Project Manager - Utilities at Parsons in Walnut Creek, CA

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Job Description:

The Project Manager – Gas Pipeline Strength Testing & Valve Replacement leads the delivery of complex gas transmission integrity projects, with a primary focus on pipeline strength (pressure) testing and valve replacement programs. This role ensures all work is completed safely, in compliance with federal and state regulations, and in alignment with client and Parsons’ quality standards. Operating within a structured PMO environment, the Project Manager supports risk reduction and system reliability initiatives for major utility clients in the Walnut Creek, California region. This is a hybrid role, where in candidates are required to be in the Walnut Creek office 3 times per month.

Key Responsibilities

Project Delivery (Core)

• Manage end-to-end execution of pipeline strength testing and valve replacement projects from initiation through closeout.
• Develop integrated project plans that cover engineering, permitting, outage coordination, construction, testing, and restoration.
• Coordinate hydrostatic testing, isolation planning, gas blowdowns, dewatering, drying, and commissioning activities.
• Ensure constructability, optimal sequencing, and field execution readiness in collaboration with engineering and construction teams.
• Monitor project performance to ensure delivery on scope, schedule, cost, quality, and safety targets.

Regulatory & Compliance

• Ensure adherence to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requirements, including 49 CFR Part 192.
• Support compliance with California-specific mandates and gas safety programs (e.g., CPUC-driven requirements).
• Maintain complete, audit-ready documentation including test records, material traceability, MAOP validation, and as-built documentation.
• Coordinate with client regulatory/compliance teams to support audits, inspections, and reporting.

Outage & Operations Coordination

• Partner with Gas Operations and Control Center personnel for outage planning, system isolation, and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate tie-ins, bypass systems, temporary facilities, and service continuity strategies to minimize customer impact.
• Align work windows with system demand, reliability constraints, and seasonal limitations.
• Facilitate cross-functional reviews to validate operational feasibility and contingency plans.

Contractor & Field Management

• Manage EPC contractors, specialty hydrotest vendors, and inspection teams throughout project execution.
• Oversee construction activities including excavation, welding, NDE, valve installations, pressure testing, and reinstatement.
• Ensure field compliance with safety, environmental, quality, and technical standards, including client and Parsons requirements.
• Conduct regular site visits, progress reviews, and safety walks; resolve field issues and technical queries.

Risk & Issue Management

• Identify and assess risks related to constructability, permitting, outages, environmental constraints, and system operations.
• Lead mitigation planning, including contingency isolation plans, alternate work sequences, and schedule buffers.
• Manage change control for scope, cost, and schedule impacts in accordance with PMO and contract requirements.
• Escalate critical issues and develop recovery plans as needed.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage project CAPEX budgets in coordination with client and Parsons financial controls.
• Track cost performance, commitments, change orders, and forecast accuracy.
• Monitor earned value and key financial metrics; recommend corrective actions where needed.
• Support portfolio-level reporting, cost phasing, and alignment with annual capital planning.

PMO & Governance

• Operate within client (e.g., PG&E) and Parsons PMO frameworks, including stage-gate approvals and standard reporting cadence.
• Prepare and present materials for governance reviews, audits, and executive-level updates.
• Maintain schedule integrity using Primavera P6 or equivalent tools, including critical path analysis and schedule risk considerations.
• Ensure adherence to standardized project management processes, documentation, and controls.

Safety & Environmental

• Champion a zero-incident safety culture across all project phases.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, job hazard analyses, and site-specific safety plans.
• Coordinate environmental requirements, including permitting, restoration, erosion control, and emissions considerations during blowdowns and construction.
• Support incident investigations and implementation of corrective and preventive actions, as needed.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Project Management, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 10+ years of related work experience and a broad general technical and business background
• Demonstrated experience managing pressure testing (hydrostatic testing) and/or major valve replacement projects.
• Strong knowledge of PHMSA regulations (49 CFR Part 192) and gas transmission integrity practices.
• Experience working within a formal PMO environment with stage-gate and governance processes.
• Proficiency in project management tools and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera P6, MS Project).
• Proven ability to manage contractors and multidisciplinary teams in the field.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work on-site and travel to project locations and field sites in the Walnut Creek and broader California region as required.

Security Clearance Requirement: None

This position is part of our Critical Infrastructure team.

For more than 80 years, our experts have designed and delivered the critical infrastructure that connects and protects communities around the world. We work in collaborative teams, both within the company and with our partners and customers, to plan, design, build, and modernize infrastructure. We take special pride in projects and solutions that improve communities as well as people’s quality of life by promoting economic growth, enhancing mobility, and increasing sustainability and resiliency. Powered by our people, we provide the imagination necessary to support our customers’ visions—and to help them see what's next!

Salary Range: $125,100.00 - $225,200.00

We value our employees and want our employees to take care of their overall wellbeing, which is why we offer best-in-class benefits such as medical, dental, vision, paid time off, Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP), 401(k), life insurance, flexible work schedules, and holidays to fit your busy lifestyle!

Parsons is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other protected status.

We truly invest and care about our employee’s wellbeing and provide endless growth opportunities as the sky is the limit, so aim for the stars! Imagine next and join the Parsons quest—APPLY TODAY!

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