Assistant City Engineer

Assistant City Engineer

The Assistant City Engineer performs complex professional and technical work in the review and approval of building projects including new development, engineering design, cost estimates, CIP and special project development, construction management and field inspections. Work includes public and private development, transportation systems (roadways, bridges, trails and sidewalks), storm water systems, and right of way management. Completes work with substantial discretion and within broad parameters. Reports to the City Engineer.

The preferred hiring range for this position is between $84,504.96 - $108,266.40 Annually. Starting offer is based on applicable education, experience, and internal equity. This is a full-time, exempt, position which provides excellent benefits including 13 paid holidays plus 1 floating holiday, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, City's retirement options, gym membership reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, and continuing education/training opportunities.

For a general summary of benefits offered by the City, please click the 'benefits' tab on this posting, or visit

The City of Charlottesville manages its own retirement system which offers both a defined benefit and a defined contribution option. While the City does not participate in VRS, the City has a Portability Agreement with VRS and there are certain provisions that must be met. For questions pertaining to the Portability Agreement, please contact the City's Benefits Administrator at View phone number on click.appcast.io.

Note: This job opportunity is advertised with a closing date of "Continuous." If interested in being considered, an application should be submitted as soon as possible. Applications may no longer be considered once a reasonable number of applications has been received or once a candidate to fill the position is identified. Applications may be evaluated on a continuous basis and interviews may be conducted as soon as possible during the recruitment with candidates who are best qualified. This job announcement may close at any time after 7 calendar days.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations will be considered to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 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.

• Reviews public and private plans of development for compliance for zoning, codes and regulations, inspects projects and works with customers to resolve identified issues.
• Administers the Public Rights of Way (PROW) program for private utility companies ensuring compliance with State law and City codes. Including but not limited to reviewing applications, plans, issuing permits, and providing construction administration.
• Administers the Neighborhood Drainage Program (NDP) including reviewing projects applications, visiting sites, preparing documents, managing the financing and overseeing construction administration.
• Provides oversight and support for Erosion and Sediment Control and Virginia Stormwater Management Programs.
• Reviews and approves building permit application and determining eligibility and compliance for issuing building permits.
• Supervises, trains, monitors, and evaluates the performance of subordinate engineers. Provides input on hiring, work objectives, and discipline; and in accordance with established personnel policies and procedures. Assists the City Engineer in establishing professional standards for work quality and accountability.
• Assists with and/or performs surveys, preparation of design criteria, designs, analyses, specification, plans, investigations, cost estimates and related matters.
• Assists in code development, technical specifications, and design standards.
• Assists in monitoring and reporting on division budget.
• Provides guidance to staff, owners, developers, engineers, contractors on concerns, compliance issues, and plans to ensure compliance with laws, codes, regulations and ensure a safe and compliant project. Professionally engages in discussions with the public, residents, developers, management, and others to resolve discrepancies and address issues.
• May represent the department at public meetings, preparing and presenting a variety of reports and information.
• Responsible for appropriate use and maintenance of City equipment, tools and other resources, including work time.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Subject to being called back to work to the City in emergencies or as needed to provide necessary services to the public. Must have the ability to be contacted and respond based on Departmental guidelines.

Education, Experience and Skills

Education and Experience: Candidates may qualify by demonstrating the required knowledge and skills outlined for the job through experience(s) other than formal education.

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field AND 3 years of experience in professional engineering, land development projects, or related area.
• OR
• Associate degree in engineering or related field AND 5 years of experience in professional engineering, land development projects, or related area.
• OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above.
• Preferred: Virginia Engineer-in-Training (EIT) or Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Certifications/Licenses/Other Requirements:

• Within one year of hire, obtain and maintain a Virginia DEQ Erosion and Sediment Control and Virginia SMP Plan Reviewer certification.
• Must obtain and maintain a valid Virginia Driver's License and acceptable driving record according to city criteria.
• Required to successfully pass a pre-employment background check and pre-employment drug screen.

Physical Conditions & Additional Information

Physical Demands:

• Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
• Must be able to move and traverse on work sites to monitor projects.
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas so others will understand. Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations
• Ability to observe details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Machines, Tools, Equipment, Software and Hardware:

• Typically requires use of standard office equipment and telephone, and related software and hardware; and any other equipment as appropriate or as assigned.
• Engineering design equipment needed to perform the essential duties and monitor subordinates.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed in office environment where there may be exposure to computer screen for extended periods of time, monitor glare and dust.
• When conducting field visits to monitor and inspect projects, may be exposed to adverse weather conditions, fumes, airborne particles, mechanical parts, electrical currents, vibration, high or precarious places, inadequate lighting, and near the operation of heavy equipment.
• 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.
• The noise level is typically moderate but may be loud when conducting site visits.