Engineer I/II/III

Salary: See Position Description
Location : City Hall, 442 W. Washington Street, Suffolk, VA
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 04660
Department: PUBLIC UTILS-UTILS ENGINRG
Opening Date: 10/02/2026
Closing Date: 10/16/2026 11:59 PM Eastern


Description
This position will be responsible for the management of complex engineering projects, operations and programs and will require minimal supervision. Performs professional and technical work involving project management for design and construction of complex capital improvement projects for the department and review, approval, and acceptance of private development projects. Position also performs administrative work in assisting with budgeting and limited staff supervision in the absence of the manager for the assigned division. Work involves significant involvement in management of complex capital improvement projects, environmental management, compliance and enforcement programs and performing engineering reviews of complex or politically sensitive private construction plans to ensure compliance with Federal, State and City codes and engineering standards. Work also involves providing technical support in responding to citizen concerns pertaining to roadway improvements, drainage, erosion and sediment control, utility systems, or other departmental issues. This is a senior level position performing engineering tasks of high complexity, with involvement in division operational and policy decisions. Position reports to Utility Engineering Manager.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be incidental in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

This is an in person position. There will be no remote work available.

Essential Job Functions

• Provides recommendations to interdepartmental staff as input for Planning Commission and City Council actions to assure that requirements and special needs of the City are met.
• Works in coordination with interdepartmental staff to develop and inform the City's comprehensive plan updates as it relates to growth and water and sewer infrastructure needs.
• Investigate and resolve complex and highly technical private development and any associated operational problems to keep development plan project review procedures and project design tasks on schedule.
• Manage and coordinate efforts to meet drinking water and wastewater federal, State, and City regulatory program requirements. Develop internal staff work plans to meet these requirements.
• Develop design requirements for the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, pumping stations, and other drinking water and sanitary sewer related design elements.
• Conduct private development and capital project design reviews using the City's project review software.
• Performs project management; administers contracts and manages design of complex capital improvement projects involving streets, drainage, utilities, or facility improvements and conducts site inspections as needed; monitors expenditures and financial status of specific projects; acts as project liaison between the City and other agencies.
• Prepares, conducts and monitors all project correspondence, contract bid documents, project meetings, and project utility relocations; develops project schedules; provides support for other Capital Improvement Project (CIP) staff; monitors and directs the inspection staff in the completion of their daily tasks; coordinates & manages all utility relocations; and provides resolution of conflicts between plan data and actual field conditions; monitors right of way acquisition for capital projects.
• Coordinates activities of engineers, contractors, surveyors, consultants, or other professionals for project design and construction; meets with developers/engineers to discuss City policies and standards in design planning.
• Oversees preparation of contract specifications and other bid documents for procurement of construction contracts; conducts public bid openings, acts on award recommendations, prepares certification of funds, and oversees contract execution.
• Reviews project plans, change orders, and payment requests from engineering consultants, contractors, and vendors; reviews material submittals for project compliance.
• Reviews complex or politically sensitive plans and plats for private development, commercial construction, and subdivision sites for compliance with City, State and Federal codes and engineering standards.
• Provides supervision and guidance and assumes leadership role (such as plan review coordinator) for departmental projects.
• Supervises/coordinates inspection services for City capital improvement projects and private development projects; coordinates work activities with inspection staff to enforce objectives of City codes and programs.
• Coordinates projects, activities, permitting, and compliance with issues with other federal, state, local, and/or private agencies (such as Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Virginia Department of Health (VDH), Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Conservation and Recreation (ODCR), or Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC).
• Reviews and approves bond estimates; issues permits; coordinates inspections; cites violations as appropriate.
• Responds to citizen questions, concerns, or complaints pertaining to drainage, erosion, traffic, utility systems, department program/services, or other issues; investigates complaints, confers with parties involved, and addresses issues as appropriate; provides information, researches problems, and initiates problem resolution.
• Provides information, education, and technical assistance to the public; meets with local businesses or citizen groups affected by City projects.
• Coordinates acquisition of property/easements from private landowners for City projects; coordinates property appraisals, plat preparation, and deeds of easement or transfer.
• Updates the Public Facilities Manual to develop standard operating procedures; and assists in the development of policies regarding implementation of new regulations, standards, required fees and other engineering functions.
• Performs quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for proposed projects and economic development initiatives.
• Researches new construction methods, materials, and procedures; makes decisions or recommendations for City use.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, designs/drawings, spreadsheets, presentations, or other documents.
• Receives various forms, reports, correspondence, site plans or other documentation; reviews, completes, processes, forwards or retains as appropriate.
• Attends various meetings, serves on committees, and makes presentations as needed. Assists in grant writing and monitoring grant fund expenditures and reimbursements.
• Updates computer databases of information pertaining to capital improvement project projects, subdivision and commercial developments, or other projects; monitors availability of funding in accounts.
• Updates time sheets for billing of staff time.
• Assists citizens in reviewing plans for proposed City/State construction projects.
• Performs general/clerical tasks, which may include answering telephone calls, typing documents, making copies of standard documents and blueprints, sending/receiving faxes, filing documentation, or processing incoming/outgoing mail.

