Deputy Chief Engineer, Bridges & Structures

Position Summary

Leads Structural Engineering services for the City of Pittsburgh in the construction, maintenance, and operation of transportation infrastructure. Supervises the Bridges & Structures (engineering) Division and Bridge Maintenance Division within the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure. The position reports directly to the Chief Engineer and may serve as Acting Chief Engineer.

About the Role

The position advises the Chief Engineer and Director on sustainable, innovative, and forward-leaning strategies to improve, maintain, and operate these assets to the highest benefit of the people of Pittsburgh and the region, and builds capacity of the Department and team members supervised.

Responsibilities

• Provides visible, visionary, and proactive leadership to engineering staff and local professionals.
  • Areas of responsibility include bridges, steps, retaining walls, landslides, and other miscellaneous structures located within the right-of-way.
  • May also take on projects involving these structural assets on city-owned land outside of the right-of-way as needed or directed.
• Supervises the development of engineering plans, specifications, calculations, and cost estimates for major bridge and structural projects.
  • Plans, organizes, directs, and is responsible for the performance of civil engineering functions in the public right-of-way related to city-owned structural assets.
  • Captures and coordinates the planning for the engineering design and/or construction management of several multi-disciplined Capital projects; ensures that all work is performed in accordance with established policies, procedures, rules, and regulations, and schedules.
• Supervises assigned personnel; evaluates work; recommends and implements approved disciplinary and/or corrective action; provides training and/or technical assistance as requested or required.
  • Reviews and approves plans and specifications for proposed projects; prepares reports and recommendations to superiors; seals plans and approves contracts for construction and major maintenance projects.
  • Oversees the development and maintenance of engineering standards and specifications.
  • Prepares reports on the status and costs of major structure projects.
  • Reviews and makes recommendations for Request for Qualifications (RFQs) and Request for Proposals (RFPs) for major structure projects.
  • Administers contracts for construction projects and reviews payment vouchers submitted by engineering and construction firms; ensures payment requests reflect completed work according to contract specifications.
  • Ensures that work on each project is performed in accordance with the contract document, including work schedules and budget, and that all provisions of the agreement are fulfilled.
  • Monitors work in progress and determines the appropriateness of engineering changes, contract amendments, and related costs, recommending approval or modification as needed.
• Plans, assigns, directs, and evaluates the work performed by subordinate staff personnel.
  • Provides technical information on engineering projects at hearings and legal proceedings.
  • Researches new materials, techniques, and software for use in engineering projects.
  • Coordinates with other city departments, government officials, and other stakeholders to determine project scope and program requirements of major structure projects.
  • Enforces quality control procedures for both design and construction.
  • Assists in resolving problems that arise during construction.
• Develops and/or improves internal and external processes to improve project design and delivery, document management, work product tracking and management, and other process improvements as necessary.
  • Advises development of Capital and Operating Plans, relative to capital construction projects and services.
  • Collaborates across Department Bureaus, city agencies, and with internal and external stakeholders to improve engineering outcomes relative to needs to be addressed.
  • Meets with citizens and developers to discuss City codes and regulations, resolve concerns, and coordinate operations.
  • Collaborates with, coordinates with, and reports to partner agencies and entities (PennDOT, URA, County, State, Federal Agencies, and others).
  • Pursues Federal, State, County, and other funding for transportation projects.
  • Plans, develops, directs, coordinates, organizes, and controls the materials, equipment, and personnel under jurisdiction toward the effective, efficient, and economical attainment of program goals, including maximum convenience to the public and safety of employees.
  • Manages area of responsibility in strict accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established policy, including union agreements, to ensure fair and standardized treatment of employees.
  • Performs activities and functions of related personnel as assigned or required.

Requirements

• General Application Requirements: You must submit or show proof of all the following at the time of application (unless otherwise indicated below), or your application will be disqualified. Disqualifications based on any of these General Application Requirements are not subject to a Civil Service appeal. Applicants must submit a complete application, including education, work experience, a resume (if applicable), and completed supplemental questions. Applicants must become residents of the City of Pittsburgh prior to employment and remain a resident throughout employment. Click here to view a map of City of Pittsburgh neighborhoods. A current, valid Pennsylvania Class C Driver's License is required prior to appointment and must be maintained throughout employment. Written requests for accommodation based on the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act will be considered by the Department of Human Resources & Civil Service on an individual basis. Applicant must possess current certification as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a state granting reciprocity.
• Qualifying Requirements: The application must clearly show a minimum of nine (9) years of full-time experience as a Professional Engineer (PE), at least three (3) of which must have been in a supervisory position and at least four (4) years as a design and/or resident engineer on major construction projects. (Less than full-time experience will be calculated on a pro-rated basis.) The application must clearly show a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Current certification as a Professional Engineer in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, or a state granting reciprocity, is required. A Master's Degree from a fully accredited institution in Civil Engineering and/or Urban Planning or Design is preferred. (See NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)
• EQUIVALENCY: Education/training and/or work experience may be substituted on a year-for-year basis if the application clearly shows the required number of years to meet the Total Qualifying Requirement for this position, based on the sum of work experience and education/training listed above. The Total Qualifying Requirement is thirteen (13) years. (See NOTE under General Application Requirements regarding education/training verification.)
• CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS: If you meet the qualifying requirements listed above, you will receive a letter of admission (when applicable) for the following examination(s). You must pass the written and/or performance examination(s) to have your name placed on the official Civil Service eligibility list for this position. Candidates receiving job offers must pass a medical examination (when applicable) before the date of hire.