Director of Planning & Engineering

Job Description

Job Description

The Albuquerque Metropolitan Arroyo Flood Control Authority (AMAFCA) is seeking an accomplished executive and licensed professional engineer to serve as its Director of Planning and Engineering.

Under the direction of the Executive Engineer, the Director of Planning and Engineering, plans and directs the planning, regulatory, and design/construction of new drainage infrastructure. This includes managing projects and providing engineering services to comply with and enforce Federal State, regulations, procedures, and policies.

Performs and oversees professional engineering and contract administration work in the analysis and review of drainage, hydrology, hydraulics, and sediment transport and erosion for drainage, flood control, and storm water quality planning for the greater Albuquerque area. Identifies and implements major drainage and facility plans and provides the technical support needed to enforce said plans, ensuring compliance by AMAFCA and associated entities. Development and coordination of Capital Improvement Plans, Grant Funding, Capital Outlay and Federal Funding with the guidance of the Executive Engineer.

About AMAFCA

AMAFCA plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains an extensive regional flood control system that protects residents, businesses, transportation corridors, and public infrastructure throughout the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

The organization partners with federal, state, and local governments to deliver major capital improvement projects, maintain critical infrastructure, and provide leadership during storm events and emergency response.

The Opportunity

The successful candidate:

• Directs the Capital Improvement Plan. Responsibility, either individually or in a supervisory role, includes:
• Planning, coordination, development, design, and construction of new capital improvement projects of AMAFCA facilities or in partnership at other agencies' facilities.
• Oversee the Project Management of AMAFCA projects as assigned, including but not limited to, supervising and reviewing the planning, scheduling, budgeting, design, and construction of capital projects;
• Oversee the development of contracts;
• Provide project guidance to consultants;
• Ensure project compliance with regulatory standards and requirements; and
• Review and approve construction bid packages prior to advertisement and finalization.
• Oversee the expenditure of AMAFCA Bond Funding on the Capital Improvement Plan. Responsibility includes oversight and management of Obligation Tracking.
• Oversee AMAFCA Contract Administration relating to design or construction. Responsibility, either individually or in a supervisory role, includes oversight of:
• Engineering Services On-Call contracts
• Surveys Services of On-Call contracts
• Geotechnical Services On-Call contracts
• Bidability Services On-Call contracts
• Project specific professional engineering, design, and planning service contracts;
• Construction contracts.
• Lead AMAFCA's role in development review, including coordination and management of development that results in an AMAFCA Turnkey Agreement. This process includes development review, design, and construction of Board approved Turnkey Projects.
• Oversee the coordination of development review activities and processes with Bernalillo County and the City of Albuquerque.
• Ensure compliance with associated regulatory requirements in areas of responsibility and assist with compliance reporting to various entities (EPA, OSHA, FEMA, FAA, NMOSEDSB, COA, NMED, BernCo, DoD, DoE, and NMDHSEM etc.).
• Work with Leadership Team in the creation of the Board agenda and presents before the Board in areas of responsibility.
• Work with Leadership Team in preparing annual budgets; responsible for regular compliance monitoring of expenditures and revenues in relation to area of oversight; and assists in preparation of budget amendments if needed.
• Develop or implement policies, standards, or procedures for engineering and technical work.
• Maintain regular contact with consulting engineers, private developers, City, County, State, and Federal agencies, professional and technical groups, and the general public regarding AMAFCA activities and services.
• Respond to the public and other inquiries related to flood control and drainage policy, plans, and procedures in the greater Albuquerque area.
• Supervise the day-to-day operations of the department and staff. Hire employees, assign work activities and job responsibilities of assigned staff, approve schedule and time off, monitor workflow, evaluate results, provide feedback, including, but not limited to, conducting performance evaluations and administration of discipline and terminations

The Ideal Candidate

The Board seeks a collaborative and forward-thinking executive who combines strong engineering credentials with demonstrated organizational leadership.

The ideal candidate will possess:

• Outstanding leadership and management skills.
• Extensive experience leading multidisciplinary organizations and professional staff.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience working effectively with other governmental agencies, contractors, and the public.
• Demonstrated success managing large public infrastructure programs and complex organizational budgets.
• The ability to communicate technical issues in a manner that informs sound public policy and strategic decision-making.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in New Mexico, or the ability to obtain licensure within ten (6) months of hire.
• Minimum of ten (10) years' experience as licensed professional engineer with a focus in water resource engineering, hydrology, hydraulics, and/or stormwater management.
• Two (2) years' supervisory experience required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Engineering, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM).

Why Join AMAFCA?

This position offers a unique opportunity to:

• Lead an organization with a direct impact on public safety and regional resilience.
• Shape long-term infrastructure investments that protect communities for generations.
• Work closely with elected officials and regional partners on projects of lasting significance.
• Lead a highly respected public agency with a strong commitment to engineering excellence, fiscal stewardship, and public service.
• Build and develop much of your own team.