Director of Engineering

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro, has retained DeSanti in seeking a Director, Engineering (Geotechnical) to assist in executing Metro’s mission to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work and play within LA County.

Job Summary

Oversees technical staff and consultants performing engineering and architectural design services related to large scale transportation projects. This position requires extensive experience in geotechnical engineering design, including knowledge of design criteria of transportation agencies such as Metro or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications with Caltrans Amendments. The ideal candidate will review geotechnical engineering reports, plans, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable design standards and requirements.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversees and manages large-scale engineering and architectural activities for major rail and bus projects to ensure compliance with Metro, federal, state, and local regulatory requirements
• Oversees and administers the design, procurement, construction, and installation of major bus and rail facilities
• Oversees the management of consultant contracts for design, construction, or procurement of facilities and systems equipment
• Negotiates consultant and equipment contracts, including contract changes; oversees change control process
• Participates in the preparation of contract front-end documents
• Directs preparation of feasibility and trade-off studies, engineering reports, and economic analyses
• Administers and monitors work and contracts for compliance with budget, schedule, standards, and objectives
• Reviews consultants plans and specifications for technical adequacy and completeness
• Facilitates resolution of design, construction, third party, and operations problems
• Recommends design activity improvements for efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectiveness
• Interfaces with the various divisions of Metro
• Plans budget and staffing needs and assists in preparing department and project budgets
• Represents Metro before outside agencies
• Prepares and presents reports to management, staff, the Board of Directors, community groups, and government officials
• Serves as chairperson for design reviews and other technical meetings
• Directs, supervises, trains, mentors, and motivates assigned staff
• Communicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employees
• May be required to perform other related job duties

Knowledge

• Theories, principles, and practices of applicable disciplines in architectural, civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, or environmental engineering, hazardous waste regulations, and environmental laws
• Applicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing environmental, engineering, equipment, construction standards, and rail transit operations
• Project management and control practices
• Financial, analytical, and statistical research and mathematical processes and procedures
• Metro policies and procedures
• Principles of supervision
• Applicable business software applications

Skills

• Planning, organizing, and managing large-scale design and construction projects
• Reading, analyzing, and interpreting engineering plans and specifications for large-scale engineering projects
• Preparing complex comprehensive reports and correspondence
• Analyzing data and situations, identifying problems, developing and recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomes; exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisions
• Communicating effectively orally and in writing
• Interacting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representatives
• Negotiating

Abilities

• Manage projects from start-up to completion
• Think and act independently
• Prioritize and multi-task
• Make financial decisions within a budget
• Understand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, budgets, contracts
• Supervise, train, mentor, and motivate assigned staff
• Read, write, speak, and understand English

Special Conditions

• This job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirements
• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job
• Metro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions
• This classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authority
• Contributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried out

Working Conditions

• Typical office situation
• Close exposure to computer monitors and video screen

Physical Effort Required

• Sitting at a desk or table
• Operate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the medium
• Type and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functions
• Communicating through speech in the English language required

Minimum Qualifications

A combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture

Experience

• Five years of relevant management-level experience as an engineer, architect or Project Manager on major transit or public works projects with at least two years of experience in a specialized area of assignment

Preferred Qualifications

This position requires extensive experience in geotechnical engineering design, including knowledge of design criteria of transportation agencies such as Metro or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications with Caltrans Amendments. The ideal candidate will review geotechnical engineering reports, plans, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable design standards and requirements.

• Experience in California geotechnical engineering design, with a strong understanding of regional standards and practices
• Experience planning, designing, constructing, and reviewing transportation-related structures, including bridges, tunnels and retaining walls
• Experience managing staff and providing highly technical direction to ensure successful project execution
• Experience solving complex geotechnical engineering issues and effectively communicating solutions verbally, via email, and through memoranda and technical reports
• Experience working as a registered Geotechnical Engineer or Civil Engineer in the State of California

Certifications/Licenses/Special Requirements

• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions
• California license as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect is preferred