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TOWN ENGINEER

Employer
TOWN OF COVENTRY
Location
Coventry, Rhode Island
Salary
$105,000 +
Closing date
Feb 23, 2022

View more

Specialty
Planning & Development
Position Type
Engineer
Organization Type
Government

TOWN OF COVENTRY

TOWN ENGINEER

Recruitment 1/1/2022

The Town of Coventry seeks a dedicated, experienced and ambitious professional to serve in the role of Town Engineer to provide a wide variety of municipal engineering services for the Town. A strong candidate will demonstrate initiative and leadership to build a strong engineering program for the Town by providing either direct or contracted engineering services for project management, project oversight, design, plan development, and construction inspections for a broad range of projects from conception through completion. 

Starting salary range: $105,000 +

Community profile

Coventry, a Rhode Island town of 35,688 residents located in Kent County, is predominantly a residential community with outstanding natural resources and opportunity for growth.  The Town is poised for greatness as it is in the process of completing a performance audit, a five-year strategic plan and a ten-year comprehensive plan update. 

Opportunity summary:

The Town Engineer is new position that will bring what has been a part-time allocation of contract engineering services back in house.  The scope and effectiveness of the Town’s engineering program is to be developed and refined.  The Town is poised for greatness as it is in the process of completing a performance audit, a five-year strategic plan and a ten-year comprehensive plan update.  Strong candidates interested in being part of a progressive community and a dynamic growth-oriented organization will find a great environment in which to make a meaningful difference and thrive in their career. 

Challenges:

Limited staffing has not kept pace with the continued growth and demand for services. The lack of staff time and standard operating procedures has created challenges to implementing and enforcing the Town’s ordinances and regulations with the desired level of consistency.  In recent years the position has been filled on a part-time basis by a contract for services.  The Town’s sewer collection system is underdeveloped and needs a new plan for development, administration and maintenance. 

Position summary:

The Town Engineer reports to the Town Manager, and works closely with the Director of Public Works and the Director of Planning and Development.  The Town Engineer is responsible for the development and administration of the engineering program.  Responsibilities include Develop grant application opportunities for civil public works projects; the administration of plan review for land development and subdivision applications, sanitary sewer connections, soil erosion control permit applications, building permit and private drinking water well applications; site inspections for compliance with erosion control and subdivision permits, road construction projects for new subdivisions with public roadways and performance bonds, sewer service construction, MS4 soil erosion control; in-house design and permitting of small scale drainage projects, contract oversight for projects out-sourced to engineering firms, review and comment on Rhode Island Department of Transportation and Kent County Water Authority projects within the Town, perform the duties of FEMA Floodplain Administrator, preparation of bid documents, grant applications, and general administration.

The Town Engineer works with the Town Manager, Directors, staff, contractors, other government agency representatives and the public to carry out the duties and functions of the engineering program.  The position exercises a high degree of autonomy and discretion in carrying out the day to day duties.  Assists the Departments of Public Works and Planning and Development as well as town boards and other departments in matters relating to the design and inspection of various construction projects, public and private.  Performs various duties requiring a thorough knowledge of engineering principles and municipal operations.  Exercises discretion, judgment and initiative in completing tasks, particularly in situations not clearly defined by precedent or established procedures. There is a high degree of variability, competing projects, priorities and deadlines that requires the Engineer to approach the workload with excellent time-management, planning and flexibility. Performs management and oversight of outside contractors, consultants and coordination of internal resources for executing various engineering projects.   

QUALIFICATIONS:


EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:  A Bachelor's degree in civil engineering and five years progressively responsible experience in infrastructure design and construction, preferably in a municipal-type setting, or any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described.  Experience in plan review, plan design, utility inspection, geotechnical engineering, water, sewer, storm water, budget review, development and implementation.

KNOWLEDGE:  Knowledge of public administration, budgeting, planning and development principles, and best practices in the areas of leadership and management. Knowledge of municipal operations, procedures, practices, systems, and structures. Knowledge of state and federal laws pertaining to public records, open meeting laws, ethics, and elections. Knowledge of conflict resolution, team-building techniques, and personnel performance management. Knowledge of communications including effective methods, emerging trends, best practices and principles for disseminating information, media relations, and social media protocols. State and federal laws pertaining to local government.  Effective public presentation methods and techniques.  Community outreach and public engagement. Project management, problem solving, performance measurement and reporting.  Use of personal computers, technology and related software applications. Knowledge of the principles of effective public relations and interrelationships with community groups and agencies, private business and firms, and other levels of government. Knowledge of town organization goals and Council policy. 

SKILLS: Strong leadership, conflict resolution, negotiation, and problem-solving skills. Competent skill in the use of computers, programs, standard office equipment and related technology to perform routine tasks. Possess strong customer service skills. Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills adaptable to a variety of audiences. Competence in business English, spelling, and punctuation. Strong time management, reasoning, and analysis combined with excellent judgment and professionalism.

ABILITIES: Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with management, coworkers, elected officials, and the public. Communicate effectively with co-workers, management, elected officials, and the public. Work with people in stressful situations that may involve individuals who are distraught or highly stressed. Foster a positive attitude among staff that encourages cooperation, coordination of efforts, efficient and ethical use of resources, and a strong customer service commitment. Display excellent interpersonal skills and awareness of controversial and/or sensitive issues. Ability to self-motivate, work independently and set and meet goals and deadlines. Recommend and implement tools and software to broaden and deepen the city's communications efforts. Manage multiple projects and tasks while prioritizing as needed. Foster relationships with community partners and work as a member of an internal collaborative management team. Apply contemporary management theories and practices. Innovate. Think critically. Write clear and concise communications to a varied constituency. Problem-solve. Make effective presentations. Promote positive public relations. Provide excellent customer service.  Ability to maintain efficient and effective systems and procedures. Ability to think, follow direction and challenge the status quo. Ability to function in an intense work environment with numerous interruptions and conflicting demands. Ability to elicit information and cooperation from individuals and groups. Ability to honor the confidentiality required of this position.  Ability to manage multiple demands and deadlines occurring simultaneously. Physical ability to perform the essential job functions. Ability to work a flexible schedule.

 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS/LICENSES: 

  • Professional Engineer’s Registration in the State of Rhode Island
  • Valid Driver's License at time of hire

WORKING CONDITIONS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:  Work location varies; primarily indoors where most work occurs under usual office working conditions and in the field with site inspections, meetings and planning.

The Town of Coventry is an EEO employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under state, federal or local law.

All offers of employment are subject to successful completion of a pre-employment background check, reference checking, and in the case of safety sensitive positions, drug, and alcohol testing.
 

The Town of Coventry offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities for continued professional development growth and training. 

How to apply:

Submit cover letter and resume to hr@coventryri.org, Human Resources, 1670 Flat River Road, Coventry, Rhode Island 02816.  First review February 14, 2022.  The Town of Coventry is an equal opportunity employer.  Questions should be directed to Town Manager Ben Marchant, 401-822-9185.

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