Senior Engineer

St. Johns County residents enjoy a healthy quality of life with many perks including one of the top-rated public school systems in the State of Florida, miles of beach shoreline, peaceful estuary scenery of the St. Johns River, long-established agriculture and equestrian scene, and the nation’s oldest city, historic St. Augustine. In 2019, St. Johns County was ranked the 10th fastest-growing county in the United States, showcasing that there is truly something for everyone in St. Johns County.

About the role

The St. Johns County Utility Department is responsible for maintaining 65,000+ service connections across the entire county, consisting of both Potable and Reuse Water. This position performs advanced-level technical engineering work throughout St. Johns County in a team-oriented environment with the goals of providing the best services to citizens and being the best public utility in North Florida. The work consists of varied advanced engineering duties under strict regulations and guidelines, supporting the department’s engineering development process.

Responsibilities

• Consults with assigned staff to review work requirements and status, develops solutions to common issues, and provides direction, advice, and technical expertise.
• Meets with directors and other officials to review activities, provide recommendations, resolve problems, and receive advice/direction.
• Coordinates work activities with other County departments, contractors, consultants, outside agencies, or others as needed.
• Assists in the review, permitting, and inspection of new construction; assists with the review of plans for improvement projects; manages construction projects; and prepares project construction schedules.
• Coordinates procurement of equipment and contracted services; researches new products, systems, and materials; obtains pricing from contractors and suppliers; prepares specifications for materials, equipment, and services; writes, prepares, and reviews bid documents/specifications; recommends award of contracts; ensures contract compliance.
• Compiles or monitors various administrative and statistical data pertaining to departmental operations; performs research as needed; analyzes data and identifies trends; prepares or generates reports; maintains records.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, operational and regulatory reports, change orders, specifications, permit applications, budget documents, performance appraisals, agenda items, and other documents.
• Receives, reviews, prepares, and/or completes engineering drawings, maps, plans, contract documents, blueprints, and reference materials; forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Responds to complaints and questions related to department operations; provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
• Attends County Commission meetings or other meetings; serves on committees as needed; presents information and presentations to community and other outside customer groups.
• Maintains current knowledge of applicable laws/regulations, awareness of new trends and advances in the profession; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends workshops and training sessions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Electrical, Civil Engineering, or closely related field.
• State of Florida Professional Engineering (PE) Certification (must possess and maintain).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of experience in electrical or civil engineering, specifically pertaining to utilities.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience managing complex design and construction projects.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from Project Management Institute, Inc. or equivalent (must possess and maintain).
• Valid Florida driver’s license and any other endorsements necessary to legally operate vehicles used for this position.
• Ability to operate a computer.

Skills

• Advanced knowledge of engineering and construction principles, practices, methods, and techniques relevant to planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance projects.
• Advanced knowledge of rules, regulations, procedures, and reporting requirements relevant to the operations and maintenance required by the Department or field of expertise.
• Advanced knowledge of design standards for infrastructure, results of AutoCAD plans and Profile Drawings, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and modeling.
• Skill in conducting field inspections for engineering compliance as specified in County, State, and Federal codes, ordinances, resolutions, regulations, standards, specifications, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to create and convey presentations in a clear, accurate, and concise manner.
• Ability to prepare and complete accurate and thorough written records and reports.
• Ability to read and understand plans and specifications and determine engineering compliance as specified in County, State, and Federal codes.
• Ability to effectively communicate and maintain harmonious relationships with administrative superiors, employees, other County departments, contractors, engineers, utility companies, vendors, outside agencies, the public, and other involved individuals.

Environmental Demands

• Working conditions may include exposure to outdoor weather, field conditions, warehouses, garages, extreme noises, odors, heights, and/or dust.
• Physical activity may include sitting, walking, lifting heavy objects up to 25 lbs, kneeling, crouching, reaching, or standing.

Career Advancement

The Utility Department offers a Career Path Program for this position. To advance to Chief Engineer, the following must be met:

• Possession of the Professional Engineering (PE) Certificate.
• Twelve (12) years of experience in electrical or civil engineering, or closely related engineering field.
• Four (4) years of experience managing complex design and construction projects.
• Two (2) years of experience supervising engineering and construction staff.
• Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification from Project Management Institute, Inc. or equivalent.
• Internal County candidates must receive a recommendation from the Department Director.

Pay

Salary range: $85,571.20 - $114,296.00.

Location: 1205 Florida 16, St. Augustine, FL 32084.