NJ Civil Service Navigator

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST 3

Code: 30807 State Competitive Range: P24 (FY2026)

Career Family: CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST

Salary: $73,706.89 - $108,073.48/year FY2026 schedule (last updated 2026-05-08)

In New Jersey, Construction Management Specialist 3 is filled through the competitive process: candidates take a civil service exam and are hired off a ranked list, not picked at will.

On the Construction Management Specialist ladder it falls between Construction Management Specialist 4 and Construction Management Specialist 2. The stated bar is a master's degree, but candidates can swap in added experience for the diploma. The FY2026 range lands between $73,707 and $108,073.

How to get hired

  1. Watch for an open-competitive announcement for Construction Management Specialist 3 on the NJ Civil Service Commission jobs portal. Announcements run for a fixed filing window.
  2. Apply during that window and sit the examination. Depending on the title, that can be a written test, a rating of your training and experience, or a mix of the two.
  3. Passing scores go onto a ranked eligible list. Veterans get preference points added on top of their score.
  4. When an agency has a vacancy it must appoint from the top of that list under the "Rule of Three." Many competitive jobs are first filled provisionally while the list is being built.

Read the official specification at NJ Civil Service Commission.

Pay ladder: Construction Management Specialist series

  1. Construction Management Specialist 4 — $67,312 – $98,503
  2. Construction Management Specialist 3 — $77,144 – $113,264 (this title)
  3. Construction Management Specialist 2 — $92,711 – $136,605
  4. Construction Management Specialist 1 — $111,629 – $164,957

Promoting to Construction Management Specialist 2 raises the top of the band by about $23,341. Its top salary lands around the 51st percentile of all NJ civil service titles that publish a range.

Rungs are ordered by FY2026 pay. NJ level numbers are not always sequential, so ordering follows salary rather than the title number.

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator.

Definition

Under the limited supervision of a Construction Management Specialist 1 or other supervisory official in a State or local agency, prepares the design, project control, cost estimation, contract administration, quality assurance, scheduling and control activities involved in capital construction, public works projects, or programs administered by the division; does other related duties as required.

Examples of work

May assist in the operation of a unit and be responsible for the performance of day-to-day activities. Provides guidance and instruction to professional and nonprofessional employees and assists in monitoring their work performance. Complies with division policies. Coordinates and works with contracted consultants and constructors relevant to project requirements in accordance with established procedures. Attends training. Attends meetings regarding projects and capital improvement programs. Confers with representatives of state offices to provide advice and assistance in design and/or construction issues encountered in the management of public works projects. May assist in the development, operation, improvement, and/or maintenance of automated design and construction project management and control systems utilized by the division. Inspects ongoing construction projects to determine quality assurance and conformance with the State Uniform Construction Code. Conducts annual permit inspections at state facilities certified to perform minor construction work. May assist in the development and implementation of alternate procedures to improve performance and ensure that unit objectives are met. Oversees and monitors the design and construction process to ensure projects are completed by contracted consultants and contractors in accordance with project schedule, budget, and using agency requirements. May assist representatives of state agencies in establishing scopes of work for new design projects and in selecting consultants. Prepares design documents for advertising and bidding of construction projects. Correlates and/or coordinates plan reviews for state and governing agencies to review plans for design, code, compliance, and constructability. Monitors design and construction of construction projects to ensure that projects are carried out in accordance with contract specifications. Coordinates with representatives of state offices, the contracted design consultant, and the artist to determine placement of artwork for major projects. Provides advice and assistance in the establishment of standards for design and construction monitoring and inspection. Establishes realistic time schedules for each phase of design and construction. Prepares and processes project status reports containing analyses of the physical and financial progress of the work. Conducts constructability reviews prior to design maturity; visits project sites, discusses plans and specifications with state representatives, and prepares analyses and reports on the form, fits, and function of the design. Identifies potential delays and takes appropriate actions to eliminate or minimize their cause and/or impact on the project and the state. Prepares orders of magnitude, conceptual preliminary budget, and definitive construction cost estimates during design maturation, and develops quantity take-offs for labor, material, and equipment, and other direct costs, indirect costs, and profit. Meets with consultants, contractors, and contractor groups as the expert for the state on design and construction cost and represents the department in negotiations involving claims and counterclaims. Prepares correspondence on contractual matters such as non-design approvals, return of improper invoices, and issuance of performance notices. Reviews and provides recommendations on non-design contractor submittals such as invoices, award of subcontractors, unit schedule breakdowns, and waivers of contract requirements. Reviews incoming correspondence concerning project performance, notices of delay, possible disputes, or scheduling problems. Coordinates project administration with other division activities, and ensures timely resolution of contract interpretations, changes, disputes, and inspection requirements. Uses the computerized contract information system, compiles input data, analyzes output information, and prepares required reports. Participates in contract pre-performance conferences and provides guidance to designers and/or contractors on critical areas of contract terms and conditions. Participates in the resolution of audit findings. Conducts negotiations and prepares negotiation memoranda on change order requests, and forwards written recommendations on change orders to supervisor. May be required to learn how to use Geographic Information System (GIS) technology. Prepares clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative reports and estimates containing findings and determinations. Inspects construction work completed by electrical, mechanical, plumbing, structural steel, and general contractors for conformance with recognized standards and contract documents. Prepares a clear, accurate job record in logbook listing inspections conducted, personnel on site, delivery of major equipment, strikes, causes of delays, and job problems. Maintains integrity and confidentiality in division and program operations. Drafts correspondence. Establishes and maintains essential records and files. Will be required to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office, or related unit.

