Assistant Director of Public Works - Engineering

Hiring Range: $118,558.01 - $148,197.52 (Depending on qualifications)
Full Salary Range: $118,558.01 - $177,837.02

Job description statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job title. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Under general direction of the Director of Public Works, the Assistant Director of Public Works - Engineering serves as City Engineer and directs engineering functions involving the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), construction inspection, engineering plan review and development coordination, and right-of-way (ROW) permitting and inspections. Oversees assigned engineers, project managers, construction inspectors, and engineering support staff. Coordinates infrastructure planning and project delivery with Public Works Operations and other City departments.

Manages and supervises engineering staff involved in planning, design, and construction of streets, sidewalks, water and wastewater infrastructure, drainage systems, and transportation facilities. Oversees engineering plans, specifications, estimates, and consultant design deliverables for capital improvement projects. Reviews and approves public improvement plans within delegated authority and seals professional engineering work only when authorized under Texas professional engineering law and rules. Coordinates with developers, contractors, engineers, and the public regarding City policies, regulations, and procedures. Ensures effective coordination between engineering project delivery, operations and maintenance, and other departments.

Oversees CIP project management and construction inspection operations, including project schedules, budgets, consultant and contractor coordination, inspection staffing, quality assurance, documentation, construction compliance, and timely delivery. Provides direction to the construction inspection team and ensures inspection findings and project issues are communicated to project managers.

Directs engineering plan reviews, public infrastructure development coordination, and ROW permitting and inspection functions, including permit workflow oversight, utility and franchise coordination, review of proposed infrastructure improvements, enforcement of applicable permit conditions, and compliance with City engineering standards and ordinances.

Determines priorities and work sequences necessary to achieve objectives and assigns personnel in accordance with priority and need. This will include development, public works, and public facilities projects that are part of the City's capital improvement program by developing and reviewing infrastructure master plans, prioritizing the implementation of plans, and developing funding strategies using a variety of funding sources to leverage City funding. Works with the Engineering team to develop project budgets, schedules, and timetables by analyzing engineering project requirements, area workload, and manpower availability. 

Prepares and compiles the City’s master plans, major projects financing plan, and capital improvement program. Develops and maintains City’s standard design specifications. Interprets and implements applicable codes and ordinances. Oversees engineering and technical input for roadway, water and wastewater impact-fee studies and infrastructure master-plan updates, coordinating with responsible City departments. Oversees the review of all private development proposals. Manages and coordinates complex tasks that require a high level of technical expertise and political acumen. Provides frequent updates to the citizens and stakeholders regarding capital projects and maintains regular contact with consulting engineers, construction project engineers, city, county, state and federal agencies, professional and technical groups, and the public regarding the City’s activities and services. Supervises and assigns work activities, projects and programs, monitors workloads; reviews and evaluates work products, methods and procedures of assigned personnel. 

Develops and administers budget implementation, recommending the appropriate services and staffing levels, forecasting additional funds needed for personnel, equipment, materials and supplies, approving expenditures and recommending and implementing budget adjustments.

Ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. Ability to be diplomatic and politically astute. Participates in Planning and Zoning Commission, City Council, Capital Investment Program Task Force, Stakeholder groups and other meetings by representing the division in official and unofficial capacities, recommending and preparing agenda items and providing documentation on issues related to engineering.

Demonstrates strong leadership and timely decision-making in a fast-paced environment. Builds and develops a high-performing team while managing competing engineering priorities, evaluating delivery risks, and ensuring successful completion of assigned projects.

Performs other duties as assigned. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential function of this position, as is the ability to create and maintain professional, harmonious working relationships with others.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in Civil Engineering and eight (8) years of professional engineering experience, including three (3) years in a supervisory role. A current Professional Engineer (PE) license is required at the time of hire. Texas PE licensure is required; candidates holding an active PE license in another state must obtain Texas licensure through reciprocity within six (6) months of hiring. Engineering documents may be signed or sealed only as permitted under Texas professional engineering laws and rules.

Comprehensive knowledge of civil engineering principles and practices; ability to supervise professional and para-professional personnel; proficiency in communication and budget development; administrative policy planning and implementation; skill in capital improvement program development. Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation; pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to public works design, construction and civil engineering. 

Adept in the design review and construction contract administration of water, sanitary sewer, street and drainage improvement projects; preparing clear, concise and accurate reports and presentations; communicating orally and in writing with citizens, contractors, developers, internal customers, external customers, and professionals regarding public works projects. 

Ability to manage, direct and coordinate the work of assigned technical and clerical personnel; supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff; implement goals, objectives and practices for providing effective and efficient engineering services. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Ability to manage multiple priorities and keep informed on project status. Supervises personnel by selecting and hiring new employees, coordinating training for department personnel, evaluating work performance, assisting employees correct deficiencies and implementing disciplinary and termination procedures.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including City and other governmental offices, community groups and the general public.

Valid driver's license required. Must have and maintain a good driving record in accordance with the driving standards as established by the City of Rowlett. Must report all traffic citations to his/her departmental Director or his/her designee within two working days of receipt. 

May be required to attend various meetings in the evening (i.e., City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, Capital Investment Program Task Force, Neighborhood Meetings). 

Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification is preferred at hire. Candidates who do not hold the certification at hire must obtain it within one (1) year of employment. Membership in the American Public Works Association is preferred.

Works primarily in climate-controlled office environment with occasional exposure to weather conditions. Physical demands are primarily sedentary requiring little physical effort in working with light (up to 20 lbs.), easy to handle materials.