City Engineer

About the role

The City Engineer provides strategic leadership for the Engineering Division within the Public Works Department, overseeing a broad portfolio that includes capital delivery, transportation, stormwater and wastewater planning, development engineering, surveying, GIS, and infrastructure policy. As a key member of the Public Works leadership team, the City Engineer works closely with the Executive Director to establish organizational priorities, guide long-range infrastructure investments, and ensure the City's engineering programs support Eugene's long-term community vision and growth.

Responsibilities

• Directing the planning, design, funding, and implementation of the City's capital improvement program while ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations
• Overseeing infrastructure master planning, systems development charge programs, development review, and major policy initiatives that shape the community's transportation and public infrastructure systems
• Serving as the City's principal engineering advisor to the City Manager, City Council, advisory committees, and regional partners on complex engineering, capital investment, and public policy matters
• Leading a diverse team of professional, technical, and administrative staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture focused on innovation, accountability, and exceptional public service
• Organizational leadership, workforce development, budget oversight, operational excellence, and continuous improvement
• Building strong partnerships across City departments, regional agencies, developers, and the community
• Balancing immediate operational needs with long-range infrastructure priorities, using sound judgment to navigate competing interests and make timely, well-informed decisions
• Providing stability, consistency, and clear direction during organizational transition, building confidence through transparency, thoughtful communication, and decisive leadership
• Seeking to understand before acting, communicating the "why" behind decisions, and fostering trust through a calm, dependable approach
• Working collaboratively across Engineering, Public Works, and the organization to advance shared priorities
• Establishing strong partnerships with executive leadership, elected officials, regional agencies, developers, businesses, and community stakeholders
• Developing and supporting the talented professionals around the team, building trust through accessibility and follow-through, empowering employees while maintaining clear expectations and accountability

Qualifications

• At least eight years of professional civil engineering leadership experience, including at least three years of experience administering engineering programs and managing and leading professional-level staff
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex public infrastructure initiatives
• Experience overseeing multidisciplinary engineering functions, capital improvement programs, development review, transportation, utility infrastructure, and long-range planning (highly desirable)
• Strong understanding of asset management, financial stewardship, and regulatory compliance
• Ability to strategically align infrastructure investment with the City's goals for economic development, housing, mobility, and sustainable community growth
• Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or closely related field
• Certificate of registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Oregon, or the ability to obtain by reciprocity
• Any combination of experience and training that is likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities qualifies

Compensation and Benefits

Salary range: $145,953 - $196,996. The City of Eugene offers programs, resources, and benefits designed to support employees both professionally and personally. For more information about benefits, visit: Benefits at a Glance.