Infrastructure Specialist

Job Type

Full-time

Location

Category

Program Management

Job Description

Infrastructure Specialist

Reports to: Program Lead
FLSA Classification: Exempt
Travel: 90%

Purpose

Under general supervision, serves as the City engineering department's first line of field review for infrastructure complaints. The Infrastructure Specialist receives complaints referred by the Department of Public Works (DPW), travels to the site to investigate, documents conditions, and determines the likely cause of the problem and which department, crew, utility, or other party is responsible for the repair.

The position uses sound judgment to route straightforward, clearly defined issues directly to the responsible party, and escalates complex, ambiguous, or high-risk issues to the Program Lead or City engineering staff for direction. Work covers drainage, streets, sidewalks, utilities, and other public infrastructure, and includes securing hazardous conditions, keeping accurate records, and following up to confirm issues are resolved.

Activities + Responsibilities

• Receive infrastructure complaints referred by the Department of Public Works and prioritize field visits based on urgency and potential safety risk.
• Travel to complaint locations to inspect site conditions and determine the nature, cause, and extent of the problem.
• For routine, clearly defined issues, determine the responsible party (such as a City maintenance division, utility provider, contractor, or private property owner) and route the complaint for resolution.
• Escalate complex, ambiguous, or high‑risk issues to the Program Lead or City engineering staff with findings and supporting documentation.
• Place barricades, cones, or fencing to secure hazardous conditions and monitor them until repairs are made.
• Conduct smoke tests, dye tests, and other field investigations to trace drainage and sewer problems.
• Document each investigation with photos, field notes, location information, and an assessment of the problem and recommended next step.
• Maintain a daily log of site visits, citizen contacts, and complaint status.
• Follow up on routed complaints to confirm repairs are completed, and close out records.
• Communicate with residents, City departments, utility companies, and contractors regarding complaint status and resolution.
• Identify recurring problem areas or trends and report them to engineering staff and DPW to inform maintenance and planning.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Knowledge of municipal infrastructure systems, including drainage, streets, sidewalks, and utilities.
• Working knowledge of civil engineering principles and construction practices as they apply to field conditions.
• Ability to assess field conditions, identify the likely cause of a problem, and determine who is responsible for the repair.
• Ability to recognize when an issue should be escalated rather than resolved independently.
• Ability to read and interpret maps, plans, survey information, and as-built drawings in the field.
• Ability to manage a high volume of complaints and prioritize them based on urgency and safety.
• Strong documentation and recordkeeping skills, including field notes and photo documentation.
• Ability to communicate clearly and professionally with residents, City staff, utility providers, and contractors, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and stay organized while spending most of the workday in the field.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office is required; familiarity with engineering-related software, including GIS and CAD applications, is preferred.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline from an accredited college or university.
One (1) to three (3) years of progressively responsible engineering/construction experience in public works, transportation, drainage, utilities, municipal engineering, or related infrastructure projects is preferred. Municipal engineering experience is also preferred.

SUBSTITUTIONS
Any equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES / REGISTRATIONS
(Unless otherwise specified below, must possess at the time of hire and must be maintained current throughout employment in this position.) Must have a valid Louisiana driver's license at the time of hire and must be maintained throughout employment in this position.

• Engineer Intern (EI/EIT) certification preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to operate a city vehicle for extended periods and travel to various project sites.
• Must be able to access and navigate job sites and construction areas.
• Must be able to walk and stand for extended periods, including on uneven terrain, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.

EEO Statement

DDG is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. DDG makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit and business needs at the time.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

DDG offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes:

• 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match
• Medical Insurance Plan
• Voluntary Vision Insurance
• Voluntary Dental Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Short-term & Long-term Disability Insurance

About DDG

DDG is a comprehensive design firm and is exceptionally experienced in managing all aspects of a development project. In addition to our design services, we also provide clients with conceptual site planning and master planning, site investigation reports, assisting with property acquisitions, representation at public hearings, permitting, entitlements, and construction administration. In the 26 years since our founding, our unwavering commitment to client service excellence has allowed us to grow into a multidisciplinary regional firm with over 250 full-time employees and 10 offices across South Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Texas – Thibodaux (headquarters), Covington, Baton Rouge, St. George, New Orleans, Lafayette, Gautier, Mobile, Fairhope, and Houston.