Principal Engineer (Temporary/Hourly)

Job Summary

Plans, organizes, directs, assigns, manages, and coordinates the work of an engineering section within the Public Works & Utilities Department; directs and coordinates the work of engineering and construction consultants in the design and construction of major public works projects and other projects; applies for, administers, and manages project funding grants; and provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Assistant Director of Public Works & Utilities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This job class functions at a program/project management level and is responsible for the effective administration of assigned engineering areas as well as for providing general assistance in the administration of the Public Works & Utilities Department.

Examples of Duties

• Plans, organizes, assigns, manages, and evaluates the activities of an engineering section within the Public Works & Utilities Department; clarifies roles and responsibilities of staff in meeting an engineering division's goals and facilitates goal setting, scheduling and monitoring of public works projects.

• Analyzes complex issues and problems related to areas of responsibility, evaluates alternatives, and develops and recommends effective courses of action.

• Participates in the development, planning, financing, design, administration, and construction of significant and complex public works projects.

• Serves as project manager on the most complex public works construction projects and oversees staff assigned less complex projects; administers project from inception to completion including planning, design, review, public meetings, bidding and construction; develops scope of work; serves as liaison to City staff, developers, engineers, consultants, the general public and external agencies on proposed projects; develops project timelines and sets priorities; assigns work tasks and oversees the services of consultant staff.

• Prepares and reviews specialized technical studies, investigations, reports, contracts, specifications, documents, and correspondence related to division activities and operations and as required by laws, codes, and regulations.

• Reviews and evaluates private improvement plans for impact on public works projects; approves plans as appropriate; issues permits as necessary.

• Reviews, evaluates, and monitors commercial, industrial, subdivision, or other project development plans for specification compliance; recommends approval/denial.

• Prepares and reviews bid request packages; reviews received bids and makes recommendations; reviews contract change proposals.

• Reviews and directs the work of consulting engineers and surveyors; ensures conformance with City and state requirements; reviews progress payment requests and administers contract costs.

• Makes presentations and serves on a variety of committees to work with regulatory agencies, the public, elected officials, and other agencies.

• Serves as City Engineer as assigned.

• Makes presentations and serves on a variety of committees to work with regulatory agencies, the public, elected officials, and other agencies.

• Serves as Assistant Director of Public Works and Utilities in their absence.

Knowledge

• Operational characteristics, services and activities of a comprehensive engineering program.

• Principles and techniques of supervision including staffing, employee development, and planning and organizing work.

• Principles and practices of civil engineering and construction including the design, specification, and estimating of projects related to public works.

• Advanced principles and practices of project management and administration including budget, schedule, and scope control.

• Advanced knowledge and implementation of public contracting codes and contract administration.

• Advanced methods and techniques of engineering plan review and analysis.

• Priorities and practices of business correspondence and technical report writing.

• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications as needed to perform engineering duties.

• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations.

Ability

• To plan, organize, coordinate, and manage an engineering team including the supervision of professional engineering and technical assistance staff.

• To serve as project manager on Capital Improvement Projects.

• To conduct thorough technical engineering research work.

• To prepare engineering plans, designs, estimates, and specifications for a variety of public works projects.

• To perform engineering computations and calculations.

• To interpret, apply, and ensure compliance with pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

• To manage deviations from plans and mitigate impacts to cost, quality, schedule, and budget.

• To prepare comprehensive technical reports and correspondence.

• To formulate, evaluate, and make recommendations on policies and procedures affecting the provision of public works services.

• To review and evaluate technical engineering and maintenance information, reports, and recommendations.

• To deal tactfully and courteously with the public, contractors, engineers, and representatives of other agencies in providing professional engineering information and assistance.

• To make effective presentations to elected officials, the public, city executives, businesses, and other agencies.

• To operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.

• To communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.

• To establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.