Engineer I/II/III

City of Suffolk•Suffolk, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This in-person position manages complex engineering projects, operations, and programs with minimal supervision. The role performs professional and technical work related to project management for the design and construction of complex capital improvement projects, and review, approval, and acceptance of private development projects. It also assists with budgeting and may provide limited staff supervision in the manager’s absence. Work includes managing capital improvement projects; environmental management, compliance, and enforcement programs; and engineering reviews of complex or politically sensitive private construction plans for compliance with applicable codes and standards. The position provides technical support in response to citizen concerns about roadway improvements, drainage, erosion and sediment control, utility systems, and other departmental issues. It is a senior-level position involving highly complex engineering tasks and participation in division operational and policy decisions. The position reports to the Utility Engineering Manager. No remote work is available. The position level (Engineer I, II, or III) will depend on the selected candidate’s qualifications. Responsibilities encompass planning and coordinating infrastructure and development reviews; managing contracts, budgets, schedules, design, construction, and inspections; coordinating with public agencies, professionals, developers, and the community; administering permits and compliance activities; and supporting department policies, procedures, grants, and records.

Requirements

Engineer I: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Engineering Technology, or a closely related field.
Engineer I: Five months of previous experience and/or training involving engineering plan review, project management, computer-aided engineering design, or personal computer operations.
Engineer II: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a closely related field, plus three years of experience in project management for engineering design or construction, engineering plan review, computer-aided engineering design, or closely related work; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may qualify.
Engineer II: Must possess and maintain valid Virginia Engineer-in-Training certification and a valid driver’s license.
Engineer III: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Civil Engineering Technology, or a closely related field, supplemented by six years of previous experience or training and ten years in project management for engineering design or construction, engineering plan review, computer-aided engineering design, or closely related work; an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may qualify.
Engineer III: Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia Professional Engineer (P.E.) license and a valid driver’s license.
Ability to conduct investigations and recommend solutions to complex problems, including citizen complaints and environmental permitting issues.
Ability to deal tactfully and firmly with the public, individuals, and special interest groups to resolve disputes or requests.
Knowledge of civil engineering and construction principles, practices, and procedures related to public works, water and sewer, stormwater, or other relevant systems.
Knowledge of project management practices and methods for engineering design and construction projects.
Ability to read and interpret contracts, engineering plans, commercial site plans, subdivision plats, blueprints, flood maps, and specifications.
Ability to review facility design and construction, erosion and sediment control, drainage, and road construction.
Knowledge of engineering standards for reviewing traffic, grading, hydrology, storm drainage, infrastructure layout, utilities, materials, and other engineering aspects of site plans.
Ability to make engineering judgments when evaluating field and site plan problems.
Ability to understand and apply regulations, procedures, and related information, and to keep current with changes in policy, methods, computer operations, equipment, and departmental activities.
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, contractors, the public, and other groups involved in departmental work.
Ability to assemble information and prepare clear, concise written reports and documents.
Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
Ability to use and develop complex mathematical formulas, perform required calculations, and explain the theoretical basis for formulas.
Computer proficiency, including use of related software programs.
Ability to read and interpret financial, technical, engineering, and construction reports and related materials.
Ability to provide first-line supervision in the continuous enforcement of public health and safety laws and standards.
Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, or assess data using established criteria and identify alternatives based on likely consequences.
Ability to persuade or influence others when coordinating projects, programs, or areas of responsibility.
Ability to speak confidently and clearly with individuals and groups using correct English.
Ability to apply leadership, motivation, and influence principles and exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity to resolve problems.
Ability to use a wide variety of reference, descriptive, advisory, and design data and information.
Ability to perform arithmetic, percentages, fractions, graph interpretation, area and volume calculations, moderately complex algebra and geometry, calculus principles, and statistical calculations.
Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape using visual inspection, a planimeter, engineer’s scale, drafting instruments, and measuring instruments.

Nice To Haves

Engineer I: Virginia Engineer-in-Training certification is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide recommendations to interdepartmental staff for Planning Commission and City Council actions, ensuring City requirements and special needs are addressed.
Coordinate with interdepartmental staff on comprehensive plan updates related to growth and water and sewer infrastructure needs.
Investigate and resolve complex technical problems associated with private development and keep development plan reviews and design tasks on schedule.
Manage and coordinate compliance with federal, state, and City drinking water and wastewater regulatory programs, and develop internal staff work plans to meet requirements.
Develop design requirements for rehabilitation of existing infrastructure, pumping stations, and other drinking water and sanitary sewer systems.
Review private development and capital project designs using the City’s project review software.
Manage complex capital improvement projects involving streets, drainage, utilities, or facilities; administer contracts; manage design; conduct site inspections as needed; monitor project expenditures and financial status; and serve as liaison between the City and other agencies.
Prepare, conduct, and monitor project correspondence, contract bid documents, meetings, utility relocations, schedules, and right-of-way acquisition; support other CIP staff; direct inspection staff; and resolve conflicts between plans and field conditions.
Coordinate engineers, contractors, surveyors, consultants, and other professionals in project design and construction, and meet with developers and engineers about City policies and design standards.
Oversee preparation of contract specifications and procurement documents; conduct public bid openings; act on award recommendations; prepare fund certifications; and oversee contract execution.
Review project plans, change orders, payment requests, and material submittals for compliance.
Review complex or politically sensitive private development, commercial construction, and subdivision plans and plats for compliance with City, state, and federal codes and engineering standards.
Provide supervision and guidance and take leadership roles, such as plan review coordinator, for departmental projects.
Coordinate inspection services for City capital improvement and private development projects, and work with inspection staff to enforce City codes and program objectives.
Coordinate projects, permitting, activities, and compliance matters with federal, state, local, and private agencies.
Review and approve bond estimates, issue permits, coordinate inspections, and cite violations when appropriate.
Respond to citizen questions, concerns, and complaints; investigate issues, confer with involved parties, provide information, and initiate resolutions.
Provide public information, education, and technical assistance, and meet with local businesses or citizen groups affected by City projects.
Coordinate acquisition of property and easements from private landowners, including appraisals, plat preparation, and preparation of easement or transfer deeds.
Update the Public Facilities Manual, develop standard operating procedures, and assist in developing policies for new regulations, standards, fees, and engineering functions.
Prepare quantity takeoffs and cost estimates for proposed projects and economic development initiatives.
Research construction methods, materials, and procedures and make decisions or recommendations for City use.
Prepare and process forms, reports, correspondence, designs, drawings, spreadsheets, presentations, and other documentation.
Attend meetings, serve on committees, and make presentations as needed.
Assist with grant writing and monitor grant expenditures and reimbursements.
Maintain computer databases for capital improvement, subdivision, commercial development, and other projects; monitor account funding; and update staff time sheets for billing.
Assist citizens in reviewing plans for proposed City or state construction projects.
Perform general and clerical tasks, including answering calls, preparing documents, copying plans, sending and receiving faxes, filing, and processing mail.