Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Public Sector Experience
Consultant Experience
Registrations
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Daniel Porras

Indio,CA

Summary

Talented Senior Project Manager with excellent client oversight and issue resolution talents. Highly effective overseeing multiple tasks and employees at once. Dedicated to detail-oriented leadership and goal-oriented planning.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience

Work History

Assistant City Manager / City Engineer

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2021.05 - Current
  • Managed up to [Number] projects per year.
  • Managed purchasing, sales, marketing and customer account operations efficiently.
  • Handled problematic customers and clients to assist lower-level employees and maintain excellent customer service.
  • Reduced budgetary expenditures by effectively negotiating contracts for more advantageous terms.
  • Prepared plans for land use, area development and urban revitalization.
  • Conducted thorough analyses of city policies, recommending updates and improvements as needed.
  • Maintained department productivity and standards through proactive management of teams and policies.
  • Developed and implemented comprehensive budgets, effectively allocating resources for optimal service delivery.
  • Co-created annual budget and submitted it to city council for review and approval.
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Researched issues, wrote reports and presented findings to city council.
  • Worked alongside stakeholders to evaluate projects and determine feasibility of implementation.
  • Represented city and interests with community organizations, government agencies and general public.
  • Collaborated with various departments to improve overall city services and address community needs.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Coordinated efforts between local agencies and community organizations, promoting effective partnerships for mutual benefit.
  • Provided guidance and support to department heads, fostering a collaborative working environment for increased productivity.
  • Organized regular meetings among department heads to discuss goals, progress reports, areas for improvement, fostering collaboration on shared objectives across teams.
  • Mentored new staff members guiding them through onboarding process sharing insights gained from years experience managerial role ensuring smooth transition into their roles.
  • Assisted in the oversight of city projects, ensuring timely completion and proper resource allocation.
  • Evaluated grant opportunities relevant funding sources pursued additional resources augmenting budgetary allocations supporting key projects.
  • Appointed and managed department heads to maintain smooth operations between different functional areas.
  • Oversaw over [Number] personnel working in multiple areas.

Interim Deputy City Manager

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2023.05 - 2023.11
  • Developed strong relationships with community leaders, promoting open communication and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and local organizations.
  • Enhanced team efficiency by streamlining communication processes and implementing new procedures.
  • Maintained structure and security during court proceedings.
  • Obtained information from arrested subjects to conduct debriefings.
  • Served as a liaison between the Sheriff''s Office and other law enforcement agencies, working collaboratively on joint operations and intelligence-sharing initiatives.
  • Maintained safety in high-stress situations by effectively diffusing conflicts and providing clear instructions.
  • Built excellent rapport and working relationship with community to build trust and improve upon communication.
  • Conducted public presentations on various topics related to law enforcement responsibilities or community issues; effectively educating citizens while fostering strong relationships.
  • Collaborated with multiple departments to develop effective strategies for case management and resource allocation.
  • Advocated for state and federal funding opportunities to secure additional resources for critical city projects.
  • Led the successful completion of infrastructure projects, including road improvements, facility upgrades, and park enhancements.
  • Co-created annual budget and submitted it to city council for review and approval.
  • Launched staff engagement, gender diversity and cultural programs in addition to robust reporting tool that increased operational quality.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Maintained department productivity and standards through proactive management of teams and policies.
  • Built strong relationships with local businesses, leading to increased economic development opportunities and job creation.
  • Appointed and managed department heads to maintain smooth operations between different functional areas.

Public Works Director / City Engineer

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2018.11 - 2021.05
  • Implemented innovative programs to increase employee loyalty and reduce turnover.
  • Analyzed completed projects against established budgets to track spending and determine levels of success.
  • Interacted well with customers to build connections and nurture relationships.
  • Negotiated contracts with consultants for Engineering Design Services, Environmental Services, Materials Testing, Construction Management
  • Oversaw grant applications process for funding assistance on vital infrastructure projects resulting in successful awards acquisitions.
  • Directed the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of various public infrastructure projects to ensure quality and timely completion.
  • Managed emergency response efforts following natural disasters or other crises ensuring swift restoration of essential public services.
  • Completed infrastructure projects within budget constraints by effectively monitoring project progress and controlling expenses.
  • Facilitated communication between stakeholders during project planning phases to ensure alignment with community needs and priorities.
  • Leveraged GIS technology tools in analyzing data for informed decision-making regarding future urban developments or necessary maintenance requirements.
  • Increased environmental sustainability through the promotion of recycling programs, green initiatives, and sustainable practices within the department.
  • Led a team of professionals in delivering high-quality services to the community, promoting collaboration and continuous improvement.
  • Recruited, hired, and trained initial personnel, working to establish key internal functions and outline scope of positions for new organization.
  • Trained and guided team members to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.
  • Developed and managed annual budgets, optimizing resource allocation for maximum impact on public services.

