Senior Civil Engineer

Position Overview

The Senior Civil Engineer leads the planning, analysis, design, and production of complex civil engineering projects for the Office of the County Engineer’s in‑house design program. This role applies advanced engineering judgment to deliver safe, accurate, cost‑effective, constructible, and code‑compliant infrastructure solutions, including roadway and site development, grading, hydrology and hydraulics, stormwater management, drainage systems, utilities, and other public improvements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and perform planning, analysis, and detailed civil engineering design for drainage, stormwater, roadway, utility, site development, and other public infrastructure projects.
• Conduct hydrologic and hydraulic modeling for storm sewer systems, culverts, channels, detention facilities, outfalls, and related drainage infrastructure.
• Develop construction plans, profiles, cross‑sections, grading plans, drainage plans, details, 3D models, and other technical documents using appropriate CAD and civil engineering software.
• Prepare and review engineering calculations, H&H reports, design reports, technical memoranda, quantity and cost estimates, specifications, and supporting documentation for permitting and construction.
• Perform grading design, cut‑and‑fill analysis, earthwork calculations, erosion and sediment control design, and stormwater pollution prevention planning.
• Review and interpret survey data, utility information, record drawings, geotechnical reports, drainage studies, and environmental information required for design development.
• Review and check designs, calculations, plans, and technical documents prepared by junior engineers, designers, consultants, and CAD technicians for accuracy, constructability, and compliance.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary design activities with project managers, surveyors, structural engineers, architects, geotechnical engineers, environmental staff, utility coordinators, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Conduct field investigations and site visits to verify conditions, identify constraints, evaluate drainage and infrastructure concerns, and support engineering recommendations.
• Prepare and support development of project specifications, bid documents, engineer’s estimates, and other procurement and construction documents for capital improvement projects.
• Provide engineering support during construction, including response to RFIs, submittals, design clarifications, field conditions, and proposed design changes.
• Ensure compliance with OCE and Harris County criteria, HCFCD requirements, TxDOT standards, local AHJ requirements, and applicable state and federal regulations.
• Serve as an internal Subject Matter Expert for hydrology, hydraulics, drainage, and stormwater infrastructure, offering technical guidance to OCE clients and County departments.
• Mentor and guide junior engineers, designers, CAD technicians, and other technical staff.
• Develop project scopes, schedules, technical approaches, resource requirements, and level‑of‑effort estimates for assigned tasks.
• Prepare and present project updates, analyses, recommendations, and technical findings to management, project teams, County departments, precinct representatives, regulatory agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Maintain proficiency in engineering software, design standards, regulations, and emerging technologies; identify opportunities to improve design quality and efficiency.
• Support disaster response, emergency operations, and post‑event infrastructure assessments, including drainage, outfall, roadway, and related incidents.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, hydraulics and hydrology, or a related field.
• Professional Engineer (PE) licensure in the State of Texas.
• Valid Texas driver’s license upon hire.
• Seven (7) years of progressive civil engineering experience in related fields, including leading design tasks and coordinating multidisciplinary teams.
• Exceptional organizational skills and ability to prioritize tasks independently with minimal oversight.
• In‑depth knowledge of hydraulic and hydrologic design methods and related software (e.g., SWMM, HY‑8).
• Flexibility to accommodate shifting priorities, demands, and schedules.
• Ability to drive a county vehicle to job sites as needed.

Preferences

• Master’s degree in civil engineering or a related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressive civil engineering experience in related fields.
• Additional knowledge, skills, and abilities that enhance performance in the role.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Wellness programs.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 457 deferred compensation plans.
• Retirement pension (TCDRS).
• Transportation assistance (Metro Ride Sponsor Program).
• Disability and life insurance.
• Eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.

Schedule

Full‑Time | Regular | 40 hours per week. May require early mornings, late evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on project workload.

Pay

Salary commensurate with experience, based on 26 pay periods.

Physical Demands

Primarily office, meeting, or command‑center work with occasional fieldwork. Must be able to bend, stoop, lift up to 50 lb, and perform frequent walking, standing, sitting, reaching, and stair navigation. Exposure to indoor and outdoor conditions, moving vehicles, mechanical parts, heat, and chemicals is possible. Extended work hours may be required during disaster recovery operations.

Emergency Deployment & Continuity of Operations

Subject to Harris County’s Continuity of Operations Plan. May be designated to support a Mission Essential Function, requiring availability for temporary deployment, alternative work locations, or telework during emergencies, and flexibility to assume alternative duties as directed.