Director of Engineering

Description

General Statement of Duties

Performs difficult managerial, technical and professional engineering design, plans review and project management oversight work for the City.

Distinguishing Features of the Class

An employee in this class supervises the Engineering Department and directs plan review, site inspection, project design and construction-industry relations functions to assure quality construction projects for the City. Work involves managing the day to day and long term activities of the department; assigning and tracking projects; reviewing water/sewer and stormwater management plans; designing and overseeing the design of new and replacement utility projects, sidewalks, greenways and other design projects in support of other City departments; ensuring all necessary permitting is obtained for projects; managing permit and legal compliance; and overseeing the technical work of contracted engineers and assuring preparation of reports and engineering records. Work also includes department administration functions such as budget planning and administration, and coordination with the construction industry and other City departments and divisions. Work may subject the employee to environmental conditions including working in both inside and outside environments, extreme temperatures, and construction noise and hazards. Work is performed under the general supervision of the City Manager and is evaluated through conferences and review of records for quality of overall construction in the City, relationship with development community, and for acceptance of the general community.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Tasks

• Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the department to provide timely, thorough and effective response to construction within the City.
• Oversees and participates in the review of plans and specifications for infrastructure and project soundness and integrity.
• Supervises and participates in the preparation of design criteria, analysis, specifications, plans, rights of way maps, investigations, cost estimates, tabulation of contract bits; authorizes contract payments; establishes schedules for work.
• Oversees and participates in capital improvements process engineering design of infrastructure for the City; coordinates design needs with other departments, other related staff, and citizen user needs; insures designs meet long term quality and functionality as well as regulatory requirements; updates and applies City engineering standards to achieve desired outcomes.
• Oversees the City's compliance with NPDES permits.
• Makes field visits to observe and collaborate with staff, meet construction industry officials, observe construction quality and community impact.
• Develops special projects, strategies, designs or other activities to support City and departmental management; researches issues, prepares reports; advises management, construction industry, elected officials and others on related matters.
• Supervises the provision of effective customer services in the department.
• Supervises department; hires, trains, develops, provides performance coaching and evaluation to create a skilled and motivated staff; administers budget; authorities purchases.

Additional Job Duties

• Performs related duties as required.

Requirements

Recruitment and Selection Guidelines

Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to design and construction of infrastructure.
• Thorough knowledge of related laws, ordinances, codes and regulations affecting utility, public works, and building construction by the City or by contractors.
• Knowledge of the state building code and ability to interpret.
• Considerable knowledge of effective supervisory practices related to communication, motivation, performance coaching and evaluation.
• Knowledge of municipal personnel, budgeting, and purchasing policies and practices.
• Ability to read and interpret laws, codes, ordinances, plans, specifications, and blueprints and to compare and interpret them with various aspects of construction in progress.
• Ability to resolve conflict in a way that protects working relationships and creates commitment to follow resolution strategy in those affected.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with public officials, engineers, contractors, developers, construction workers, the general public, and other employees.
• Ability to prepare and conduct effective public presentations; and to read and prepare complex records and reports.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operational support functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing, walking, pulling, lifting, grasping, fingering, talking, and hearing.
• Must be able to perform light work exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
• Must possess the visual acuity to maintain records and reports, review maps and drawings, inspect work for quality of methods and materials, operate a computer terminal and use measuring devices.
• Desirable Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil engineering or closely related field and considerable related engineering and construction experience, including considerable supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Requirement

• Possession of a valid North Carolina driver's license.
• Registration as Professional Engineer in North Carolina