Principal Civil Engineer

Summary Note: A training and experience evaluation may be utilized to determine an applicant's ranking among qualified candidates.
Based upon information provided in this application including responses to supplemental questions, an applicant's education, training and experience (full-time equivalent) may be evaluated.
Applicants should provide thoughtful and thorough responses to supplemental questions as they play an important role in this recruitment process.
All qualifying work experience that is described or included in responses to supplemental questions MUST also be included and detailed in the "Work Experience" section of this application.
"See Resume" is not an acceptable response for any supplemental question.
FLSA: Exempt DEFINITION Under direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of staff performing professional and technical engineering work including the planning, design, and construction or maintenance of roadways, bridges, and other capital improvement program (CIP) projects; manages the effective use of assigned resources to improve organizational productivity and services provided; provides highly complex and responsible support to the Assistant Director of Public Works in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direction from the Assistant Director of Public Works or designee.
Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, and technical staff through subordinate levels of supervision.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the day-to-day activities all engineering programs and projects.
Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include assisting in the development and implementation of policies and procedures for assigned programs and program evaluation.
Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies.
Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.
Essential Job Functions EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS Typical functions may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, abilities, and other characteristics.
The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities.
Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks.
Reviews designs, plans, specifications, estimates, and right-of-way matters for new road and bridge construction projects.
Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations and activities of various engineering divisions, programs, and projects within the Department of Public Works as assigned.
Assists in developing and directing the implementation of assigned goals, objectives, work standards, and policies and procedures.
Participates in developing, administering, and controlling assigned budgets including the CIP budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; oversees grants submittals and preparation and submission of grant reports; monitors revenues and expenditures; recommends budget adjustments.
Selects, trains, motivates, and directs personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees on performance issues; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns; works with department management and staff to build and maintain a high performing team environment.
Continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures of assigned programs and projects; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
Serves as a subject matter expert in engineering; researches trends and emerging technologies and advancements to develop standards, methods, criteria, guidelines, policies, procedures, and/or plans related to engineering.
Manages capital improvement project planning activities; manages large, complex capital improvement projects through all phases including planning, design, construction and implementation, and close-out; leads project teams in the execution of projects; develops work plans including, scope of work, budget, schedules, and baseline requirements; reviews and approves preliminary and final drawings, plans, and specifications for compliance with County and engineering standards.
Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates and manages contracts; supervises contractor performance to ensure compliance with applicable standards and specifications.
Supervises engineering studies, investigations, and analyses; reviews and approves engineering calculations; researches, collects, and analyzes engineering data, statistics, and surveys.
Supervises the review and approval of project alternatives considering financial, operational, maintenance, property/right-of-way, and constructability factors; directs and conducts analyses and studies and evaluates results to determine project-specific requirements and parameters.
Supervises the preparation of engineering designs, specifications, drawings, sketches, and other supporting documentation; reviews, comments on, and approves drawings, plans, and other work submitted by staff and external consultants, contractors, and developers; approves or adds engineering conditions and changes.
Reviews, and approves design changes, submittals, and requests for information from staff and contractors, interprets contract documents, and negotiates and approves change orders and claims.
Coordinates with construction and maintenance management to plan CIP, construction, and maintenance projects based on evaluations.
Responds to emergency claims and repairs related to natural disasters.
Directs the organization and maintenance of accurate and detailed databases, files, and records.
Develops and reviews staff reports related to engineering programs, projects, and activities; presents information to the Board of Supervisors, the public, and various commissions, committees, and boards; performs a variety of public relations and outreach work related to assigned activities.
Attends and presents at meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on principles, practices, technologies, and new developments in the field of engineering; participates on a variety of committees, professional groups, and task forces.
Responds to and resolves various issues with residents, other department representatives, and outside agencies in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
May supervise surveying services; may oversee and administer Permanent Road Divisions, County Service Areas, and related districts within the County.
Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of: Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
Principles and practices of budget and contract management.
Principles, practices, concepts, and standards of civil and/or transportation engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of public works and private development projects.
Principles and practices of project management.
County procedures for steering capital improvement program projects from inception to approval.
Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports.
Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned functional area.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and County staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability To: Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Assist in developing and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Provide administrative and professional leadership and direction for all engineering programs, projects, and activities.
Prepare and administer complex budgets and contracts; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
Manage and monitor complex projects on-time and within budget.
Convey technical ideas and information in a clear and concise manner.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Respond to and investigate inquires and complaints and prepare an appropriate response.
Gather, assemble, and analyze data and make sound recommendations for engineering activities.
Conduct research, analyze, and interpret data, draw conclusions, and summarize and present information, reports, and data in an effective manner.
Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
Effectively represent the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, community groups, the public, and various business, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Prepare and present clear, concise, and logical written and oral reports, correspondence, project specifications, legal descriptions, and other written materials.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, and procedural, guidelines.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience: Any combination of training, experience and educational degrees that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying.
Substitutions will be made on a year for year basis.
A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil or environmental engineering or a related field; and Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience providing professional support to a civil engineering program including two (2) years of supervisory responsibility.
Certifications and Licenses: Must possess a valid US driver’s license upon date of application.
Must obtain California driver’s license following hire date per California DMV regulations.
Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer issued by the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.
(Candidates from out of state who hold a comparable license may be considered with the stipulation that they are eligible for an appropriate California license and that they receive the license by the end of the probationary period.
) Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements PHYSICAL DEMANDS When assigned to an office environment: Mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites; primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required; occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information; ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen.
Hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone.
Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.
When assigned to field inspection: Mobility to work in changing site conditions; to sit, stand and walk on level, uneven or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various County sites.
Strength and stamina to perform light to medium physical work; lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 50 pounds or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
Vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress.
Fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations.
WORKING CONDITIONS Office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances.
Also includes field work with exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, chemicals, dust, fumes, and allergens, vermin, insects, and parasites, mechanical and/or electrical hazards and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.
EQUIPMENT AND TOOLS UTILIZED Equipment utilized includes personal computer, fax machine, standard office equipment, County vehicle, total station, laser level, measuring devices, and plotters.
Disaster Service Worker All Butte County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109).
Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect.
Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.