Required Qualifications


Please review the information below. The position the selected candidate will be hired into will depend upon qualifications.
Engineer I:
Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or closely related field is required; supplemented by 5 months previous experience and/or training involving engineering plan review, project management, computer-aided engineering design, or personal computer operations. Prefer Virginia Engineer-in-Training certification.


Engineer II:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or closely related field and 3 years project management for design/construction of engineering projects, engineering plan review, computer-aided engineering design or closely related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.
Must possess and maintain valid Virginia Engineer-in-Training certification. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Engineer III:
Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or closely related field supplemented by 6 years previous experience or training and 10 years in project management for design/construction of engineering projects, engineering plan review, computer-aided engineering design or closely related experience; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Requires a valid driver's license.
Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.


Salary Ranges:
Engineer I: $68,941 - $108,442 Annually
Engineer II: $76,006 - $119,555 Annually
Engineer III: $84,635 - $133,130 Annually

Supplemental Information

• Ability to take on new design tasks in order to reduce the costs associated with contracted design work.
  
• Ability to conduct investigations and recommend solutions to complex problems such as citizen complaints on City and private development projects, environmental permitting requirements, etc.
  
• Skill in effectively dealing with the public in general to resolve disputes or requests of the city of private development projects from individuals or special interest groups in a tactful but firm manner.
  
• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and of departmental practices as they pertain to the performance of duties relating to the position of Civil Engineer Ill.
  
• Knowledge of civil engineering and construction principles, practices, and procedures in relation to public works systems, water/sewer systems, or stormwater systems, or as otherwise necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.
  
• Knowledge of project management practices and methods in relation to engineering design/construction projects.
  
• Ability to read and interpret various types of construction documents, such as contracts, engineering plans, commercial site plans, subdivision plats and site plans, blueprints, flood maps, or specifications.
  
• Ability to review design and construction of facilities, soil erosion and sediment control, site and right-of-way drainage, and road construction.
  
• Knowledge of engineering standards to review site plans relating to traffic, grading, hydrology, storm drainage, infrastructure layout, utilities, materials, or other engineering aspects.
  
• Ability to make engineering judgments/decisions in evaluating field and site plan problems. Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and methods utilized within the department.
  
• Ability to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment needs, policies, etc., as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
  
• Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information.
  
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with supervisors, contractors, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
  
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear and effective manner. Is able to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
  
• Ability to use and develop complex mathematical formulas and handle required calculations, and is able to explain the theoretical basis for formulas used. Is knowledgeable and proficient with computers and related software programs. Is able to read, understand, and interpret financial, technical, engineering, and construction reports and related materials.
  
• Skilled in providing first-line supervision of the provision of continuous enforcement of the laws and standards of public health and safety.
  
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
  
• Ability to apply principles of persuasion and/or influence over others in coordinating activities of a project, program, or designated area of responsibility.
  
• Ability to read a variety of informational and technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
  
• Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech.
  
• Knowledge and proficiency with computers and related software programs. Ability to read, understand, and interpret financial, technical, engineering, and construction reports and related materials.
  
• Ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
  
• Ability to apply principles of influence systems, such as motivation, incentive, and leadership, and to exercise independent judgment to apply facts and principles for developing approaches and techniques to resolve problems.
  
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
  
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory and/or design data and information.
  
• Ability to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division; the ability to calculate decimals and percentages; the ability to utilize principles of fractions; the ability to interpret graphs; the ability to calculate surface areas, volumes, weights, and measures; the ability to perform moderately complex algebraic and geometric operations; the ability to utilize principles of calculus; and the ability to perform and interpret statistical calculations.
  
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with a planimeter, engineer's scale, drafting instruments, and measuring instruments.

Seasonal Employees- No Benefits
Part-time Employees - Sick Leave (See below)
Full Time Employees are eligible for the following benefits;

Retirement (Virginia Retirement System employer) for employees hired on or after 1/1/14 - Hybrid Members
Hybrid plan members contribute 4 percent of creditable compensation to the defined benefit plan and 1 percent to the defined contribution plan each month. Members may voluntarily contribute up to an additional 4 percent in 0.5 percent increments to the defined contribution plan each month. Members can increase or decrease their voluntary contributions on a quarterly basis. With the mandatory and voluntary contributions to the defined contribution component of the plan, members can contribute a maximum of 5 percent with a 3.5 percent match from the employer. Members invest in various investment options that best fit their needs.
Vested after 5 years in the defined benefit part of the plan. Vested in phases based on years in the Defined Contribution part of the Plan. The retirement eligibility for a full or reduced retirement pension in the Hybrid Plan is very detailed. Please contact the Virginia Retirement System or the Human Resources Department for details.

