Engineer Sr. (Traffic)

Engineering Project Manager

This position is assigned to the Traffic Engineering specialized program area. Functions as a project manager over highly complex medium to large-scale public works projects. Manages multiple public works projects simultaneously and continuously, including short or long-term projects. Develops, prepares, establishes and implements project management plan, scope of work, work plans, schedules, and cost estimates to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, adhere to established plans, specifications and quality goals. Responsible for project planning, monitoring and tracking key project progress and performance measures, final developing reports, adjusting project plans and resources. Provides technical guidance and consultation and evaluates qualifications of engineering firms to determine the best qualified firms for providing professional services for a variety of projects.

Serves as the team leader, or team member, or field supervisor in an interdisciplinary group of professionals and technicians involved with project planning, environmental review, design, construction management, and production of project plans, specifications, and estimates as well as on-site inspections and field engineering. As such, the position supervises and provides technical direction to Engineers, Engineering Associates, and Engineering Inspector Specialists while assigning work, reviewing deliverables, providing mentoring and conducting performance evaluations.

Measures and monitors projects to identify variances from the work plan and initiates corrective action as needed. Manages county traffic program, including installation, maintenance and replacement of traffic control devices, signs, pavement markings and roadside safety barriers, in accordance with the Texas Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Responds to resident inquiries and concerns regarding traffic safety, signage and roadway conditions, conducts engineering studies to evaluate requests and recommends appropriate solutions. Reviews traffic impact analysis for development projects, scopes study requirements, negotiates mitigation measures and coordinates with developers, consultants and external agencies.

Performs all work using appropriate safety procedures.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is the third in a series of three engineering-related job classifications within the Engineering and Architectural job family. This classification is distinguished by the scope size of project management duties and responsibilities, license as a Professional Engineer (P.E.), and required additional supervisory experience. This classification may require a flexible work schedule in order to meet the needs of the department.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Functions as project manager and leads on highly complex public works projects. Manages multiple, highly complex projects and/or staff simultaneously, using established plans and specifications. Manages major engineering, planning and operations functions. Leads or participates in selection of consultants for professional services and in the evaluation of consultant performance.
• Develops, maintains and communicates project planning documentation, including project designs, specifications, schedules and budget estimates. Prepares detailed preliminary engineering designs which include engineering drawings, schedules and estimates, planning and design of roadways, structures and parks, including hydraulic designs, traffic control, storm water management and water quality, environmental issues, various land surveys and utility relocations. Leads and facilitates in providing training and design guidance to staff. May provide expert testimony in condemnations and tort claims. Prepares final engineering design.
• Functions as construction manager or contract administrator or oversees consultant construction administrator contract on public works projects. Develops construction specifications, bid items, construction schedules and project cost estimates, reviews and approves pay requests/invoices/change orders, monitors quality assurance, prepares design and cost estimates, negotiates cost with contractors, inspects work in progress, interprets plans for contractors, reviews shop drawings and material testing reports and recommends final acceptance of project. Evaluates and documents consultant and contractor performance during design, construction and warranty phases of project.
• Reviews and interprets County development regulations for general public and professional consultants. Reviews for compliance with appropriate engineering standards, subdivision plats and construction plans prepared by outside consultants. Reviews cost estimates for Private Development Projects to ensure developers are paying adequate review, inspection and fiscal and bonding fees.
• Assists with planning public works projects. Develops scope of public works projects, project schedules and budgets. Conducts feasibility research studies and analysis of site, ownership, required permits and available utilities.
• Prepares a variety of engineering research and administrative materials, and develops correspondence, records, memorandums and complex reports, attends meetings and training sessions, prepares court agenda packet, supports policy makers by participation as a technical advisor, and assists in preparation of annual work plan.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience: Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering AND four (4) years of directly related, increasingly responsible professional engineering design and project management experience as a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), including two (2) years of lead, supervisory, management and/or project management experience. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications, or Special Requirements: Licensed to practice as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas issued by the Texas Board of Professional Engineers. If licensed as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in another state, must become licensed in the State of Texas within six (6) months of date of hire. Valid Texas Driver's License. Preferred: Advanced training in Project Management. Experience in Program Management Knowledge of:

• Project planning, including scope development and budgetary.
• Project management methodologies, practices and techniques.
• Principles, procedures, practices, programs, systems, methods and techniques of engineering.
• Advanced mathematical and statistical methods as used in engineering and planning.
• Principles of project management, including scheduling, estimating, measuring and monitoring.
• Supervisory and management principles, practices and techniques.
• Federal, State, Local and County applicable laws, rules, regulations, permits, licenses, practices, standards, policies and procedures.
• Recent developments and current literature regarding engineering.
• Methods, practices, and techniques of inspections, compliance and enforcement.
• Computer equipment to include word processing, presentations, spreadsheets, databases, maps, records, graphics, project scheduling and management, and other related engineering applications.
• Business letter writing, grammar and punctuation, and report preparation.

Skill in:

• Planning and directing a variety of engineering projects.
• Contract management, project management and project budgeting.
• Managing staff, allocating resources and evaluating programs.
• Leadership, collaboration and negotiation techniques.
• Analyzing complex data, technical engineering data and reports.
• Supervisory principles, practices and techniques.
• Applying principles and practices as used in engineering.
• Adapting approved engineering methods and standards a variety of engineering projects.
• Using and caring for equipment, tools and testing materials.
• Using and caring for computer-aided design and drafting (CADD), Geographic Information System (GIS) and other related electronic equipment.
• Explaining complicated technical problems in simple non-technical language.
• Problem-solving and technical decision-making for developing effective solutions.
• Both verbal and written communication, including presentations and communicating technical issues in non-technical language.

Ability to:

• Coordinate, plan and prioritize programs, projects and activities.
• Plan, assign, supervise, train and review the work of professional and technical subordinates.
• Convey complex ideas and concepts verbally and in writing.
• Interpret plans and specifications, standards, policies, procedures and regulatory codes.
• Perform complex engineering studies, analysis and design.
• Perform technical research, calculations, and computations, and prepare plans and reports.
• Manage time well, perform multiple tasks and organize diverse activities.
• Work independently.
• Respond to inquiries from customers, regulatory agencies or members of the professional community.
• Perform in a stressful environment while maintaining a professional manner.
• Make appropriate and effective public presentations.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with County employees and officials, developers, engineers, contractors, representatives of outside agencies, and the general public.

Work Environment & Other Information

Physical requirements include the ability to lift/carry up to 10-60 pounds occasionally, visual acuity, mental effort, speech and hearing, hand and eye coordination and manual dexterity necessary to operate a computer, and viewing screens for long periods. Subject to standing, sitting, walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, kneeling, pushing, pulling, reaching, twisting, balancing, driving, repetitive motion, and client/customer contact to perform the essential functions. Subject to contact with noise, vibration, fumes, foul odor, dirt, dust, mist, gases, and poor ventilation. Requires use of protective devices