Community Development Director

City of Desert Hot Springs
2017.08 - 2018.11
  • Daniel oversaw the City’s Public Works Division, Engineering Division, Planning Division, Building and Safety Division, Code Compliance Division, and Fire Compliance Division
  • Re-organized the Community Development Department, established new necessary positions within the Department, hired new Staff, and motivated and mentored new employees.
  • Daniel was responsible for processing, reviewing, and approving all City Development Projects in the City, including all Capital Improvement Projects, Park Improvement Projects, Facility Projects, and all Private Development Projects and Entitlements.
  • Daniel reviewed and processed over 75 Conditional Use Permits in 2 years, worked on the City’s General Plan Update, and reviewed and processed, multiple residential, commercial, and industrial projects
  • The City of Desert Hot Springs was one of the first cities in California to approve cannabis related business. Daniel helped establish, create, and amend all cannabis related ordinances and processes for the City
  • Daniel oversaw each development project from the initial meeting with the developer, through the entitlements, through permitting and construction, and on through the regulatory and compliance inspection processes
  • Daniel reviewed and approved all engineering plans including Grading Plans, Street Improvement Plans, Storm Drain Plans, and Traffic Signal Plans
  • Daniel led the submittal process for all Public Works grant applications, including Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Grants, Highway Safety Improvement (HSIP) Grants, SB821 Grants, SB1 Plans and Documents, Measure A Plans, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Grants, and Safe Route To School Grants.
  • Daniel Boosted economic development through the design and management of job creation initiatives.
  • Daniel Implemented data-driven strategies to enhance decision-making processes in community development efforts.
  • Enhanced community engagement by developing and implementing strategic outreach programs.
  • Secured grant funding for key programs addressing diverse community needs and promoting sustainable growth.
  • Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Managed a team of professionals, providing guidance on project execution and monitoring progress towards goals.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
  • Daniel oversaw the establishment and annual maintenance of over 45 Landscape Maintenance Districts, Drainage Assessment Districts, and over 25 Community Facilities Districts
  • Daniel also oversaw the annual maintenance activities and improvement projects for 8 City Parks and 5 City Facilities
  • Daniel improved the plan check and permit intake procedures to streamline the entire process
  • Daniel also established new compliance inspections of all cannabis facilities through Code Compliance, Conditional Use Permit Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, and Legal Compliance.

Public Works Manager

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2015.08 - 2017.08
  • Daniel oversaw the City’s Public Works Division
  • Daniel led the submittal process for all Public Works grant applications, including Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Grants, Highway Safety Improvement (HSIP) Grants, SB821 Grants, SB1 Plans and Documents, Measure A Plans, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Grants, and Safe Route To School Grants.
  • Daniel Implemented data-driven strategies to enhance decision-making processes in the Public Works Department
  • Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
  • Managed a diverse team of office and field professionals, providing guidance on project execution and monitoring progress towards goals.
  • Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
  • Daniel oversaw the establishment and annual maintenance of over 45 Landscape Maintenance Districts, Drainage Assessment Districts, and over 25 Community Facilities Districts
  • Daniel also oversaw the annual maintenance activities and improvement projects for 8 City Parks and 5 City Facilities
  • Managed budgets for multiple concurrent projects, ensuring appropriate allocation of funds while minimizing overhead costs.
  • Improved safety standards for workers and the public by consistently enforcing compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
  • Completed infrastructure projects on time and within budget by effectively allocating resources and coordinating team efforts.
  • Successfully managed budgets and allocated resources to maximize productivity and profitability.
  • Strengthened relationships with contractors, suppliers, and other stakeholders by maintaining open lines of communication and addressing concerns promptly.
  • Facilitated smooth transitions between project phases by fostering collaboration among interdepartmental teams.
  • Assisted in organizing and overseeing assignments to drive operational excellence.
  • Used industry expertise, customer service skills and analytical nature to resolve customer concerns and promote loyalty.
  • Maintained accurate records of project progress, expenditures, and resource utilization to facilitate transparent reporting to city officials and the public.
  • Established performance goals for employees and provided feedback on methods for reaching those milestones.

