Engineering Director

Engineering Director

The Engineering Director plans, organizes, directs, and administers programs of the Engineering Department, including Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), Land Development, Traffic Engineering, Sewer and Stormwater Utilities Divisions and other engineering related programs and functions; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, outside agencies, and the general public; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the City Manager; performs the duties of City Engineer; participates as a member of executive management team; and performs related work as required.

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Plans, organizes, directs and administers engineering programs, including engineering, field operations related to sewer lines, storm drains, streets and other capital improvements, and building plan check and field inspection services.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Negotiates and administers engineering related services provided through contract with outside vendors and firms.
• Analyzes community needs and develops programs in accordance with established City policy and available resources.
• Practices professional engineering on behalf of the City, signs engineering plans and acts as expert witness on engineering matters.
• Reviews construction costs and prepares studies on financing of projects.
• Confers and coordinates with governmental agencies and private organizations on engineering matters.
• Directs preparation of and administers the Department budget.
• Develops and administers service contracts associated with construction projects and public improvements in the public right of way.
• Prepares applications and oversees implementation and reporting of funding for engineering projects.
• Formulates plans for capital improvements; reviews plans, specifications, estimates and contracts for engineering projects.
• Analyzes and recommends the acceptance of bids received on projects.
• Serves as technical and professional advisor and provides staff support to City Council and Council appointed commissions and committees.
• Monitors issuance of construction, excavation, encroachment, and other permits.
• Prepares amendments and additions to the municipal engineering regulations as required.
• Maintains maps, records, and files related to engineering.
• Meets and confers with groups and organizations concerning engineering issues and services.
• Processes and adjusts department employee grievances; explains policies, procedures and objectives of the unit to staff.
• Conducts staff meetings and develops staff development programs.
• Conducts studies and investigations, preparing reports of findings and recommendations.
• Attends meetings, conferences and seminars.
• Operates City vehicles.

The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, who has successfully managed Capital Improvement projects, has a great depth of knowledge in construction, and can manage relationships with outside Contractors. The Engineering Director position requires a leader who can, not only, keep projects on task but also partner with Contractors to make sure issues are addressed to ensure top quality in construction. The selected candidate will be a strategic leader and planner who can work with City Council, staff, the business community, and other key stakeholders improve the quality of life for all City residents.

Key attributes and characteristics:

• An active problem solver who anticipates and responds to problems in a timely manner, develops alternative solutions, and can bring timely resolution to issues, involving others as needed.
• Manages tough conversations with professionalism to all stakeholders including the community.
• Team-oriented with a track record of providing outstanding service to internal and external customers.
• A communicative leader with the highest integrity, character, and ethics.
• Strong administrative acumen, with the ability to carefully evaluate and improve the Department's efficiency, effectiveness, and practices.
• A relationship builder who cultivates and provides positive and personal leadership, and creates productive partnerships with staff, management, organized labor, external agencies, and other stakeholders.
• A manager that encourages open dialogue, new ideas, and is flexible.

The City of Vista is located just seven miles inland from the Pacific Ocean in northern San Diego County, with a perfect mild Mediterranean climate. Residents enjoy a wide range of year-round outdoor activities in a setting of gentle rolling hills and pleasant rural surroundings. Vista is approximately 19 square miles with a population of over 99,000. The City's centralized location provides quick accessibility to the ocean, the mountains, and famous attractions such as LEGOLAND, the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, Sea World and Disneyland. Vista is home to the Wave Waterpark and the Moonlight Amphitheatre, an open-air theater, which draws thousands of Southern Californians each year to experience award-winning productions.