Project Engineer - Civil Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for managing assigned civil engineering projects supporting the design, construction, and maintenance of city drainage, transportation, and other public works infrastructure. The Project Engineer applies civil engineering principles to municipal infrastructure systems, including stormwater/drainage, roadways, and related public works assets. Utilizes and adapts to evolving technology and digital workflows in public works engineering operations.

MAJOR DUTIES 

• Assists in the planning, design, and implementation of innovative stormwater management solutions that enhance environmental quality and align with the city’s long-term goals.
• Engages in and supports the mission of the Public Works Department through strategic planning, creative problem solving, decision-making, and responsible stewardship of city resources.
• Assists the Senior Engineer overseeing the work of drainage crew personnel; instructs and trains personnel in correct methods and procedures; monitors work.
• Evaluates the city’s storm drainage infrastructure and helps to determine the need for capital improvements to improve performance, reliability, and safety.
• Reviews and interprets civil site plans, including grading, drainage, utility, and roadway layout plans,to evaluate compliance with city standards and engineering design criteria for land developmentprojects.
• Represents the city in the development review process related to transportation and storm drainage design and acts as liaison with other city departments involved in the review of land development projects.
• Supports the implementation of codes, rules, and regulations and reviews plans and specifications related to transportation and drainage improvements applicable to development projects.
• Ensures that design consultants, and contractors adhere to City of Decatur policies, design standards, construction contract documents, and inspection requirements.
• Participates in training and continuing education; participates in professional organizations.
• Communicates with and provides information to developers, engineers, contractors, external agencies, and the general public in relation to transportation and storm drainage design issues; reviews drainage studies and reviews storm drainage system designs.
• Coordinates with city departments and staff, property owners, developers, and outside engineers and design professionals to discuss concepts and general requirements for new and redevelopment projects; innovates and strategizes to resolve problems concerning compliance with ordinances and environmental regulations.
• Works across departments, with consultants, and with the public to develop cooperative relationships related to infrastructure, landscape, equity, and environmental goals.
• Attends and participates in City Commission meetings as needed or requested; prepares agenda items related to storm drainage and other development projects.
• Inspects, and evaluates work performed by contractors on in-progress city, utility, and private construction projects; ensures that work meets goal, plans and specifications and complies with local, state and federal requirements.
• Collaborates on stormwater infrastructure and transportation projects with engineering team.
• Reviews site plans and construction plans and meets with developers, architects, and engineers to resolve problems concerning compliance with environmental ordinances, assesses the need for soil erosion permits, storm water detention/water quality and general construction issues. Submits plans for review by State and Federal agencies for stream buffer encroachments, soil erosion and sedimentation control permits and other permits to be approved by the state and federal authorities.
• Processes Rights-of-Way construction permit applications submitted by property owners, developers, contractors, utility companies and DeKalb County Department of Watershed Management, including provisions for work zone safety, and monitors construction work.
• Assists in the administration of city ordinances relating to post-development storm water management, soil erosion and sedimentation control and floodplain management/flood damage prevention.
• Receives and responds to problems, complaints, and issues from citizens regarding streets, sidewalks, inlets, catch basins, storm drainage and utility infrastructure, etc.; inspects problem areas personally.
• Performs project management duties such as contract administration; review of construction documents; and construction management and inspection through project completion.
• Assists with the development of annual work programs to provide repair, maintenance and construction of public facilities including curbing, milling, sidewalk improvements, street repairs or reconstruction and pavement markings.
• Assists with field evaluation and preparation of construction documents, including plans and specifications, for sidewalk, street and right-of-way improvements and in the contract and construction administration for those types of improvements.
• Ability to learn and use asset and work management systems such as OpenGov- entering, updating, and retrieving work orders, inspections, and asset data digitally
• Develops and administers construction contracts.
• Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of stormwater and transportation engineering standards, principles, and practices.

• Knowledge of green infrastructure and sustainable stormwater solutions.

• Knowledge of contemporary and innovative methods and techniques as applied to the design, construction, and maintenance of public works.

• Knowledge of GIS system applications, including the preparation of plans, sketches, maps, and related documents.

• Knowledge of hydraulics and hydrology.

• Knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices as applied to municipal drainage,transportation, and public works infrastructure design. Ability to read and interpret civil engineeringplans, specifications, and technical drawings.

• Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.

• Skill in interpreting civil design drawings, construction specifications, and contract documents.

• Skill in public relations.

• Skill in interpersonal relations.

• Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Senior Engineer assigns work in terms of very general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include city codes and ordinances, MUTCD guidelines, the GDOT Driveway Manual, NPDES guidelines, the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual, the Georgia Erosion Control Manual, and city and department policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of varied engineering and project management duties. The variety of department projects contributes to the complexity of the position.

• The purpose of this position is to manage assigned public works infrastructure projects. Success in this position helps to ensure that all new development is built in accordance with codes and standards, that all city-maintained infrastructure is installed properly, and that city capital projects are completed in accordance with accepted guidelines and standards.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while intermittently sitting, standing, or stooping.

• The work is typically performed in an office and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, and grease.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

This position has no direct reports. This role will assist the Senior Engineer in managing the Public Works Drainage Division Crew.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 

• Baccalaureate degree in Civil Engineering or closely related field required.

• 3 or more years of related experience required.

• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.

• Certification as an Engineer-in-Training required.

• Certified or willing to obtain certification to manage and comply with GDOT Local Administered Project (LAP) requirements.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER  

The City of Decatur is committed to having a workforce that reflects diversity at all levels and is an equal opportunity employer. Therefore, qualified applicants are considered for employment, and employees are treated during employment without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, familial status, or veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.