Project Manager

TCM Group / Hill International
2009.08 - 2015.08
  • Daniel provided consultant engineering services to the city
  • Daniel oversaw municipal capital improvement projects from design through project acceptance
  • He was responsible for reviewing and processing public works permits for residential, commercial, industrial and in-house projects
  • Daniel also worked with Caltrans and other government agencies on behalf of the city in order to meet design and construction requirements and receive grant reimbursements for federal- and state-funded projects
  • Daniel participated in projects involving rain flood damage reconstruction and prevention; street rehabilitation and reconstruction; and installation of new curb and gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes
  • In addition to evaluating and completing public works inspections for approved permits citywide, he completed grading; street improvements, lighting and signage; stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs); and hydrology plan checks for residential and commercial projects
  • Daniel liaised with developers, engineers and property owners on conditions of approval, plan check comments and the city approval process
  • He coordinated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) operations, enforcements and management for the city; represented the city in meeting and correspondence; and performed administrative tasks for the Engineering Department
  • Daniel also assisted residents, developers, engineers and property owners with counter, phone and email questions and concerns.



  • Daniel worked as a Consultant Office Engineer in Caltrans District 8 with the programming and delivery of over $3 million worth of transportation projects on I-215
  • Daniel provided project management and project management support services; oversaw both capital improvement and encroachment permit projects; and updated and analyzed work plans; to develop and construct state transportation facilities through various funding sources and permitting processes, Daniel managed integration, scope, time, cost, quality, resources, communication and risk
  • In addition to coordinating with regional transportation planning agencies, local agencies and local project sponsors, Daniel liaised with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other review agencies to evaluate documents submitted by Caltrans and other transportation agencies in Riverside County
  • All projects were carried out in accordance with Caltrans manuals and project management handbooks and directives
  • Daniel worked with the Project Manager to provide program and project management support services to transportation projects.
  • As a Consultant Office Engineer, Daniel oversaw the Contract Change Order and Pay Estimate Units in construction projects
  • He also advised on the Caltrans Construction Administration System (CAS) and on project funding issues.



  • As a consultant Associate Engineer, Daniel provided on-call project management support services to the Western Municipal Water District (WMWD)
  • Daniel also developed the Operations Department’s Wastewater Enterprise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Daniel compiled the SOPs for water/wastewater safety, equipment, collections, the Santa Ana Regional Interceptor (SARI) System, treatment, maintenance and warehouse operations
  • Daniel ensured that the SOPs were current with state, Western Municipal Water District and employee safety standards and procedures
  • In addition to researching up-to-date safety and operations standards and incorporating them into each SOP, he coordinated with facility staff and equipment manufacturers on the operations and procedures of specific equipment
  • Daniel also developed safety, warnings and operations and procedure diagrams for inclusion with the SOPs.



  • Daniel provided information verification and review services for solid waste fee invoices and applicable fees remitted to Los Angeles County on a monthly basis by all waste hauler enterprises, disposal sites, transformation facilities, transfer/processing stations and/or waste exporters operating within Los Angeles County
  • The county had over 70 solid waste facilities, which included landfills, transformation facilities and transfer/ processing stations
  • On behalf of the County, Daniel conducted countywide landfill audits; scheduled meetings; and produced findings reports, spreadsheets and schedules.




  • Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
  • Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
  • Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
  • Facilitated change management processes within organizations by effectively communicating benefits of new systems or processes being introduced during projects.
  • Prepared and submitted project invoices for review and approval.
  • Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects.
  • Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
  • Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
  • Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
  • Developed and initiated projects, managed costs, and monitored performance.
  • Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
  • Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
  • Developed and implemented project plans and budgets to ensure successful execution.
  • Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
  • Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
  • Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
  • Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
  • Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
  • Streamlined project processes by implementing Agile methodologies, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced costs.
  • Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
  • Demonstrated strong organizational and time management skills while managing multiple projects.

