City Engineer

Performs difficult managerial, technical and professional engineering design, permitting, construction, plan review and project management 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, project management and construction-industry relations functions to assure quality construction projects for City projects including streets, stormwater management, water and wastewater systems.   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 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.

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; prepares RFQs for consultants, testing firms, etc.; negotiates contracts with awarded firms for projects; 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.

Performs complex engineering calculations, prepares engineering reports, environmental impact statements, permit applications, construction plans, technical specifications, bid documents, contracts, etc. for capital projects.

Ensures city utility maps are maintained and up to date; ensures Power Bill requirements for street infrastructure funding is maintained.

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; authorizes purchases.

Keeps up to date with regulatory changes related to city infrastructure and policies.

Establishes and maintains data, records and reports to provide for effective management decision making and regulatory compliance.

Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practices related to design and construction of infrastructure including water, sewer, stormwater and streets.

Thorough knowledge of related laws, ordinances, codes and regulations affecting utility, public works, and building construction by the City or by contractors.

Considerable knowledge of effective supervisory practices related to communication, motivation, team building, mentoring, leadership, performance coaching and evaluation.

Considerable knowledge of municipal personnel, budgeting, and purchasing policies and practices.

Working knowledge of laws and regulations related to employment and safety.

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.

Desirable Education and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in civil or environmental 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 

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.