Deputy City Engineer

City of Fortuna•Fortuna, CA

About The Position

Under the administrative direction of the City Engineer, the Deputy City Engineer plans, organizes, schedules, directs, and reviews the functions and activities of the City's Engineering Division. The position performs complex engineering assignments, is responsible for the design and inspection of Public Works projects, and reviews and approves subdivision development plans. It is a full-time, single-position class responsible for the Engineering Division, with extensive latitude to exercise independent judgment and initiative. Work is typically performed in a general office environment, with occasional outdoor site visits that may involve inclement weather.

Requirements

  • Possess a current, valid California Civil Engineer registration certificate issued by the State Board of Registration for Civil Engineers, or be able to obtain it within 24 months.
  • Maintain a valid California Driver’s License throughout employment and participate in the DMV Pull Program.
  • High school diploma or GED.
  • Any combination of training and experience likely to provide the required knowledge and abilities.
  • The posting describes a typical qualification as eight (4-5) years of increasingly responsible professional engineering experience involving public works, community development, planning, design and construction, grant administration, and economic development activities, including at least three years in a supervisory or management capacity.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate technical information effectively with a governing board, coworkers, and the public.
  • Knowledge of safe work practices and civil engineering principles and practices applicable to municipal facilities and public works planning, design, and construction.
  • Knowledge of mathematics, design methods, construction materials and their strengths, standard specifications, soil conditions, and laws and regulations related to municipal facilities, public works, subdivisions, and development projects.
  • Knowledge of cost estimating, contract administration, traffic engineering methods and regulations, surveying, construction inspection, technical report writing, budget development and expenditure control, supervision, training, and engineering administration.
  • Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and manage the Engineering Division.
  • Ability to solve complex engineering problems using a variety of engineering techniques.
  • Ability to prepare comprehensive technical reports and recommendations.
  • Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public, contractors, and representatives of other agencies and to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing using technical and non-technical language.
  • Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions, policies, and procedures.
  • Ability to prepare and present accurate, reliable reports with findings and recommendations.
  • Ability to operate, or quickly learn to operate, a personal computer and software applications appropriate to assigned tasks.
  • Ability to use logical and creative thinking to develop solutions and perform varied duties accurately and quickly under deadlines and changing priorities.
  • Ability to quickly learn and use new skills and knowledge as information and technology change.
  • Ability to act with integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness.

Nice To Haves

  • Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

  • Plan, organize, assign, supervise, and review the work of the City's Engineering Division.
  • Prepare reports and present information to the City Council and Planning Commission on improvement projects and technical engineering matters.
  • Meet with local builders, contractors, and developers to provide information about utilities and requirements for sewage, water, storm drainage, and streets.
  • Review drawings and plans for new subdivisions and developments.
  • Prepare cost estimates for special projects, including off-site improvements for new industries and municipal park upgrades.
  • Respond to citizen complaints.
  • Serve as City Traffic Engineer by conducting traffic studies and developing traffic control procedures.
  • Monitor development of City drainage facilities and develop and update standard construction details.
  • Oversee engineering field inspections, monitor project progress, prepare and negotiate contractor change orders, process partial payments, and estimate project completion percentages.
  • Chair pre-construction meetings.
  • Oversee preparation of legal property maps and descriptions.
  • Administer bidding for Public Works contracts and assist in developing project specifications.
  • Prepare periodic Engineering Division activity reports.
  • Participate in the City's Development Review process.
  • Check structural design calculations and engineering designs for proposed drainage and sewage facilities.
  • Serve as City Flood Control Officer.
  • Coordinate and monitor soil testing.
  • Provide technical engineering advice and assistance to other City staff.
  • Direct the preparation of, and prepare, engineering estimates, plans, designs, and specifications for public works projects.
  • Perform construction inspection as a resident engineer and supervise Engineering Department employees.
  • Provide engineering guidance and direction to the Building Department.
  • Maintain responsibility for the City's traffic engineering functions.
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