Engineering Assistant Project Manager

City Of Colton
2006.08 - 2009.08
  • On behalf of the city, Daniel was responsible for the management and coordination of capital improvement projects
  • Daniel was involved in drafting and processing contracts, processing city permits, and collecting and calculating vehicular or pedestrian data for transportation engineering studies
  • Daniel also performed survey engineering tasks and administrative work for the department.
  • Conducted technical evaluations of engineering designs and test results.
  • Verified construction documentation to meet client requirements and vision.
  • Generated cost estimates for inclusion in proposed capital and expense budgets.
  • Assisted in developing cost-effective solutions to engineering problems.
  • Prepared standard reports and documentation to communicate results to senior management.

School Substitute -Instructional Aide

Coachella Valley Unified School District
2004.08 - 2006.08
  • Working for the school district, Daniel collected, maintained and calculated student, teacher and school performance levels by test scores
  • He organized and presented school performance data and performed administrative duties.
  • Enforced school and class rules to maintain order in classroom.
  • Assisted struggling students through one-on-one sessions, leading to increased academic success.
  • Followed lesson plans designed by absent teachers.
  • Assigned, explained and graded homework.
  • Monitored student behavior and administered discipline as needed.
  • Repeatedly requested as substitute teacher by teachers based on excellent past referrals and trusted performance.

Education

Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering -

California Polytechnic University
Pomona, CA

Skills

  • Operations Management
  • Budget Administration
  • Business marketing
  • Verbal/written communication
  • Land use understanding
  • Schedule Management
  • Project Oversight
  • Critical Thinking Skills
  • Community Relations
  • Employee Motivation
  • Staff Development
  • Design development

Public Sector Experience

Community Development Director, City of Desert Hot Springs, Desert Hot Springs, CA, Daniel oversaw the City’s Public Works Division, Engineering Division, Planning Division, Building and Safety Division, Code Compliance Division, and Fire Compliance Division. While at the City was responsible for hiring over 27 employees in 3 years, completed all employee evaluations, issued disciplines, and provided merit recommendations for all employees in the Community Development Department. Daniel was responsible for processing and approving all Development activities and projects in the City, including all Capital Improvement Projects, Park Improvement Projects, Facility Projects, and all Private Development Projects and Entitlements. Daniel processed over 75 Conditional Use Permits in 3 years, worked on the City’s General Plan Update, and processed multiple industrial and commercial projects. The City of Desert Hot Springs was one of the first cities in California to approve cannabis related business. Daniel helped establish, create, and amend all cannabis related ordinances and processes for the City. Daniel oversaw each development project from the initial meeting with the developer, through the entitlements, through permitting and construction, and on through the regulatory and compliance inspection processes. Daniel reviewed and approved all engineering plans including Grading Plans, Street Improvement Plans, Storm Drain Plans, and Traffic Signal Plans. Daniel led the submittal process for all Public Works grant applications, including Active Transportation Plan (ATP) Grants, Highway Safety Improvement (HSIP) Grants, SB821 Grants, SB1 Plans and Documents, Measure A Plans, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) Grants, and Safe Route To School Grants. Daniel oversaw the establishment and annual maintenance of over 45 Landscape Maintenance Districts, Drainage Assessment Districts, and over 25 Community Facilities Districts. Daniel also oversaw the annual maintenance activities and improvement projects for 8 City Parks and 5 City Facilities. Daniel helped change the Building and Safety plan check and permit intake procedures to streamline the process. Daniel also established annual compliance inspections of all cannabis facilities through Code Compliance, Conditional Use Permit Compliance, Regulatory Compliance, and Legal Compliance.

