requirements. Reports to the District Engineer. Supervises or manages professional, technical and administrative employees. Work requires contact with governmental officials and the public. Employees at this level are virtually self-supervising and assume direct accountability for the work product.

Essential Duties:

• Acts as consultant to other staff engineers regarding construction operations as they relate to administration, programming, planning, design, right of way and maintenance in order to coordinate district operations.
• Acts as liaison with the FHWA and is responsible for interim and final project reviews of FHWA-funded projects.
• Is responsible for resolution of contractor claims and construction disputes on current projects.
• Is responsible for the pavement management program including development of short- and long-term goals for pavements and direction of planning activities and resources required to meet these goals.
• Monitors on-the-job training and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise programs.
• Monitors the material testing requirements for compliance with specifications and oversees district laboratory operations.
• Oversees construction contracts partnering efforts.
• Oversees contracts, issuance of work orders, construction schedules and job progress on construction projects, coordinates with Area Engineers and reviews area office contract submissions.
• Reviews construction Plans, Specifications and Estimates, change orders, supplemental agreements, memorandum agreements and extra work orders, reviews monthly and final estimates prior to submittal.
• Performs other job responsibilities as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or related science bachelor's or higher degree accepted by TX PELS. Related graduate level education may be substituted for experience on a year per year basis. Substitutions for Minimum Qualifications

Experience:

• 7 years transportation engineering in the construction of highways, bridges or structures. (Experience can be satisfied by full time or prorated part time equivalent).
• Must have 3 years managerial/supervisory experience.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid driver's license. This position requires driving a state vehicle.
• Licensed Prof Engineer *

* Professional engineers licensed in another state in the United States , but not currently licensed in the State of Texas, must (1) meet the license requirements of the State of Texas Engineering Practices Act, (2) obtain a professional engineering license from the State of Texas within six (6) months of the date of hire, and (3) sign an agreement to that effect as a condition of employment.

Competencies:

• Extensive knowledge of:
  • Construction engineering policies and procedures
  • Pavement design and management processes and procedures
• Considerable knowledge of:
  • Government programs and operations affecting highway and transportation development
  • Applicable laws, rules, and regulations
• Expert skill in:
  • Applying engineering principles, practices, and methods in job responsibilities
  • Reading and interpreting applicable plans, schematics, blueprints and maps
  • Performing calculations to include material and labor estimates, expenses, technical survey data and engineering calculations
• Proficient skill in:
  • Planning, assigning, directing, coordinating and reviewing the work of professional, administrative and technical employees
  • Maintaining a safe and effective working relationship with others
• Manages financial and personnel resources to achieve individual and organizational goals

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Sedentary work: Lift up to 10 lbs. at a time and occasionally carry files/small tools
• Light work: Lift up to 20 lbs. at a time and frequently lift or carry objects up to 10 lbs.
• Standing - prolonged periods of time
• Repetitive Motion - substantial movements of the wrists, hands, and fingers
• Close Visual Acuity - work includes data/figures; view a computer screen; extensive reading

Conditions of Employment:

Please click this link to read the standard conditions of employment for all positions: Standard Conditions of Employment (TxDOT)

• Must pass a drug test prior to employment for safety impact positions. This is a Safety Impact position and will be subject to random drug testing.
  • Please note that the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Regulation - 49 CFR Part 40, at 40.151(e) - does not authorize "medical marijuana" under a state law to be a valid medical explanation for a positive drug test result for an employee in this position.
• This role requires serving as a Incident Commander for the Houston District during emergency response operations, which may be occur during either the day or night shift as warranted by operational needs.