Principal Civil Engineer (CIP Section Manager)

The Public Works Department, Engineering Division is seeking to fill the position of Principal Civil Engineer (Capital Improvement Program Section Manager).  The successful applicant for this position must have extensive expertise managing a capital improvement program that includes a variety of infrastructure types such as streets, bridges, traffic signals, streetlights, municipal parks and facilities.  

Sign-On Bonus $20,000 

Under direction of the Director of Public Works or the Deputy City Engineer, supervises major functions of a section in the Public Works Department, Engineering Division, in performing the planning, design and construction of the City’s Capital Improvement Program, Office Engineering or Environmental Engineering; performs Engineering Division duties as assigned.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
The Principal Civil Engineer is the advanced journey and supervisory class in the professional level engineering series.   Incumbents have responsibility for the highly complex and large engineering projects and supervising staff in the delivery of public works projects.  May act as the Deputy City Engineer, as assigned.  
 
SUPERVISION RECEIVED 
Works under the general supervision of the Director of Public Works or Deputy City Engineer.
 
SUPERVISION EXERCISED 
Exercises supervision over senior level or lower level engineering staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following functions are typical for this classification. The incumbent may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
 
Manages the planning, environmental, design and construction, of highly complex public works projects in a wide variety of civil engineering works such as streets and highways, bridges, street lighting, municipal parks, structures and buildings, storm drains and sanitary sewers.    
 
Collaborates with regional transportation agencies such as the California of Transportation (Caltrans) and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA Metro), for the implementation of local and regional projects, transportation policies and programs. Participates in regional activities such as Streets and Highways Committee and Strategic Transportation Plan.

Manages and supervises lower-level engineering staff assigned to the respective areas of work, in the delivery of public works projects in a wide variety of civil engineering work. Supports staff in the organization of project budgets and schedules and provides guidance for the delivery of projects on time and within budget. Provides guidance, decision-making, and training to staff is all aspects of project implementation and contact services. Provides plans check and specifications to ensure quality and technically sound projects. Assumes personal responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner.

Procures, manages and administers contract services necessary for planning, designing and constructing public works projects or preparing reports. Prepares Requests for Proposals as necessary. Supervises the preparation of engineering designs, specifications and engineering estimates. Establishes project budgets and schedules for their delivery. Prepares project feasibility studies and work related technical research, reports and correspondence.

Reviews private development projects. Prepares conditions of approval. Coordinates with developers as necessary. Review related technical documents and reports.

Coordinates with Federal, State, County, regulatory and grant agencies as necessary for the delivery of capital projects.

Manage engineering programs and projects as assigned including but not limited to regional projects, environmental programs, storm water management, engineering administration, Industrial Waste Discharge Plancheck and Permitting, development review, plan check and permitting, construction inspection, franchise agreement, technical studies and assessment districts.

Supervises, trains and evaluates subordinate personnel; assists in the selection of employees; recommends discipline when necessary.

Prepares reports, recommendations and correspondence on current and proposed projects; makes presentations to City Council, community groups and the general public regarding construction projects.

Training and Experience
Any combination of education and/or experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary.  A typical way of obtaining the knowledge and abilities would be any combination equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field and fifteen (15) years of responsible civil engineering experience in the design and construction of complex public works projects.  A minimum of five (5) years of experience in the position of Senior Civil Engineer or a higher classification is required, as is a minimum of four (4) years in a supervisory position. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required.  Possession of or ability to obtain a California Class C driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record is required.
 
The Principal Civil Engineer (CIP Section Manager) shall have a minimum of 10 years of experience working for a local agency.  
 
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of: State, Federal and locally applicable statues, policies, standards, ordinances and regulations related to civil engineering practices of public agencies; municipal public works administration; principles of planning, controlling, and organizing activities of a major civil engineering section; engineering design and analysis; traffic engineering; construction contract law; principles of cost accounting; supervisory techniques; public speaking techniques; and budget preparation and administration practices; public works construction methods, design and materials; and principles and practices of personnel management and supervision.
 
Ability to: Provide highly complex civil engineering services to the City; analyze problems and prepare written and oral reports; understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions; resolve technical issues in design and construction; supervise the work of others; select and maintain advanced filing systems; analyze and solve difficult engineering problems by arriving at valid conclusions; communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; effectively present issues and recommendations before the City Council; supervise and maintain effective working relationships.

California Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) Pull Notice System   

An incumbent appointed to this position is subject to enrollment in the California DMV Pull Notice Program.  The Pull Notice program provides information on the incumbent's driving record and Driver's License status on a periodic basis to the City of South Gate.  An employee assigned a City vehicle must acknowledge receipt and understanding of City Administrative Regulations covering the use of City vehicles.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear.  The employee is occasionally required to walk; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet in the office and moderately loud when outdoors.  Incumbents are not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions.  

RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
Application Packets Must Include:  A fully completed online employment application which:

• Covers at least the past 10 years of employment history (or longer if you have other relevant experience). 
• Responses to the supplemental questionnaire. 
• Must be specific in describing your qualifications for this position.  Failure to state all pertinent information may lead to elimination from consideration.  Stating "See Resume" is not an acceptable substitute for a completed application.
• Individuals who require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any phase of the application or selection process must advise Human Resources and make such a request during the application process.  Every effort will be made to provide a reasonable accommodation where requested.   

 
Selection Process:  All application materials received by the application deadline will be reviewed and evaluated.  All information supplied by applicants is subject to verification.

• Application Review: The first phase will be a detailed review and appraisal of each candidate's application.  This phase is for qualifying purposes only.  There is no weight assigned to this phase.  Those candidates who meet the minimum qualifications may be invited to the next phase. 
• Written Examination:  If a written exam is given, a minimum of 70% must be obtained on the written exam in order to be eligible to continue to the next phase of the selection process which will consist of an oral appraisal interview.   
• Oral Appraisal Interview: A minimum of 70% must be obtained to pass the oral appraisal interview.  
• Employment Eligibility List:  The Employment Eligibility List will be established after completion of the examination process.  Current and future vacancies will be filled from this list.  Lists typically last for 12 months but may be extended or abolished in accordance with the City's Civil Service rules and regulations.  

 
Pre-employment Process

• The City supports a Drug-Free Workplace. 
• All potential employees are required to successfully complete a thorough background investigation, fingerprinting, and pass a post-offer pre-employment medical examination (which will include a drug/alcohol screening). 
• New employees must complete a verification form designated by the United States Department of Homeland Security, Citizenship and Immigration Services, that certifies eligibility for employment in the United States of America.

Hiring of Relatives
Relatives of existing employees by blood or marriage will not be eligible for employment with the City if potential supervision, safety, security, or morale problems exist; or if potential conflicts of interest exist. Relatives include an employee's parents, children, spouse, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and step relationships.
 
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
 
Equal Opportunity Employer
The City of South Gate is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with all applicable Federal and State laws, it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age, religion, disability (mental or physical), medical condition, genetic characteristic or information, sex (including gender, gender identity, gender expression, or pregnancy), sexual orientation (including homosexuality, bisexuality, or heterosexuality), or military or veteran status in its employment actions, policies, procedures, or practices.
   
The City of South Gate
The City of South Gate is a busy urban community consisting of residential, commercial, and industrial development, spread over 7.41 square miles.  It is currently ranked the 79th largest city in California with a population of approximately 97,000.  Strategically located along the 710 freeway, the City is just 12 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles.