Engineering Manager – Right of Way Management

A flexible work environment, top-notch management, highly qualified, competent staff and opportunities for career advancement and professional success make the Planning & Development Department a great place to work. We help plan and direct Durham’s growth to support a high quality of life, a robust economy, and a sustainable, equitable, and accessible Durham for generations to come. We work collaboratively with other agencies and the community in a fast-paced, innovative environment looking for solutions to today’s land-use, community planning, and infrastructure challenges. If you’re talented, creative and focused on serving the community, join our team!

This position will serve as the Manager of the Right of Way Management Section within the Development Infrastructure Division. The Right of Way Management Group is responsible for permitting and inspecting utility company and private work performed in the public right-of-way, including excavation permits, temporary right-of-way closure permits, temporary lane closure (TLC) permits, outdoor seating permits (OSP), and license agreements, along with investigating complaints and coordinating property damage claims. The manager supervises engineering and inspection staff, oversees compliance with the City’s Code of Ordinances (Chapter 62) and NCDOT requirements, and works closely with utility companies, developers, and residents to facilitate responsible use of the public right-of-way.

• Serves as a lead for construction and project management on large, complex projects, and/or multiple projects, evaluates and prioritizes other departmental projects, and leads and manages major departmental programs; work involves assessing City needs and requirements, directing project meetings, researching technology and other trends, developing processes to improve operational efficiency, developing short- and long-term project or master plans and budgets, developing project scopes, staffing projects, establishing project and performance standards and goals, approving contractors, monitoring operations, approving payments, and performing related duties.
• Coordinates and leads the development of design and technical specifications, construction and development plan reviews and inspections; makes decisions regarding infrastructure acceptance and project closeouts; reviews and approves plans, specifications, and other technical information; and ensures informational accuracy and compliance with requirements, standards, and applicable regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Coordinates the preparation and review of, and/or prepares and reviews complex technical plans, designs, permits, plats, reports, forms, cases, request for proposals, drawings, calculations, contracts, specifications, agreements, submittals, and other documentation; analyzes complex information, to include performing data modeling operations; develops and implements recommendations; and conducts follow-up operations.
• Supervises inventory management, procurement, and billing processes; coordinates operational process including the maintenance and testing of equipment; researches trends and department needs, identifying project enhancements or new projects; reviews billing statements and invoices, and approves payments.
• Manages project funds and bonds, ensuring City requirements, standards, policies, and procedures are met.
• Advises City departments and external agencies; convenes and facilitates meetings; provides guidance to lower-level staff; responds to and investigates requests and inquiries; resolves escalated complaints and project-related issues; negotiates project terms and fees, advocating for and requesting project approvals; provides expert testimony; oversees the review of engineering operations, projects and plans.
• Incumbents supervise professional, paraprofessional, and/or support staff to include conducting performance evaluations, coordinating training, and implementing hiring, discipline, and termination procedures.

• Supervising engineering services paraprofessional staff.
• Establishing goals and objectives for the work unit, developing operational policies and procedures, participating in strategic planning, providing direction to lower level staff in the execution of operational tasks, and ensuring quality control activities.
• Meeting with citizens, preparing agenda items, project management.

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or a directly related field.
• Five years of professional civil engineering experience.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• North Carolina Professional Engineer (PE) Registration
• A valid North Carolina Class C Driver’s License with a satisfactory driving record acquired within a time frame established by the City.

• Experience managing multiple operational programs simultaneously.