Assistant Public Works Director/Engineering

City of Grand Island•Grand Island, NE

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Manage the design and construction of streets, sewers, structures and other public facilities. Serve as technical advisor to the Public Works Director. Lead the activities and operations of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department, including provision of administrative and technical oversight of traffic engineering, and capital improvements engineering, design, and construction observation. Address questions and requests from developers, contractors, engineers, and the public. Salary for position is effective October 4, 2026.

Requirements

Extensive knowledge of engineering and municipal public works administration.
Modern and complex principles and practices of Public Works programs.
Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Engineering practices, principles, standards and codes as applied to streets, drainage channel activities, trails and sidewalks, wastewater operations, refuse disposal, traffic engineering and development of property.
City functions and responsibilities in satisfying and remedying community need, desires and problem areas.
Operations and capabilities of computers and their application to public works problems and systems.
Apply engineering practices, principles, standards and codes appropriately.
Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, standards, laws, codes and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally, in writing and through email communication.
Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of civil engineering.
A minimum of five years of experience in engineering is required.
A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is required.
Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Nebraska or ability to obtain through reciprocity prior to hire is required.
Qualification, or ability to be qualified, as Responsible Charge individual by the Nebraska Department of Roads for Federal Aid transportation projects.
Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability as determined by the City’s insurance carrier.
Must submit a copy of your Bachelor's diploma or transcripts with your application.
Candidates are subject to a background check.

Nice To Haves

Supervisory experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Display a willingness to assume and visibly demonstrate mentoring and coaching, role modeling and leadership to staff members by recognizing and developing talent.
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
Plan, supervise and participate in the design and preparation of plans and specifications for construction projects and other projects including streets, water mains, storm and sanitary sewers, curbs, trails and sidewalks, gutters, drainage facilities, building maintenance projects, bridges, viaducts and related appurtenances.
Supervise and participate in the inspection of construction projects to ensure that City specifications and standards are met.
Consult with contractors, engineering and representatives in carrying out various public works projects.
Perform Responsible Charge duties as defined by the Nebraska Department of Roads on Federal Aid transportation projects.
Ensure accuracy of project list, including status and itemized estimates.
Prepare plans, specifications and contracts for public works capital improvement projects.
Prepare cost estimates of projects; meet with developers, contractors and other local and state agencies.
Prepare the division and/or special program budgets; implement and administer division budget; accurately forecast funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved construction budget.
Provide input into budget preparation; oversee and monitor construction contracts; review contractor billing regarding construction expenses; tabulate project costs; determine property assessments; prepare cost estimates for project plans.
Perform duties associated with the planning and implementation of the One and Six Year Programs which include managing and scheduling projects.
Submit proposals and advice on particular projects or long range planning to the Public Works Director.
Perform duties associated with the design and construction of the City's public infrastructure improvements including the coordination and management of outside consultants performing design and construction services for the City.
Recommend and implement improvements within special assessment districts regarding property owner identification and notification, public hearings, contract administration and assessment calculations.
Perform duties essential for the proper coordination of joint projects with county, state and federal entities.
Perform duties associated with providing information and reports to developers, contractors, engineers and public.
Recommend selection, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures as necessary; promote high morale.
Participate in subdivision reviews.
Coordinate joint projects undertaken by the Nebraska Department of Roads and the City of Grand Island.
Perform related duties as assigned.