City Engineer

Job Description

SUMMARY - This is a highly responsible position providing administrative and management oversight for a variety of Engineering Services through the Department of Public Works. This work involves preparation of the City's Capital Improvement Program, coordination of project funding, and management of design for all City projects. The work is performed in coordination with the Assistant Director and Chief Supervisor as required and is under the supervision and direction of the Director of Public Works. Extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgment and initiative; deference is given in areas of specific expertise. The nature of the work performed requires this employee to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, business, architectural and engineering consultants, community groups, outside contractors, County, State and Federal officials, representatives of the media and the public.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Provides development, coordination, supervision and oversight for all Engineering Services of the Department. This includes management of the engineering design of City projects from inception to contract award.

• Assumes primary responsibility for planning and development of capital projects where assigned.

• Develops engineering cost estimates for the City's Capital Improvement Program budget document with input from the Mayor, Council members, City Administration, Department Heads and the general public.

• Confers with Architects, Engineers, and facility users regarding the planning, design, and construction of upcoming projects.

• Manages the preparation of plans and specifications for capital projects that are to be put out for contract bids.

• Reviews bid results, makes recommendations regarding bid awards, and prepares them for presentation to the Mayor and City Council.

• Assists in reviewing contract work in progress and at completion to assure that work conforms to plans, specifications and terms of the contract.

• Designs and drafts infrastructure improvements as needed.

• Researches outside funding opportunities and availability.

• Writes applications for grants and outside funding, including supporting estimates and documentation where required, meeting all style and format requirements and submits them in a timely manner.

• Maintains cost records for all engineering and design activities to assure A&E contracted work remains within budget and for use in future planning, budget estimates and to support recommendations.

• Monitors the work and progress of consultants on construction plan development and construction cost estimates, including ensuring that plan development criteria are followed, reviewing plans for errors and omissions, and maintaining realistic schedule data.

• Monitors funding for A&E contract awards and approves payment for engineering consultants.

• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications to become and remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in assigned work areas.

• Compiles data for the Department's budget projections concerning engineering design services and related materials and equipment; provides similar data for specific projects and assignments.

• Serves as staff to city committees as assigned; prepares agenda items to address various issues under their purview brought before the Committee,

• Prepares all necessary reports, charts, graphs, and correspondence related to engineering services as may be required by County, State and Federal regulations.

• Prepares bid packages for construction projects.

• Coordinates the preparation of lists of proposed roads to be selected for engineering and design using non-destructive test results to determine priority.

• Participates with the Rights-of-Way and Property Title Search consultants in obtaining rights-of-way necessary to proceed with construction.

• Responds to citizens' questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

• Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities prior to contract award.

• Assists other Departments by providing advice and guidance concerning capital projects, contract management and procedures, and compliance with appropriate County and State regulations to be followed.

• Prepares correspondence on project issues.

• As a part of the DPW team is primarily responsible for specifying the expectation of the selected engineering firm meeting all the requirements of the bid award; regular oversight of the A&E consultants' work; ensuring that the required results are obtained.

• Leading negotiations and selection of specific A&E consultant for each project from among the consultants on an open-end contract with the City as tasked; and appraising performance and recommending payments for work accomplished.

• Coordinates qualifications-based selection process when considering new A&E consultants for use by the City.

• Willingly and cooperatively accepts other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - This position may be assigned Inspection and administrative staff to supervise.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - The minimum eligibility requirements for this position are as follows:

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE - Possession of a bachelor's degree in civil engineering (or a related field) from an ABET, Inc. accredited program and EIT certification. Four years of traffic engineering, and city planning is highly preferred. Two years of construction management experience preferred, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the essential knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS - Satisfactory completion of the Engineering in Training (EIT) certification. Possession of a Professional Engineering license is preferred.

• Must possess a Maryland Class C Driver's License, or a comparable driver's license issued by the employee's state of residence, and a proven safe driving record.Must be able to attain the following certifications in the Incident Command System (ICS) within 6 (six) months of employment: ICS-100 and ICS-700.