Public Works Project Engineer

Performs technical engineering and inspection work. Designs sewers, streets, drainage, parking lots, and other municipal projects. Creates and maintains GIS layers significant to Public Works operations. Performs accurate land surveys and supervises the field survey crew. Resolves design conflicts in the field. Coordinates data collection for GIS and assists other departments with utility easements and right of way locations. Performs routine inspections throughout the duration of the project; performs other routine inspections associated with City and private projects. Serves as liaison between city, contractors, and property owners during construction.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Creates, updates, and maintains GIS layers by determining best collection methodology; supplementing data with other data collection practices; integrating data using current GIS and AUTOCAD tools and geo-processing techniques; and performing quality control measures.
• Converts field survey data into design program data by applying knowledge of survey program; distributing data to Engineers in the department for design; and applying knowledge of computers and printers to distribute data.
• Monitors progress of construction of municipal projects by performing on-site inspections; performing visual observation of construction practice; negotiating plan change orders or construction alterations between city and contractor; assisting the contractor with technical support; reviewing and approving pay requests of contractors and filing daily construction inspection reports for projects; and maintaining records of work performed.
• Conducts safety inspections of bridges by reviewing previous inspection reports; scheduling and performing inspections; assisting in stream profiles when needed; climbing underneath bridges or culverts; climbing on top of structures; taking photos for inspection reports; and spending office time filing reports and submitting them to the city engineer.
• Designs sanitary and storm sewer lines and other municipal projects by using city and state specifications; checking computations for accuracy; collecting sanitary and storm sewer inventory by recording the data in a safe and timely manner.
• Performs land surveys based on deed research by conducting a topographic survey to show the change in elevation and drainage manholes or utility items; converting field survey data into design program data; and distributing data to Engineers for design.
• Performs surveys on easement area and prepares written description of an easement area to be recorded.
• Researches real estate records to find owners name, deed book references and maps for project.
• Conducts Erosion and Sediment Control Inspections by inspecting storm water controls at active construction sites; identifying violations; discussing findings with permit holders; and conducting re-inspection. Inspects curb cut, excavation, storm drain, erosion, and sediment control permits by receiving copies of permits; traveling to location of permits; inspecting the features that the permits cover; approving or disapproving the features as required; and reporting and recording finding on the permits.
• Provides emergency response during severe weather (snow, floods, storms, etc.).

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree, with broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field and one to three years of experience.

• Valid Driver’s License with acceptable driving record according to City Criteria
• Engineer in Training Certificate within two years
• NIMS certification

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Work requires medium physical effort, exerting 20-50 lbs. occasionally, 10-25 lbs. frequently, or up to 10 lbs. constantly.
• Adequate vision, hearing and talking to drive, use computer, and communicate effectively with others.
• Constant standing, and walking.
• Frequent sitting, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, crouching, bending, twisting, climbing, and fine dexterity.
• Occasional crawling.

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and predictable attendance is expected.
• May frequently experience frequent change of task and working closely with others as part of a team.
• May occasionally experience time pressure, tedious or exacting work, and a noisy/distracting environment.
• May rarely experience emergency situations, irregular work schedule/overtime, and performing multiple tasks simultaneously.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software; vehicle, surveying equipment, GPS equipment, etc.; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is normally performed in an office environment and outdoors, where there is daily exposure to extreme temperatures, and frequent exposure to respiratory hazards and physical danger or abuse. There is occasional exposure to mechanical and physical hazards, and to noise and vibration. There is seasonal exposure to wetness/humidity, and rare exposure to chemical and electrical hazards, and to communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.