Contracting Specialist/Assistant Project Manager

Start Date: February 24, 2025 | End Date: May 23, 2025
County: Cumberland County
Job Type: Manager, Other, Planning
More Information: Click here

The City of Westbrook is hiring for a Contracting Specialist/Assistant Project Manager in the Economic Development Department. We are seeking a highly motivated and organized individual to assist in managing a variety of capital improvement projects for the City. This is a grant-funded position expected to last 1.5 years, with the potential for regular employment thereafter, based on funding and project needs. In this key role, you will support the Capital Project Manager in overseeing departmental projects, ensuring compliance with legal and program requirements, and handling lifecycle contract administration, documentation control, and grant management. The ideal candidate will collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, engage with community organizations, and help deliver essential capital projects.

The City of Westbrook is deeply committed to prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion, especially in our hiring process. We value a diverse workforce and workplace and strongly encourage women, people of color, LGBT+ individuals, people with disabilities, members of ethnic minorities, foreign-born residents, and veterans to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in managing all phases of capital projects, including planning, execution, monitoring, and transition to long-term operations.
• Prepare bid documents, budgets, schedules, permit applications, and grant submissions for City projects.
• Conduct field reconnaissance, inspections, and oversee design and construction for municipal projects.
• Collaborate with external contractors, consultants, vendors, and City departments.
• Manage project documentation, compliance, and records for both internal and external stakeholders.
• Develop and track long-term operations and maintenance plans for capital assets.
• Administer grant processes, including financial reconciliations and progress reporting.
• Coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance and obtain necessary approvals.
• Support the Capital Project Manager with project lifecycle administration, budget tracking, and risk management.

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Construction/Project Management, Engineering, Finance, or related fields, or at least five years of relevant experience.
• Minimum two years of experience in municipal engineering and project management.
• PMP certification is a plus.
• Strong knowledge of capital project planning, budgeting, permitting, and community engagement.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite, CAD, GIS, and project management software.
• Ability to effectively communicate with stakeholders, including officials, contractors, and citizens.
• Valid Maine Class C Driver’s License and a clean driving record.

This position offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the City’s infrastructure and development initiatives, while working in a collaborative environment that values innovative solutions and customer service.

For a detailed job description, please click here.

Compensation and Benefits:

• Competitive salary range of $70,000 - $80,000.
• This position is non-union. 
• This is a grant-funded position expected to last 1.5 years, with the potential for regular employment thereafter, based on funding and project needs.
• A comprehensive benefits package includes medical (PPO plan at 12% premium cost, plus HRA reimbursement), dental, vision, life insurance (one times base salary), short and long-term disability, and employee assistance program.
• Generous paid leave including vacation, sick, and 13 holiday per year.
• Tuition reimbursement for job-related courses.
• Retirement program of the Maine Public Employees Retirement Plan (Maine PERS) or defined 457 with matching up to 6%.

Application Process:

• Whether you have found us through our jobs page, Indeed, the Maine Municipal Association (MMA), Facebook, or other platforms, you can apply online, via email, or in-person. Be sure to include all necessary information, including the position applied for, salary requirement, experience, education, qualifications, and certifications.
  • Online application
  • Interested applicants should send their resume and letter of interest to the Human Resources Department at [email protected].
  • In-Person Applications at 2 York Street, Westbrook, ME

Applicants selected as finalists for this position will be subject to a comprehensive reference and background check.

The City of Westbrook is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, gender identity, and or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

About the City of Westbrook:

The City of Westbrook was a traditional mill city that has grown and diversified significantly over the last two decades to become a residential hub and business center for the region. Westbrook has a population of over 20,000 and covers 17.36 square miles. Westbrook is centrally located to both urban and rural amenities. Currently, the City employs approximately 195 full-time and 80 variable hour employees covered by five different Collective Bargaining Agreements. The departments contained within the City are the Mayor’s Office, Economic Development, City Clerk, Finance, Human Resources, Planning, Code Enforcement, & Assessing, Public Services, Community Services, General Assistance, Library, Police, Fire & Rescue, and Dispatch.

Westbrook is recognized as a business-friendly community. The Economic Development (ED) department assists businesses in finding optimal locations to relocate, expand, or start new ventures. It provides business retention services, including facilitating connections to resources, offering guidance through permit processes, and supporting the development of key infrastructure. ED also works on attracting new businesses, grants, and investments to help grow the local economy. The department collaborates closely with state and federal agencies, the private sector, and other City departments to promote Westbrook as a desirable location for investment. The department is staffed by four full-time employees.