City Engineer-Assistant Director of Public Works & Utilities

Distinguishing Features of Work

The City of Wichita is seeking a highly skilled and experienced professional to serve as the City Engineer/Assistant Director of Public Works & Utilities. This position plays a critical role in the planning, development, and maintenance of the city's infrastructure, ensuring efficient and safe operations. The City Engineer will lead a team of engineers and collaborate with various departments to implement strategic engineering initiatives, manage projects, and provide technical expertise. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil engineering, excellent leadership abilities, and a passion for enhancing the city's infrastructure.
This position oversees a total of seventy-seven (77) authorized positions in the Engineering division.   Current programs include the planning, designing, administering, inspecting and managing the construction of almost all City infrastructure.  Staff ensure that infrastructure systems are appropriate to meet current and future demands.  Managed projects include freeways, railroad corridors, streets, bridges, bikeways, park facilities, traffic signals, water, sewer, and drainage  systems.  
Additional major functions of the division currently include:  ADA Coordination; Right-of-Way Management; Construction Management and Support; and Traffic Planning and Project Management efforts.  
This is administrative, professional work directing the Engineering Division in the Public Works & Utilities Department. The employee is responsible for oversight of multiple work groups tasked with planning, designing, administering, inspecting, and managing the construction of municipal infrastructure.   This includes establishing standards, specifications, and design criteria; project development, and scheduling of projects for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) process; and for advising management of needs and requirements on public improvement projects. The Engineering Division also has oversight of permitting for all work in public rights-of-way.  Work is directed and reviewed through the establishment of goals and subsequent evaluation of progress toward goal attainment.
Responsibilities:

• Leadership and Management:
• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction for the Engineering Division .
• Supervise and mentor a team of engineers, technicians, and support staff.
• Foster a collaborative work environment, promoting teamwork and professional development.
• Manage department budget, resource allocation, and procurement processes.
• Infrastructure Planning and Development:
• Develop and implement long-term plans and strategies for the city's infrastructure.
• Conduct thorough assessments and evaluations to identify infrastructure needs and prioritize projects.
• Oversee the design and construction of public works projects, including roads, bridges, drainage systems, and public facilities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant engineering standards, codes, regulations, and guidelines.
• Project Management:
• Manage complex engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders, external agencies, and contractors to achieve project objectives.
• Prepare project proposals, feasibility studies, engineering reports, and cost estimates.
• Monitor project progress, resolve issues, and manage project risks.
• Technical Expertise and Consultation:
• Provide expert advice on engineering matters to city officials, departments, and community stakeholders.
• Review engineering plans, specifications, and contract documents to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.
• Conduct research and stay updated on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices.
• Foster innovation and explore sustainable engineering solutions to enhance the city's infrastructure.
• Collaboration and Communication:
• Collaborate with other departments, agencies, and community groups to address engineering-related concerns.
• Represent the city in public meetings, hearings, and community engagement events.
• Respond to inquiries, concerns, and complaints from the public regarding engineering projects.
• Prepare and deliver presentations on engineering initiatives, progress, and achievements.

Examples of Work Performed

• Directs and supervises engineering and technical staff in project development, consultant selection, contract negotiation, contract monitoring, review and acceptance of consultant work, traffic engineering studies programs, construction/inspection work and right- of-way acquisition.
• Represents the City with outside groups, works closely with elected officials and develops communication channels with industry, state, and federal agencies; coordinates engineering functions with the work of other departments and agencies.
• Oversees the initiation of CIP projects; reviews specifications for projects. Confers with legal staff and/or acts as expert witness on rights-of-way, special assessment, or other related matters.
• Develops and monitors the engineering budgets and expenditures.
• Assists developers with petitioning and project initiation.
• May assume responsibilities of Director in his/her absence.
• These examples are not intended to be all inclusive. Other related duties may be assigned as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering related to the design and construction of City public improvement projects
• Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws and regulations
• Knowledge of techniques involved in planning, implementing, and financing municipal projects
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and supervise the work of other. 
• Ability to use a computer to access, interpret and record information
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other employees, representatives of other organizations, City officials, and the public.
• An employee will not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.

Required Experience and Training

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Registration as a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Kansas is required.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, including project management and leadership roles.  A minimum of five (5) years of supervisory experience in responsible administrative and municipal construction and design work required.
• Strong knowledge of engineering principles, practices, codes, and regulations.
• Proven experience in infrastructure planning, design, and construction.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in engineering software, computer-aided design (CAD), and project management tools.