Senior Engineer

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This recruitment may close at any time without advance notice.  Applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis. The first review of applications will occur on June 20, 2023.   


The Planning and Development Department is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Senior Engineer. This position is assigned to the Development Services Division and will be primarily responsible for the review and permitting of discretionary and ministerial development projects, and supervising staff who also conduct that work. A typical day for this position includes completing plan reviews within a set timeframe, coordination with other City departments and divisions, responding to emails, multiple in-person meetings, writing staff reports, reviewing project conditions of approval, reviewing fees, and assisting other staff with complex technical issues. The ideal candidate will be a strong and effective communicator with a proven work history of growth and development while possessing broad and varied experience in Civil Engineering design and review. The ideal candidate will exhibit the utmost professionalism and interpersonal skills while interacting with both internal and external stakeholders, and have the ability to be proactive in solving problems to enhance the service to our customers.  
 

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, schedules, supervises, and reviews the work of staff and consultants performing engineering planning, design, and construction work for Public Works and Utilities projects and systems; performs and/or reviews technical calculations; develops construction documents including plans, specifications, and estimates for capital improvement projects; ensures functions meet all applicable laws, regulations, and City policies; coordinates project activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides complex staff assistance to departmental management staff in areas of expertise; and performs related duties, as assigned. 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Public Works Director or Chief Engineer. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative staff. 

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is the full supervisory-level class in the professional Engineer series that exercises independent judgment on diverse and specialized engineering activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Incumbents are responsible for planning, organizing, supervising, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned staff and consultants and for organizing and overseeing day-to-day engineering activities, capital improvement project planning and development, and administration of federal, state, and local funds for capital improvements and various other projects and studies. Incumbents are responsible for providing professional level support to the Public Works Director and Chief Engineer in a variety of areas. Performance of the work requires the use of independence, initiative, and discretion within established guidelines.  

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of staff, consultants, and interns performing engineering planning, design, and construction work of public works and utilities projects and systems; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
• Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures including standard operating procedures for assigned operations.
• Monitors activities of the work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
• Coordinates assigned services and operations with other divisions and outside agencies.
• Participates in project budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures. 
• Provides staff assistance to management; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
• Serves as project manager as assigned; plans, schedules, conducts, or coordinates detailed phases of the engineering work in a part of a major public works or utility project or in a total project of moderate scope; develops project budgets; conducts project site visits and field exploration; oversees project planning, design, construction, and implementation; coordinates project operations with other divisions and outside agencies; ensures projects meet mandated engineering standards, budgeted funds, best practices, and City goals and objectives.
• Supervises and gives technical advice, guidance, and direction to an engineering team concerning project feasibility, design, or construction; provides support for design-related questions or necessary revisions throughout the project. 
• Reviews and designs project plans and specifications involving hydrology, traffic and soils reports and calculations, as well as grading plans, sewer plans, water and wastewater facility plans, streets plans, traffic studies, building demolition plans, and other documents, including plans, parcel and tract maps, and studies; reviews drawings and details of construction and implementation plans; prepares conditions for approval.
• Plans, coordinates, and reviews project work performed by private consultants; reviews change orders for errors and omissions and incorporates changes into future designs.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
• Performs engineering calculations for stormwater, water, sewer, pavement, or other areas of expertise; reviews plans, design drawings, calculations, and specifications of staff and consultant engineers for conformity with City standards, policies, regulations, and ordinances. 
• Manage, coordinate, review, and recommend final master plan reports for adoption by the City Council. 
• Prepares and presents technical reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services.
• Maintains files, databases, and records related to engineering design and construction projects; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDELINES

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.  
• Principles and practices of leadership.  
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Principles and practices of project budget development, administration, and accountability. 
• Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of public works and utilities facilities and systems, miscellaneous buildings and structures, and transportation systems.
• Civil and structural engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works and utilities programs and private development projects. 
• Principles and practices of project management.
• Physical design, economic, environmental, and other factors which impact project planning and implementation.
• Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works and utilities projects.
• Principles of advanced mathematics.
• Land surveying principles.
• Practices and principles of hydrologic and hydraulic analysis and soil mechanics.  
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes. 
• Contract management practices in a public agency setting. 
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports. 
• Principles of water supply, pumping, storage, and distribution, as well as wastewater, collection, treatment, and disposal. 
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related engineering best practices.
• Principles and practices of technical report and business correspondence preparation.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility. 
• Principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.

Ability to:

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.  
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions. 
• Perform complex engineering planning, design, and construction project management duties.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques. 
• Manage and monitor projects to ensure they are on-time and within budget. 
• Perform complex engineering calculations and estimates, and develop plans, designs, and specifications related to civil and structural engineering projects.
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical staff reports.
• Reconcile conflicting engineering design requirements.
• Evaluate project risks and provide mitigation measures.
• Manage the design of multiple engineering projects with varying complexity, size and scale, length, and/or stages of completeness.
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with individuals governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations.
• Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
• Interpret and explain project design criteria including blueprints, plans, and specifications.
• Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, legal descriptions, and other written materials. 
• Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.  
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. 

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Education:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil or structural engineering, or a related field. 

Experience:

• Five (5) years of increasingly responsible professional civil or structural engineering experience, including one (1) year in a lead or supervisory capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment. 

PHYSICAL/MENTAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by employees to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.

When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various City sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.  The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff. 

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees also work in the field and are exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, confining workspace, chemicals, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.