Assistant Director, County Engineer - Public Works

Engineering Department Manager

Dona Ana County

Salary: $100,526.40 - $182,644.80 Annually

Location: 845 North Motel Boulevard, Las Cruces, NM

Closing Date: Continuous

This position will be open until filled. You must ensure your application reflects the correct and current information for your work experience, hours worked per week per position, education, personal information, etc. Only the information provided on this application is evaluated when determining compensation.

**$20,000 Sign-on Bonus, and $20,000 after completing one-year probationary period

Job Description

Purpose Summary: Direct, manage, and oversee the functions and activities of the Engineering department.

Essential Duties:

1. Strategic Leadership and Planning

Oversee long-range planning for the Engineering department.

Analyze and coordinate strategies, policies, and procedures for Engineering operations.

Assist with the development of the department's strategic plan; track and report on progress toward strategic goals.

Provide input to senior staff on improving services and operational efficiency.

Participate in county-wide management team discussions and initiatives.

Provide written and oral presentations to internal and external stakeholders.

2. Budget and Project Oversight

Monitor department budgets and expenditures; assist in determining budget and staffing needs and make recommendations for efficient use of department resources.

Gather and compile information to support future project planning and budgeting.

Coordinate and review the progress of road and special projects.

Plan, coordinate, and supervise compliance review, construction inspection, rights-of-way, and surveying activities.

Prepare drawings, plans, and specifications for bid solicitations.

3. Personnel and Department Management

Provide leadership and guidance to staff including assignment of work, training, supervision, and professional development.

Administer personnel policies and procedures; conduct interviews, performance evaluations, coaching, counseling, and disciplinary actions as needed.

Oversee performance management processes and ensure a healthy and safe work environment.

Promote a culture of continuous professional development and ensure employees maintain current certifications and pursue new, relevant credentials.

Establish and maintain succession planning processes to evaluate key positions and develop readiness plans.

4. Department Operations

Assist the Director in managing operational and procedural aspects of the department, including development of goals, policies, and procedures to ensure efficient delivery of services.

Conduct research, trend analysis, and produce statistical, regular, and ad hoc reports to support continuous improvement.

Assist in the development of short- and long-term plans to meet and maintain compliance standards for Flood Commission operations.

Oversee the department's capital project development, construction, and strategic planning components.

Attend meetings as a representative of the department.

5. Interagency and Public Coordination

Coordinate with other departments on projects of mutual concern.

Collaborate with federal, state, and local agencies to secure funding and support.

Respond to public inquiries and resolve complaints in a timely manner.

Proactively engage with residents, vendors, contractors, consultants, and elected officials to provide information and resolve concerns.

6. Technical and Field Operations

Manage surveys of county properties and rights-of-way.

Inspect construction and maintenance work on various projects.

Ensure familiarity with and adherence to all county and departmental policies.

Review and approve engineering plans, specifications, and reports requiring the seal of a licensed Professional Engineer.

Review and approve engineering work products.

7. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

Monitor and evaluate legislative and regulatory activity; recommend and implement changes to ensure compliance.

Ensure departmental operations meet or exceed all applicable federal and state regulations.

Maintain accurate and compliant records as required by law or policy.

Additional Duties: Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

A. Education. Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or related field.

B. Experience. Six (6) years of increasingly responsible full-time experience in engineering and surveying work including two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

C. Education/Experience substitution. N/A

D. Licenses/Certifications. Valid driver's license. Must maintain a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record in accordance with County policy. Must be licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE), in good standing, by the New Mexico Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors (NMBLPEPS) at the time of hire and maintain licensure throughout employment.

E. Other (e.g., post-offer medical exam, polygraph, background check, driver's license record, etc.). Must pass pre-employment background and driving record check.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required by the Position:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of civil and traffic engineering, hydrology, hydraulic design, surface water modeling, and surveying techniques.

Standards for construction, design, zoning, and land use regulations.

Federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures related to engineering and public infrastructure.

Engineering software applications including AutoCAD and data analysis tools.

Methods, materials, and operations related to public works, facilities maintenance, and wastewater management.

Principles of administration, organization, budgeting, cost control, project management, and program evaluation.

OSHA standards and relevant safety regulations.

Procedures for maintaining accurate records and preparing technical reports.

County geography and infrastructure, including Doa Ana County and surrounding areas.

Skill in:

Designing, reading, and interpreting blueprints, construction plans, schematics, and technical drawings.

Conducting engineering analysis and developing sound recommendations.

Utilizing engineering, project management, and data analysis software effectively.

Gathering, researching, plotting, and interpreting technical and geographic data.

Organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple complex projects and tasks.

Communicating clearly and effectively in both verbal and written formats, including technical writing and presentations.

Demonstrating leadership in supervision, staff development, motivation, and conflict resolution.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Ability to:

Interpret and apply complex laws, regulations, standards, and procedures.

Operate computers and office equipment with proficiency in relevant software applications.

Communicate and present technical and non-technical information clearly to various audiences, including the public and governing bodies.

Lead and manage multidisciplinary teams to achieve organizational objectives.

Coordinate interagency and departmental efforts to support shared initiatives.

Conduct field inspections and assess compliance and project progress.

Work independently and make informed decisions in a dynamic environment.

Implement continuous improvement strategies and accountability measures.

Compensation Range: $100,526.40 - $182,644.80 Doa Ana County is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. It is our policy to abide by all federal and state laws prohibiting employment discrimination on the basis of a person's race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, disability, serious medical condition, genetic information, ancestry, spousal affiliation, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other unlawful criteria, except where a reasonable Bona Fide Occupational Qualification exists.

Doa Ana County will make reasonable accommodation(s) for the known physical or mental limitations of an applicant with a disability, upon request, unless the accommodation(s) would cause an undue hardship on the operation of the County. Please see for our Public Notice and to get the Testing/Interview Accommodation Request Form or call View phone number on click.appcast.io for assistance.