Director of Engineering / City Engineer

Under the administrative direction of the Safety Service Director, the City Engineer plans, directs, and administers engineering functions within the Engineering Division to include designing and preparing plans, specifications, cost estimates, contract documents, etc. for a variety of public works projects; reviews plans submitted by other professionals and requires revisions as needed; performs other related duties as required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Directs professional and subprofessional Engineering personnel in performance of their duties and responsibilities (i.e., supervises field survey teams in obtaining data necessary for development of construction plans and specifications. Directs office personnel in preparing maps, drawings, etc.) Maintains authority and/or participates in management responsibilities and decisions such as, but not limited to: discipline, hiring, training, promoting, adjusting grievances, assignments, motivating, employee evaluations, etc. Provides direction, answers questions, motivates personnel on appropriate engineering areas, job safety and other related areas. Directs the planning, design, cost estimating, contracting and inspection of City engineering projects including the construction or upgrading of streets, sidewalks, waterlines, etc. confers with consulting firms and other professional engineers in construction planning function. Insures that City projects are completed in accordance with approved time schedules. Prepares or supervises the preparation of and gives final approval to specifications, construction methods, material types, etc. to be utilized in construction. Approves proposed changes in construction design and specifications for ongoing construction projects. Responds to inquiries and offers advice to developers, contractors, and the general public regarding the most desirable/acceptable method of solving sewer line, waterline, and drainage problems; reviews plans submitted by engineers, contractors, developers, and the general public. Approves plans or recommends necessary revisions. Prepares bid tabulations from contractors’ proposals to submit to the Board of Control for approval of funds. Provides recommendations and provides related information as requested. Visits construction sites to inspect ongoing projects as necessary. Recommends solutions to problems as requested. Ensures that construction proceeds in accordance with approved plans and specifications. Develops departmental budget for submittal to proper authority for approval. Coordinates and develops City-wide long‑range capital improvement plan. Schedules and chairs meetings with all affected division heads. Facilitates prioritization of projects to meet existing budgetary limitations. Submits same to proper authority for approval. Establishes and directs the maintenance of a filing system to organize engineering records and documents in a readily retrievable order. Prepares and/or approves legal descriptions for easements, right‑of‑way dedications and parcels of land. Assists in negotiation for easements and deeds. Supervises the use and establishes the need of computer and software in engineering applications. Works safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others and has knowledge of and compliance with OSHA regulations connected with job responsibilities. The position requires a high level of interpersonal and communication skills such as persuading others to take action, resolving agreements or making presentations. This role requires responsibility and provides opportunity for achieving major economies and/or preventing major losses through the management of a large department; through authorizing the expenditure of very large amounts of money; through complex purchasing of materials, supplies, and equipment; through engineering of extensive construction or other projects; or through supervision of public property protection activity.

NON‑ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Performs related non‑essential functions as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Equipment Ability to operate survey equipment, soil probe/shovel, manhole pick, City car or truck, boat, and chainsaw. Ability to operate a GNSS Receiver/Controller, push camera, a variety of office equipment such as PC/Laptop/iPad and related software, copier, scanner, telephone, calculator, FAX machine, and other equipment necessary to perform duties. Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle is required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s) Knowledge Professional engineering principles and practices, design, and construction methods and materials. Cost project methods. Advanced math, science, drawings, language arts, communication and finance. Contracts and law. Industry standards for city infrastructure. Government operations at all levels. Standard construction inspection procedures. Public works administrative policy and procedures. Traffic analysis, roadway design, surveying procedures and familiarity with the regulations and practices governing water distribution, sanitary sewer collection and storm water management, and other aspects of municipal civil engineering. Environmental law pertaining to infrastructure development. Software knowledge: Microsoft Suite, Bluebeam Revu, Autodesk Civil 3D, HydroCAD, HEC‑RAS, HY‑8, QGIS, Google applications, Adobe Acrobat, iWorQ, ESRI Suite, Authority Finance. Skills Extensive