Principal Civil Engineer

Essential Job Functions

• Reviews designs, plans, specifications, estimates, and right-of-way matters for new road and bridge construction projects.
• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations and activities of various engineering divisions, programs, and projects within the Department of Public Works as assigned.
• Affords assistance in developing and directing the implementation of assigned goals, objectives, work standards, and policies and procedures.
• Participates in developing, administering, and controlling assigned budgets including the CIP budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; oversees grants submittals and preparation and submission of grant reports; monitors revenues and expenditures; recommends budget adjustments.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns; works with department management and staff to build and maintain a high performing team environment.
• Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures of assigned programs and projects; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Serves as a subject matter expert in engineering; researches trends and emerging technologies and advancements to develop standards, methods, criteria, guidelines, policies, procedures, and/or plans related to engineering.
• Manages capital improvement project planning activities; manages large, complex capital improvement projects through all phases including planning, design, construction and implementation, and close-out; leads project teams in the execution of projects; develops work plans including, scope of work, budget, schedules, and baseline requirements; reviews and approves preliminary and final drawings, plans, and specifications for compliance with County and engineering standards.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates and manages contracts; supervises contractor performance to ensure compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
• Supervises engineering studies, investigations, and analyses; reviews and approves engineering calculations; researches, collects, and analyzes engineering data, statistics, and surveys.
• Supervises the review and approval of project alternatives considering financial, operational, maintenance, property/right-of-way, and constructability factors; directs and conducts analyses and studies and evaluates results to determine project-specific requirements and parameters.
• Supervises the preparation of engineering designs, specifications, drawings, sketches, and other supporting documentation; reviews, comments on, and approves drawings, plans, and other work submitted by staff and external consultants, contractors, and developers; approves or adds engineering conditions and changes.
• Reviews, and approves design changes, submittals, and requests for information from staff and contractors, interprets contract documents, and negotiates and approves change orders and claims.
• Collaborates with construction and maintenance management to plan CIP, construction, and maintenance projects based on evaluations.
• Responds to emergency claims and repairs related to natural disasters.
• Directs the organization and maintenance of accurate and detailed databases, files, and records.
• Develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering programs, projects, and activities; presents information to the Board of Supervisors, the public, and various commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
• Attends and presents at meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, technologies, and new developments in the field of engineering; participates on a variety of committees, professional groups, and task forces.
• Responds to and resolves various issues with residents, other department representatives, and outside agencies in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• May supervise surveying services; may oversee and administer Permanent Road Divisions, County Service Areas, and related districts within the County.

Minimum Qualifications

• Knowledge of:
• Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Principles and practices of leadership.
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Principles and practices of budget and contract management.
• Principles, practices, concepts, and standards of civil and/or transportation engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of public works and private development projects.
• Principles and practices of project management.
• County procedures for steering capital improvement program projects from inception to approval.
• Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
• Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
• Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned functional area.
• Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
• 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.
• Afford assistance in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for all engineering programs, projects, and activities.
• Prepare and administer complex budgets and contracts; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Manage and monitor complex projects on-time and within budget.
• Convey technical ideas and information in a clear and concise manner.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Respond to and investigate inquires and complaints and prepare an appropriate response.
• Gather, assemble, and analyze data and make sound recommendations for engineering activities.
• Conduct research, analyze, and interpret data, draw conclusions, and summarize and present information.