Public Works Engineer I

Public Works Engineer

This position performs routine engineering functions, which includes reviewing plans; designing public works facilities, drainage structures, streets, etc. making engineering calculations and conducting various inspections.

As a municipal organization, the City of St. Marys is an emergency provider of services. Some emergency situations, including weather related emergencies, may necessitate City of St. Marys employees to assist in areas of work which may not be directly related to the employee's specific job function, but which will be within the physical capabilities, training, and skills of the employee.

Major Duties

1. Drafts and analyzes Requests for Proposals/Qualifications, assists in drafting contract documents, contract agreements, specifications and special provisions for Public Works Projects; provides contract administration and enforces project contract requirements;
2. Performs various engineering functions, including providing engineering calculations, research, analysis and design; developing engineering reports; assisting in reviewing design work and plans and recommending corrections; calculating cost estimates for facilities; providing technical support; reviewing drainage and grade problems; composing technical letters; and analyzing test data.
3. Conducts various inspection functions, including inspecting new development, materials used, installations, plan adherence, and general working order of water/sewer lines, drainage and streets; observing contractor and crew activities to assure compliance with plans, specifications, and policies.
4. Assists with locating existing water and sewer mains and services.
5. Interacts with a variety of individuals, both internally and within the community, to provide information, disseminate departmental information, and assist in resolving complex issues.
6. Serves as a liaison and/or member of various committees/teams and collaborates with others outside own work area to coordinate efforts and maintain cooperative and efficient relations.
7. Ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
8. Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills, and development by attending seminars and training programs and reading trade and professional journals and publications.
9. Follows up on inquiries from various agencies, groups, media, etc., regarding department programs and services.
10. Disseminates a variety of information and/or reports to various agencies, divisions, or departments via telephone, mail, email or FAX.
11. Manages projects from inception through construction.
12. Creates and maintains GIS maps and databases and provides support to other departments and government agencies.
13. Performs all other duties as assigned.

Knowledge Required by the Position

1. Knowledge of applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues.
2. Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering and public works administration.
3. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
4. Knowledge of surveying technology and practices.
5. Knowledge of construction practices, materials, and techniques.
6. Knowledge of municipal contract management.
7. Knowledge of internal departmental policies and procedures.
8. Knowledge of personnel policy and guidelines to follow.
9. Knowledge of city government organization and operations.
10. Knowledge of external governmental bodies and agencies related to area of assignment.
11. Skill in oral and written communication.
12. Skill in interpersonal relations.
13. Skill in interpreting laws and legislation.
14. Skill in discretion, initiative, and independent judgment within established guidelines.
15. Skill in researching, compiling, and summarizing a variety of informational and statistical data and materials.
16. Skill in organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with minimum direction.
17. Skill in applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; to understand, interpret and communicate complicated policies, procedures, and protocols.
18. Skill in operating and routine maintenance of general office machines.
19. Skill in computing complex engineering calculations.
20. Skill in analyzing and resolving problems involving several variables.

Supervisory Controls

The Public Works Engineer assigns work in terms of department goals and objectives. The work is reviewed through conferences, reports, observation of department activities.

Guidelines

Guidelines include departmental policies and procedures, applicable state, federal, and local ordinances, codes, laws, rules and regulations and legislative issues. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.

Complexity/Scope of Work

• The work consists of various engineering and technical duties.
• The purpose of this position is to perform routine engineering functions, which includes reviewing plans; investigating and determining solutions to issues with city infrastructure including facilities, water/sewer systems, drainage structures, and streets; making engineering calculations; conducting various inspections; and overseeing surveying functions. Success in this position contributes effective and efficient operations of the office.

Contacts

• Contacts are typically with City staff, the general public, and developers/contractors.
• Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, or to resolve problems.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

• The work is typically performed both in an office and outdoors, occasionally in hot, cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to fumes, dust, irritating chemicals, and machinery with moving parts. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects and uses tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility

This position has direct supervision over assigned crew members. Responsibilities include assigning tasks, monitoring work, addressing minor personnel issues, and ensuring adherence to safety and operational standards. Significant personnel matters or policy changes are referred to the Senior Public Works Engineer or Assistant Public Works Director.

Minimum Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in a course of study related to the occupational field required; and
• Possession of a valid state driver's license issued for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
• Engineer-In-Training (EIT) / Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) (desirable)