skills in engineering and construction. Making intergovernmental agreements. Grant writing and implementation. Technical presentation to lay audiences. Communication with stakeholders at all levels. Planning, designing, and executing projects including federally funded projects. Construction contract administration and documentation, construction management, practices, methods, and procedures including materials properties and equipment capabilities. Providing effective leadership to personnel and developing cooperative working relationships with employees, management, and vendors. Problem solving. Abilities Develop comprehensive plans and specifications for construction projects. Identify existing or potential construction violations and formulate viable solutions. Anticipate future material, supply, and manpower requirements. Negotiate effectively. Write legal descriptions. Analyze engineering plans and specifications. Supervise exempt and non‑exempt personnel. Maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors, officials, and the general public. Evaluate plans and specifications for conformance with sound engineering practices. Review and analyze detailed engineering plans, technical specifications, and calculations to determine compliance with all applicable City construction standards, design criteria, codes, regulations, ordinances, and policies. Research and assemble technical data to prepare meaningful, concise, and accurate reports and presentations. Effectively analyze unforeseen conditions, conflicts, situations, and construction problems and determine sound acceptable solutions and necessary action to resolve such situations. Plan, organize, schedule, and prioritize work assignments and tasks of various department personnel. Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, other agencies, property owners, contractors, consultants, and the general public in a tactful, courteous, and professional manner. Schedule and allocate resources in the office and field. Advanced project management of over 75+ projects. Plan, design and construct projects on time, within budget, and safely. Work in an environment of consistent interruptions and changing priorities. Serve as an expert witness in ongoing cases. Resolve complicated problems on short notice with limited information. Get along with others. Difficulty of Work The duties of this position will be performed throughout the City of Mount Vernon. The incumbent may encounter environmental conditions such as hot, cold, damp, inside, outside, underground, wet, humid, dry, noisy, dirty, greasy, air‑conditioned, and sudden temperature changes. Additional duties may require ascending and/or descending ladders, stairs, or scaffolds. The position requires work in confined spaces, near trench boxes, and in areas where egress is limited. The incumbent will work alone or in teams under stress, with minimal supervision, and under tight deadlines. The role is exposed to hazardous gases, chemicals, flammables, radiation, airborne contaminants, hazardous waste, electrical shock, and moving mechanical parts of construction equipment. Vulnerable to life‑threatening situations, explosions, falling from high places, shaking objects, and second‑hand smoke. The position may involve contact with firearms, crowds, potentially violent or emotionally distraught persons, and vicious animals. Availability for second or third shift may be required. Supervisory Responsibility Supervises the Engineering Department in accordance with the organizational chart of the Department. This includes union and non‑union personnel, construction contractors, and engineering/architect consultant(s). Personal Work Relationships Contacts contractors, consultants, developers, property owners, tenants, and individuals from public and private sector organizations and the general public. Additional contact is with co‑workers and colleagues within the City, guiding and directing, checking progress of assigned work, coordinating services, recommending referrals, and handling questions about department, programs, and customer concerns. Physical Effort and Work Environment Physical Requirements Heavy work requiring lifting of up to fifty (50) pounds. Activities include picking manhole lids, lifting construction materials, and handling boxes. Physical Activity Manual dexterity, speaking, hearing, lifting, pushing, pulling, reaching, and walking. Visual Activity Utilization of a dual or triple‑monitor computer set‑up. Job Location The work conditions for the position indicate that the individual is exposed to adverse environmental conditions. Qualifications Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from an ABET accredited institution. Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Ohio, required. Five (5) years of experience in civil engineering, preferably within a public works or municipal environment. Five (5) years of experience working with engineering staff, technicians, and/or surveyors. Five (5) years of supervisory experience. Five (5) years of budgeting experience. Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification through the Association of State Floodplain Managers is preferred; candidates must obtain certification within two (2) years of hire date. ODOD LPA certifications; Ohio Department of Transportation. Possession of a valid State of Ohio Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability under the City’s vehicle insurance policy. #J-18808-Ljbffr City of Mount Vernon (OH)