Senior Project Manager - Permits and Utilities

NATURE OF WORK:
This is a senior technical position that performs professional and administrative work managing the activities of issuing public works permits, including, but not limited to, right-of-way permits, moving van permits, stormwater infrastructure approvals and other public works agency permits as determined. Responsibilities of this position include plan review, issuance of permits, attendance of public and private meetings to discuss proposed and approved construction projects, inspection work as needed, and other functions necessary to manage the Public Works Agency permit processes.   This position may also oversee City of Evanston projects related to improvements of City-owned utilities or other improvements in the right-of-way, such as fiber optic installation.
 
Supervision is exercised over the Civil Plan Review Engineer (Civil Engineer III) and the Permits Engineer (Civil Engineer II).
 
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):
Extensive knowledge of civil engineering theory, principles, practices and construction techniques and materials; ability to execute Civil/Transportation design, construction plans and develop specifications; ability to supervise subordinate staff, including professional, technical and support staff; ability to perform difficult technical engineering work and research and develop work utilizing innovative techniques; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens, contractors, city officials and the general public.

• Manages the plan review & approval, permit issuance, and field inspection related to private development and utility work within the public right-of-way.  Review compliance with adopted City codes and records, comments from boards of review, City records, and construction permit applications.  Calculate permit pricing.
• Supports and completes inspections related to erosion control and stormwater management in compliance with the City’s MS4 and NPDES permits. Review and approve Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans.  Enforce compliance with the City’s stormwater ordinance and with the MWRD Watershed Management Ordinance.  Review City’s construction site inspection program and recommend/implement improvements.
• Prepares Request For Proposals, Qualifications, and Bid documents for special projects, and recommends contract approval to the City Council. Manages contract negotiation and administration of consultants and contractors retained for such projects.
• Coordinates with public and private utilities on planned and emergency utility improvements in the public right-of-way in compliance with franchise agreements, City Code and state law.
• Reviews and suggests process improvements for permits issued by the Public Works Agency.
• Reviews and makes suggestions for code modifications for permits issued by the Public Works Agency.
• Reviews and makes suggestions for appropriate staffing from management of permits issued by the Public Works Agency.
• Directs the activities of personnel responsible for enforcement and inspection for compliance of various public works related policies and ordinances.
• Manages and evaluates performance of subordinate staff, recommending personnel actions including salary increases, disciplinary action, training, developmental activities and related areas.
• Coordinates with Bureau’s Senior Project Managers, staff from other divisions and departments on projects.
• Prepares memos and supporting information to receive approval from City Council.
• Prepares newsletters for distribution concerning construction projects and updates for citizens and the public.
• Prepares status reports and track performance metrics on permits issued by the Public Works Agency.
• Reviews private development plans and coordinates comments from different divisions in the Public Works Agency.
• Coordinates preparation of easement documents.
• Performs additional duties as required.

 
 
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:

• Must possess a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or substantially similar area.
• Must possess seven (7) or more years of professional engineering work experience, with three (3) or more years of work experience in a supervisory capacity. 
• Must be currently licensed as a professional engineer in the State of Illinois; or fulfill Illinois reciprocity requirements for non-Illinois licensed professional engineers within 6 months of employment.
• Must possess, or obtain within 12 months, the National Green Infrastructure Certification Program (NGICP)
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.
• Knowledge, skills, and abilities in the following areas:
• Extensive knowledge of architectural, civil engineering, and/or environmental engineering theory, principles, practices and construction techniques and materials.
• Ability to review, understand and prepare design and construction plans and specifications.
• Ability to supervise subordinate staff, including professional, technical and support staff.
• Ability to perform difficult technical engineering work and research and develop work utilizing innovative techniques.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, citizens, contractors, city officials and the general public.

 
 
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK:   
The ability to work in a sedentary position, occasionally using force to lift, carry or otherwise move objects normally found in an office setting. Ability to safely observe and navigate public right-of-way and construction site hazards including but not limited to traffic or uneven ground.  The employee is subject to inside and outside environmental conditions.
 
 
NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Must be a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Illinois.  Within 18 months, must obtain National Incident Management System (NIMS) certification in IS-700, IS-800, ICS-100 and ICS-200.  Within 30 months, must obtain NIMS certification in ICS-300.
 
 
SUPERVISION:
Work is performed under the general direction of the Bureau Chief - Capital Planning/City Engineer.  The employee will use independent judgment and initiative within broad policy limitations.  Decides the proper methods of accomplishing the goals and objectives of the work performed by the section and exercises independent judgment in implementing the goals.  Provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Bureau Chief – Capital Planning/City Engineer and the Public Works Agency Director.
 
 
PUBLIC CONTACT:
This position requires significant public contact and involvement. The Senior Project Manager may attend and/or participate in City Council meetings, Council committee and ward meetings, community meetings and workshops, conferences, and board and commission meetings as required. 
 
 
SELECTION METHOD          TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST            LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST   
Structured Oral Interview                                                                               

Qualifications Assessment

To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date.
 
Chosen candidates will be subject to a qualifying pre-employment medical examination and drug/alcohol screen.
 
The City of Evanston is committed to making all public meetings accessible to persons with disabilities.  Any citizen needing mobility or communications access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or 847-448-8052 (TTY).

The City seeks to implement new salary grades for FY23 which may affect the current minimum - maximum pay range for this position.