Principal Civil Engineer

About the role

The Engineering Division provides project and program support of activities primarily in the public right-of-way. The projects generally include public infrastructure such as roads, streets, bridges, signals and lighting, and stormwater facilities. The new Principal Civil Engineer will have the opportunity to work on a variety of transportation related projects and programs.

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, 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;
• Manage the city’s storm drainage program; oversee capital improvement projects related to enhancing drainage; coordinate and prepare the city for storm response; and, supervise technical and maintenance staff involved in the drainage area.
• Manage the city’s traffic signal and street light operations; oversee capital improvement projects related to traffic systems; oversee related maintenance operations.
• 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.

Requirements

• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of professional engineering related to assigned function, which may include public works and utilities, traffic engineering, and associated capital improvement projects.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of land use development, traffic and lighting design, pavement management, drainage, public infrastructure and construction inspection processes.
• Knowledge of: Modern land development options; Subdivision Map Act, and the urban planning process related to land development.
• Knowledge of: Pertinent local, State, Federal rules, regulations, and laws, codes, ordinances, City functions, policies, rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of safety management.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Knowledge of: Methods and techniques of mapping as related to engineering functions.
• Knowledge of: Mathematic principles of algebra, geometry, calculus, and trigonometry as related to engineering functions.
• Knowledge of: Modern office procedures and computer equipment and software such as AutoCAD, GPS, GIS, ArcView, ArcInfo and software related to specific department operations.
• Knowledge of: Principles and practices of research analysis and management.
• Knowledge of: Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Ability to: Organize, implement and direct section activities related to assigned function, which may include public works, utilities, traffic and associated capital improvement projects.
• Ability to: Analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policy and procedure.
• Ability to: Interpret and explain pertinent section and department policies and procedures.
• Ability to: Evaluate complex design and consulting work.
• Ability to: Analyze engineering and managerial problems and work out effective solutions.
• Ability to: Effectively present policy questions, alternatives and recommend solutions to department director or elected officials.
• Ability to: Listen and hear from citizens from different backgrounds and perspectives regarding concerns, issues and needs. Explain complex engineering requirements and problem solve actively with customers.
• Ability to: Communicate clearly and effectively to the public in small groups, workshops and formal meetings such as community, Commission, City Council or other public meetings/workshops.
• Ability to: Think creatively and look at alternative solutions in order to find compromise solutions that may benefit the greater good. Clearly articulate options and solutions to management and policy makers.
• Ability to: Project and analyze budget costs; research and write funding applications; understand and negotiate contracts; and manage project budgets during construction.
• Ability to: Assist in the development and monitoring of an assigned program budget.
• Ability to: Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operations.
• Ability to: Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to: Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Ability to: Attend public meetings in the evening to perform the requirements of the job.
• Ability to: Use principles of effective office safety including use of equipment in a proper and safe manner, use of preventative personal ergonomic techniques, and maintenance of safe housekeeping in personal and common workspaces.
• Ability to: Provide high quality, economical services to the Citrus Heights community, placing emphasis on responsive customer service.
• Ability to: Provide responsive customer service, meeting the needs in a timely, proactive, courteous, manner by delivering on promises and commitments beyond expectations.
• Ability to: Demonstrate a civic entrepreneurial spirit by generating new, innovative ideas and development of better methods to accomplish tasks and complete projects.
• Ability to: Foster an environment that embraces diversity, integrity, trust and respect.
• Ability to: Be an integral team player, which involves flexibility, cooperation and communication.
• Ability to: Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to: Operate a personal computer with proficiency and familiarity.

Qualifications

• Education: A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be: Five years of increasingly responsible experience in professional civil engineering, including two years of supervisory responsibility.
• Training: Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, traffic engineering, or a related field.
• Licenses/Certificates: Possession of, or ability to obtain, a California driver’s license. Possession of a current certificate of registration as a Professional Civil and/or Traffic Engineer with the State of California.

Benefits

The City offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave. The City’s First-class Benefits Include RETIREMENT- CalPERS retirement (employee pays full member contribution). Classic member 2.7% @ 55 (Employee pays 7.25%).