Paid Time Off (PTO) Yearly earnings
120 Hours (1-59 months), 144 Hours (60-119 months), 168 Hours (120- 179 months), 192 Hours (180 and over)
Sick Leave
Part Time employees earn 4 hours per month Sick leave accrues at the end of the month and may be accrued with no ceiling.

Personal Leave
All regular full time employees are granted 24 hours of personal leave each calendar year. Personal leave must be preapproved and is not cumulative.
Health Insurance
Coverage available for you and your eligible dependents using pre-tax payroll deductions if elected.
Supplemental Insurances
Employees may purchase the following supplemental insurance policies: short term and long term disability, cancer, accident, supplemental hospitalization, and group universal life insurance.
Employer Sponsored Short Term and Long Term Disability
Provides disability coverage for employees work and non-work related disabilities. Work related disabilities are covered starting on day one (1). Non work related disabilities are covered starting on day eight (8), after you have been employed for one year.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Employees may participate in the Health Reimbursement, Dependent Care Reimbursement and Premium Reimbursement Accounts. All deductions are made on a pre-tax basis and will reduce your taxable income.
Life Insurance
The city pays the entire premium for life insurance coverage in the amount of 2 times annual salary for natural death and 4 times annual salary for accidental death.
Optional Life Insurance
Employees have the option of electing additional life insurance coverage in the amount of 1, 2, 3 or 4 times their annual salary. Employees may only purchase optional life insurance on spouses and children if they are enrolled in optional life insurance for themselves.


Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
12 weeks of job protected leave for leaves approved in accordance with the Family Medical Leave Act. Employees receive continuation of health insurance, job protection and consideration for a comparable job when available, or an equivalent job, upon return to work.
Funeral Leave
24 hours of paid leave of absence in case of death in immediate family.
Holidays
Suffolk follows the Virginia State holiday calendar as set by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Jury Duty
Time off with pay with difference between jury pay and regular pay or use annual leave and keep check.
457 Deferred Compensation, ROTH IRA, Traditional IRA
Offered through ICMA Retirement Corporation as a way to shelter a portion of your salary from income taxes and save for retirement.
Employee Assistance Program
Offers employees and immediate family members (3) free, confidential counseling sessions related to a broad range of issues such as marital or family conflict, job or personal stress, alcohol or drug abuse, financial or legal worries, etc.

Worker's Compensation
Should an employee have an on the job injury, he/she could be eligible for Workmen's Compensation Benefits, except in cases of willful neglect.

Pay Days
Employees will be paid on the 15th and last working day of each month.
Credit Union
A Suffolk Credit Union is available to employees.
Legal Services
Employees may prepay for access to legal assistance.
Notary Public Services
Services available in the Human Resources Department.

Alternative Work Schedule For some positions -Offers 4 Alternative Work Schedule options to provide employees with greater control over their personal and professional time, as well as reducing absences.
01


Do you have a valid driver's license?

• Yes
• No

02


What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• High School Diploma/GED
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, Civil Engineering, or related field
• Master's Degree in Engineering or related field
• Doctorate Degree

03


Is your degree in one of the following fields?

• Civil Engineering
• Engineering Technology
• Other Engineering Discipline
• Closely Related Field
• None of the Above

04


How many years of professional engineering experience do you possess involving engineering plan review, project management, engineering design, or construction management?

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more
• 8 - 9 years
• 9 - 10 years
• More than 10 years

05


How many years of experience do you have managing engineering design or construction projects?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years
• 3 to 5 years
• 6 to 9 years
• 10 years or more

06


Which of the following best describes your experience reviewing engineering plans, specifications, and construction documents?

• No experience
• Limited experience (less than 1 year)
• Moderate experience (1-3 years)
• Extensive experience (4-9 years)
• Expert experience (10+ years)

07


Do you have experience using computer-aided design (CAD) or engineering design software?

• Yes
• No

08


If yes, which software have you used? (Select all that apply.)

• AutoCAD
• Civil 3D
• MicroStation
• ArcGIS
• Other Engineering Design Software
• None

09


Do you currently possess a valid Virginia Professional Engineer (P.E.) license?

• Yes
• No

10


Briefly describe your experience managing engineering projects, including the types of projects, your role, and the approximate construction value or scope of those projects.
Required Question