Principal Civil Engineer - Utilities

Definition

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This position is in the Management/Confidential Employee Group.

City Council approved future increases include:

7/1/2024 - 5% wage increase

7/1/2025 - 5% wage increase

7/1/2026 - 5% wage increase

Under general direction, the Principal Civil Engineer carries out administrative, technical engineering review responsibilities and supervision of professional and technical consultants and staff required to successfully deliver a complex CIP program for utilities to include the planning, design, integration, construction and management of multiple complex water infrastructure projects. The incumbent in this position provides contract management and works directly with engineer consultants, public works contractors, government agencies, inspectors and City staff; participates in, administers and oversees complex and technical engineering projects, engineering analysis, planning/scheduling analysis, research, large pipe design, planning and design for a variety of capital construction programs, hydraulic analysis, construction scheduling, inspections, and maintenance/improvement programs related to large underground water pipeline, pump station, water storage, conveyance and flow control facility construction, operation and maintenance of facilities, including water storage facilities, flow control facilities, water treatment plants, and public water systems infrastructure; and performs related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the Director of Public Works or assigned supervisor. May exercise direct and general supervision over assigned staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Plans, organizes, controls, integrates, and evaluates the work of professional and technical consultants and staff; coordinates with staff to develop, implement, and monitor work plans to achieve unit vision, goals, objectives, and achieves key performance indicators.

• Focus on complex CIP program encompassing multiple interrelated water and sewer infrastructure projects.

• Collaborates with project managers to identify critical success factors and manage them to successful resolution; reviews the work of consultants, project managers, City staff, inspectors, and engineering staff from outside governmental agencies providing guidance on the administration of the planning, design, preparation and construction of major capital projects utilizing in-house staff, consultants, project managers, schedulers, construction engineers, construction inspectors and contractors, Supervises the preparation of cost estimates; establishes the recommended scope, schedule and budget for the design and construction projects; mentors and supervises unit project managers in the negotiation, administration, and management of contracts.

• Reviews the drawings, plans, and specifications of developers, consultants, and utility companies for compliance with City of Poway, State of California, American Water Works Association, and San Diego County Water Authority standards; interprets specifications and City policies and initiatives or reviews change orders; supervises the preparation of periodic project status reports; seals final design plans.

• Provides large program and project oversight.

• Resolves conflict during design and construction.

• Develops, reviews, implements, and oversees agreements, as well as extended agreement terms associated with long-term contracts

• Supports permitting and regulatory strategies associated with key CIP projects and programs, including representing the City at public hearings, workshops, and other stakeholder events.

• Supervises the preparation, development, and use of system models for purposes including, but not limited to, hydraulic review, supply utilization, and forecast capacity analysis.

• Prepares clear and concise technical reports, updates and make presentations, participates in development of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities.

• Represents the City with consultants and contractors; prepares correspondence on highly technical engineering issues; revises design and construction standards to improve methods, procedures and practices; revises and approves construction documents.

• Participates in the preparation of CIP and operating budget recommendations for utilities; authorizes the purchase of materials and monitors work activities and expenditures to control costs.

• Accomplishes City goals of compliance, efficiency, resiliency, operational flexibility and redundancy.

• Researches new materials, techniques, and current development and advancements in the civil engineering field; updates the design and construction management manuals, guidelines, and related standards as required.

• Serves as liaison with City staff, contractors, consultants, outside agencies, general public on assigned projects, performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

• Prepares, supervises, and monitors the City's preparation of memos and related documents;

• Attends and makes presentations at City Council meetings and other meetings, as necessary.

• Performs related duties as required.

Minimum Requirements/License or Certificates Required

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of the following education and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of this classification.

Experience:

Ten years of recent and progressively more responsible professional engineering experience, including recent public water/utility design and construction, use of project management tools, budgeting, contract administration. Supervisory experience desirable.

Education/Training:

A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent education (i.e., minimum completed California units = 120 semester/180 quarter) from an accredited educational institution with a degree in civil engineer, or a related field.

Licenses and Certifications:

• A valid class C driver's license or the ability to arrange alternate and timely means of transportation in the performance of assigned duties.

• Possess and maintain a Registered Professional Civil Engineer License in the State of California.

Examination Process

Physical Demands

Must possess mobility to work in the field and in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, to operate a motor vehicle, drive on surface streets, and make inspections; strength, stamina and mobility to perform light physical work; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone or radio. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking on uneven terrain and landscapes when performing inspections and site work. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a computer keyboard and calculator and to operate any tools or equipment necessary to perform the duties of the position. The incumbent in this classification will bend, stoop, kneel, reach and climb in order to perform work and inspected work sites. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push and pull materials and objects weighing up to 50 pounds.

Environmental Elements

Employees partly work in the office and partly in the field and are occasionally exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives, and contractors in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Working Conditions:

May be required to work various shifts including early mornings and evenings to accommodate projects.