County Engineer

Island County•Coupeville Campus, WA

About The Position

The employee in this position will plan, organize, direct and control activities in areas of responsibility that include engineering and road maintenance activities; construction and maintenance, land acquisitions, right-of-way management, flood control, and trail construction; serve as professional resource to other County departments as appropriate; assure the efficient and effective utilization of departmental personnel, funds, materials, facilities and time; accomplish short-term and long-range planning; implement and maintain sound organizational operations to assure optimum services to the County. Reports to the Public Works Director in all areas, including budget, personnel and policy implementation, as directed by the Board of Island County Commissioners. This employee is an integral part of the development and management of construction, maintenance and equipment services. Provides reports to the Board of Island County Commissioners regarding the performance of the statutory requirements listed in RCW 36.80, compliance with the Standards of Good Practice as outlined by WAC 136-11 and all issues related to County roads and Equipment Rental & Revolving fund per WAC 136-600.

Requirements

BS degree in civil engineering or related field.
Must be a registered Professional Civil Engineer in the State of Washington at time of hire.
Ten years in professional engineering; preferably in County engineering projects sufficient to demonstrate thorough administrative competency.
A minimum of 5 years senior level engineering, management and supervisory experience.
5 years of responsible experience in utilities systems administration.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Exercise sound judgment in the performance of assigned duties based on law, applicable policies and procedures, and ethical responsibilities.
Prepare clear, concise, coherent, and grammatically correct written work product.
Be attentive to detail.
Work independently.
Work well with others.
Prioritize work assignments.
Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, including being clear and concise.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public, coworkers, and other County employees.
Is knowledgeable about sound engineering principles, engineering related laws and ordinances, County processes and operation, budgeting, funding sources and contract administration.
Operate computer applications including word processing and spreadsheets, and understands specialized engineering applications such as AutoCAD.
Is able to analyze complex issues and impacts, provide clear direction and adopt an effective course of action or present alternative solutions.
Exercise sound, ethical judgment in decision making process.
Delegate authority appropriately and monitor production/progress with effective control techniques.

Nice To Haves

Equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Responsibilities

Operate with appreciable latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability.
Perform journey level management and professional civil engineering work associated with planning, location, design, review, and construction of engineering projects.
Provide direct supervision of Assistant County Engineer, Transportation Planner, Maintenance/Roads Superintendent and Engineering Managers.
Ensure compliance with applicable state statutes, County ordinances, and other regulations and specifications.
Train and educate subordinate staff on design criteria and standards of engineering design.
Review the performance of personnel.
Responsible for efficient management of resources.
Prepare thorough and timely technical advice, analyses and reports which can serve as the basis for sound decisions by the Board of Island County Commissioners in their responsibility to assure that expenditures of road funds are for optimum benefit and service to the community.
Assist the Public Works Director with the administration and management of the department including but not limited to engineering services, maintenance activities and other fund management, as directed.
Apply extensive, in-depth knowledge of project analysis and management using modern systems, methods, practices and procedures utilized in project research and documentation, ensuring the adherence to sound principles of business management.
Works in conformance with generally prescribed policies while operating with appreciable latitude for independent action and decisions commensurate with demonstrated ability.
Operate with the Public Works Director’s assistance, authority and approval in matters requiring deviation from established policies and in matters having major impact or long-range effects.
Provide technical advice and guidance as needed.
Provide direct technical help when needed.
Provide key involvement in public meetings and hearings relative to department projects and as directed by the Public Works Director.
Review construction plans and contract specifications for compliance with federal and state design standards, as well as those of various industry organizations and with generally accepted engineering practice.
Assure that construction plans, contract specifications and documents are complete and accurate prior to calling for bids.
Prepare plans and specifications when necessary.
Oversee the engineering and construction program including developing and implementing the Annual Transportation Improvement Plan, 6-year Transportation Improvement Plan and Clean Water Utility Plan for Public Works.
Maintain the county road log, road vacations, pavement management and reporting to the County Road Administration Board (CRAB).
Respond to road and transportation emergencies, road closures and restrictions, detours and speed limit changes.
Prioritize, schedule, assign, and coordinate the development of projects from conception to completion.
Prepare special engineering reports, studies and documents as required or requested.
Administer the County Right of Way program.
Approve permits applicable to accessing the County Right of Way.
Respond to a variety of technical engineering research and reports as assigned.
Analyze and report impacts of proposed plans and developments on the County's capacities and abilities to serve.
Make recommendations for mitigative measures.
Respond to inquiries from contractors, other public agencies and officials or the general public.
Explain department policies, practices, and procedures and attempt to resolve problems.
Take action to resolve divisional operational and administrative conflicts and problems; decide alternate courses of action; interpret policies and otherwise make decisions that have not been delegated.
Monitor and evaluate the progress of delegated matters.
Work effectively with other departments and agencies as necessary.
Select professional consultants to perform selected work for the County and monitor their work.
Keep up to date on technical and legal aspects of the job.
Assist the department in implementation of environmental provisions such as Department of Ecology 4(d) rules, Best Management Practices, Standard Operating Procedures, and training.
Oversee the establishment and maintenance of engineering files and records.
Research, analyze and prepare cost estimates of proposed road construction and other projects for budgeting reasons.
Guide the planning and administration of the Capital Improvement Budget and Transition Improvement Plan.
Perform management functions that may be assigned.
Perform other duties as assigned.