Requirements

Knowledge, skills and abilities

Knowledge of design and construction management concepts and practices. Knowledge of various types of contracts, amendments, and change orders. Knowledge of standards and methods used in cost and price analyses. Ability to interpret and apply planning principles, practices, and procedures, organizational theory, and administrative practices relevant to state construction programs. Ability to interpret and apply New Jersey construction law. Ability to interpret and apply the state's procurement statutes, department regulations, and division policies and procedures relevant to methods of procurement, contract types, solicitations, publicizing contract actions, selections of consultants/contractors, evaluations, and awards. Ability to prepare contracts, amendments, and change orders. Ability to apply planning principles, practices, and procedures, organizational theory, and administrative practices to state construction programs. Ability to work effectively with associates, representatives of state agencies, and others concerned with the administration of public works projects. Ability to establish and maintain essential records and files. Ability to prepare correspondence. Ability to use established construction terminology in both oral and written communication. Ability to prepare clear, technically sound, accurate, and informative program, project, and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. Ability to learn how to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording information systems used by the agency, office, or related units. Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform the duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication. Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible if they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible. This job specification is applicable to the following title code(s) which are different work week or work month and/or variants of the job class title: Job Spec Code State, Local or Common Class of Service Work Week State Class Code Local Class Code Salary Range

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed. Applicants must meet one of the following or a combination of both experience and education. Thirty (30) semester hour credits are equal to one (1) year of relevant experience. Seven (7) years of professional experience in the field of architecture, engineering, project management, construction contract management, financial contract management, facilities management, construction quality assurance, or related area involving complex building projects. OR Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; and three (3) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. OR Possession of a master's degree in a specialty area related to construction; and two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. Possession of a valid New Jersey Architect's License issued by the Board of Architects and Certified Landscape Architects may be substituted for two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. Possession of a valid Professional Engineer's License issued by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for two (2) years of the above-mentioned professional experience. Possession of a valid New Jersey Uniform Construction Code License issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs may be substituted for one (1) year of the above-mentioned professional experience. "Professional experience" refers to work that is creative, analytical, evaluative, and interpretive; requires a range and depth of specialized knowledge of the profession's principles, concepts, theories, and practices; and is performed with the authority to act according to one's own judgment and make accurate and informed decisions. Within the Department of the Treasury, Division of Property Management and Construction, appointees may be required to possess one or more of the following licenses. The appointing authority is responsible for license verification. Possession of a valid New Jersey Architect's License issued by the Board of Architects and Certified Landscape Architects. Possession of a valid Professional Engineer's License issued by the State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors. Possession of a valid New Jersey Uniform Construction Code License issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Possession of a valid license as a Construction Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Possession of a valid license as a Building Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Appointees must also possess a valid license as a Building Inspector at the high-rise and hazardous (HHS) level, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Possession of a valid license as an Electrical Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Appointees must also possess a valid license as an Electrical Inspector at the high-rise and hazardous (HHS) level, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Possession of a valid license as a Plumbing Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Appointees must also possess a valid license as a Plumbing Inspector at the high-rise and hazardous (HHS) level, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Possession of a valid license as a Fire Subcode Official issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Appointees must also possess a valid license as a Fire Inspector at the high-rise and hazardous (HHS) level, issued by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs. Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. CC402427P25- SCNE24N/AP24- This job specification is for government use only. Salary range is only applicable to state government. Local salaries are established by individual local jurisdictions. 7/29/2023