Consultant Experience

  • Management Consulting Experience, City of Desert Hot Springs, Desert Hot Springs, CA, Daniel provided consultant engineering services to the city. Daniel oversaw municipal capital improvement projects from design through project acceptance. He was responsible for reviewing and processing public works permits for residential, commercial, industrial and in-house projects. Daniel also worked with Caltrans and other government agencies on behalf of the city in order to meet design and construction requirements and receive grant reimbursements for federal- and state-funded projects. Daniel participated in projects involving rain flood damage reconstruction and prevention; street rehabilitation and reconstruction; and installation of new curb and gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes. In addition to evaluating and completing public works inspections for approved permits citywide, he completed grading; street improvements, lighting and signage; stormwater pollution prevention plans (SWPPPs); and hydrology plan checks for residential and commercial projects. Daniel liaised with developers, engineers and property owners on conditions of approval, plan check comments and the city approval process. He coordinated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) operations, enforcements and management for the city; represented the city in meeting and correspondence; and performed administrative tasks for the Engineering Department. Daniel also assisted residents, developers, engineers and property owners with counter, phone and email questions and concerns.
  • Consultant Transportation Experience, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 8, Riverside, CA, Daniel worked as a Consultant Office Engineer in Caltrans District 8 with the programming and delivery of over $3 million worth of transportation projects on I-215. Daniel provided project management and project management support services; oversaw both capital improvement and encroachment permit projects; and updated and analyzed work plans; to develop and construct state transportation facilities through various funding sources and permitting processes, Daniel managed integration, scope, time, cost, quality, resources, communication and risk. In addition to coordinating with regional transportation planning agencies, local agencies and local project sponsors, Daniel liaised with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other review agencies to evaluate documents submitted by Caltrans and other transportation agencies in Riverside County. All projects were carried out in accordance with Caltrans manuals and project management handbooks and directives. Daniel worked with the Project Manager to provide program and project management support services to transportation projects.
  • Consultant Transportation Experience, California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) District 8, San Bernardino, CA, As a Consultant Office Engineer, Daniel oversaw the Contract Change Order and Pay Estimate Units in construction projects. He also advised on the Caltrans Construction Administration System (CAS) and on project funding issues.
  • Consultant Water/Wastewater Experience, Western Municipal Water District, Riverside, CA, As a consultant Associate Engineer, Daniel provided on-call project management support services to the Western Municipal Water District (WMWD). Daniel also developed the Operations Department’s Wastewater Enterprise Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Daniel compiled the SOPs for water/wastewater safety, equipment, collections, the Santa Ana Regional Interceptor (SARI) System, treatment, maintenance and warehouse operations. Daniel ensured that the SOPs were current with state, Western Municipal Water District and employee safety standards and procedures. In addition to researching up-to-date safety and operations standards and incorporating them into each SOP, he coordinated with facility staff and equipment manufacturers on the operations and procedures of specific equipment. Daniel also developed safety, warnings and operations and procedure diagrams for inclusion with the SOPs.
  • Consultant Water/Wastewater Experience, Los Angeles County, Public Works Department, Waste Division, Los Angeles, CA, Daniel provided information verification and review services for solid waste fee invoices and applicable fees remitted to Los Angeles County on a monthly basis by all waste hauler enterprises, disposal sites, transformation facilities, transfer/processing stations and/or waste exporters operating within Los Angeles County. The county had over 70 solid waste facilities, which included landfills, transformation facilities and transfer/ processing stations. On behalf of the County, Daniel conducted countywide landfill audits; scheduled meetings; and produced findings reports, spreadsheets and schedules.

Registrations

California Registered Professional Engineer, RCE No. 83200

Affiliations

  • Dr. Carreon Foundation - Board Director
  • Desert Hot Springs Little League - Vice President

Languages

Spanish
Native or Bilingual

Timeline

Interim Deputy City Manager

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2023.05 - 2023.11

Assistant City Manager / City Engineer

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2021.05 - Current

Public Works Director / City Engineer

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2018.11 - 2021.05

Community Development Director

City of Desert Hot Springs
2017.08 - 2018.11

Public Works Manager

City Of Desert Hot Springs Ca
2015.08 - 2017.08

Project Manager

TCM Group / Hill International
2009.08 - 2015.08

Engineering Assistant Project Manager

City Of Colton
2006.08 - 2009.08

School Substitute -Instructional Aide

Coachella Valley Unified School District
2004.08 - 2006.08

Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering -

California Polytechnic University

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Daniel Porras