Principal Engineer

Description

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General Purpose:

Under administrative direction, supervises the day-to-day responsibilities of a section of the Engineering Division; performs professional engineering work; manages work processes associated with functions assigned to the section; performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

The Principal Engineer is a management level class requiring a high degree of professional skill and knowledge in administering and evaluating complex engineering programs related to land development engineering, including planning entitlements, subdivisions, development agreements, community facilities districts, grading permits, encroachment permits, building permits, commercial developments, wireless communications facility permits, storm water management, etc. The Principal Engineer differs from the next lower class of Senior Civil Engineer, in that the Principal Engineer plans and directs the engineering operations and staff and/or consultants within the land development engineering and permits section, serving as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies, as well as representing the Public Works Department in both internal and external meetings related to land development and permits. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised:

Receives administrative direction from assigned management personnel. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Recommend and implement section goals and objectives; establish performance standards and methods for professional engineering work related to assigned section operations; develop and implement policies and procedures.

• Plan, develop and oversee the work of staff involved in activities related to assigned section operations, such as public works engineering, drainage, development, utility operations and maintenance, and related capital improvement projects.

• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned section; determine section priorities; develop short and long-range plans; implement improvements and modifications; prepare various reports on operations and activities.

• Direct and/or participate in the preparation of complex engineering studies and reports related to public works, development, utilities, and capital improvement projects according to section assignment; oversee coordination of assigned section activities with other city departments, divisions, and sections, outside agencies, citizens, consultants, and developers.

• Meet and confer with developers, contractors, engineers, and the general public regarding city policies, regulations, and procedures.

• Provide staff support to a variety of city boards, commissions, committees and industry specific boards, including making presentations and ascertaining direction, when appropriate, for implementation of approved recommendations.

• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; and submit justifications for staff, a variety of engineering, utility, and related capital improvement projects; monitor and control expenditures.

• Participate in the selection of staff; coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; recommend discipline; implement discipline procedures as directed.

• Periodically review progress of staff and consultants on assigned projects and check completed work including reports, engineering designs, and completeness of construction work and inspections.

• Participate in the selection of consultants, negotiates fees, drafts agreements, outline project objectives and City requirements, administers related contracts, and reviews and approves engineering designs.

• Conduct field reviews and inspections of proposed, underway, and completed projects.

• Review and prepare land development plans, construction documents, encroachment permit applications, Landscape Assessment District and transportation project designs as assigned; check plans for accuracy, suitability, and completeness and make recommendations for revision and improvement.

• Develop conditions for development projects and other applications; work collaboratively with planning and building functions; review work of subordinate engineers for completeness and accuracy; develop recommendations for consideration within the development review process.

• Prepare, monitor, service and administer grants and other competitive regional special funding; secure funding; negotiate and oversee consulting and construction service contracts; and conduct field inspections; ensure project related information is received by appropriate staff, public or agency in a timely manner.

• Resolve the most complex customer service issues related to engineering issues.

• Answer questions and provide information to the public; investigate complaints and recommend corrective action as necessary to resolve complaints.

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City Employees, and the public using principles of good customer service.

• Prepare reports for, attend, and make presentations for City Council, Planning Commission, and other public and private groups.

• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

Ideal Candidate:

The ideal candidate is a self-driven professional that enjoys working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment. We are looking for a candidate that is highly skilled and well-versed in municipal engineering with the ability to translate the needs and requirements of the City into land development engineering and permits related applications with communication skills and confidence to navigate high profile discussions with management, legal counsel, and property owners as the main representative of the public works department. Further, the ideal candidate will be an experienced engineer, with proven problem solving and interpersonal skills who enjoys leading and mentoring team members, working closely with colleagues in other departments, and is committed to excellent customer service.

Training and Experience:

Any combination equivalent to education and experience is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: Equivalent to a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major course work in civil engineering, traffic engineering, or a related field. Master's degree in an applicable field is desirable.

Experience: Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in professional engineering, including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California Class C drivers' license and Certificate of Automobile Insurance for Personal Liability.

• Possession of a current certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer with the State of California.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of professional engineering related to assigned function, which may include public works and utilities, land development, construction, traffic engineering, and associated capital improvement projects.

• Modern land development options, Subdivision Map Act, and the urban planning process related to land development.

• Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations, and laws, codes, ordinances, City functions, policies, rules and regulations.

• Principles and practices of safety management.

• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.

• Methods and techniques of mapping as related to engineering functions.

• Modern office procedures, computer equipment, and software applications for word processing, budget preparation and monitoring, project cost management, geographic information systems, scheduling, and software related to specific department operations.

• Principles and practices of research analysis and management.

• Budgeting procedures and techniques.

Ability To:

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.

• Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.

• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for assigned engineering programs.

• Prepare, administer, and manage project budgets.

• Manage and participate in complex engineering projects; evaluate alternatives; make sound recommendations and prepare effective technical reports.

• Negotiate scopes of work and contracts including planning studies, design contracts, maintenance contracts, procurement of materials/equipment, performance guarantees, and construction contract change orders.

• Conduct independent project engineering.

• Select and manage the work of consulting, engineering, and contracting firms.

• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.

• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies; community groups; various business, professional, and regulatory organizations; and in meetings with individuals.

• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.

• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

• 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.

Other Necessary Requirements

The physical standards described 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.

An employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; talk or hear, in person, in meetings and by telephone; use hands and fingers to handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to bend and twist to reach files, walk and stand. While performing duties, the employee is regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, construction and design plans, information and documents; operate a computer; operate an automobile to visit project site and move across rough terrain and bridge scaffolding to review construction sites prior to final

completion; analyze and solve problems; interact with City management, other governmental officials, contractors, vendors, employees and the public.