Engineering Manager

City of Sunnyvale • Sunnyvale, CA

14d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a dynamic and results-driven Engineering Manager to join the Environmental Services Department. This is a dual engineering and operations leadership position responsible for managing engineering programs and overseeing the operation and maintenance programs for the City’s wastewater and stormwater collection systems. The position directly oversees an engineering team as well as a crew of 14 field staff responsible for day-to-day system operations, preventive maintenance, inspections, emergency response, and regulatory compliance. Candidates should have demonstrated experience leading the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer and/or stormwater collection systems in addition to a strong engineering background. The ideal candidate will combine strong technical and engineering judgment with practical operational leadership. The successful candidate will be comfortable working with engineers, supervisors, field crews, contractors, and developers; using operational and asset data to improve maintenance programs and system performance; reviewing development submittals related to water, wastewater, stormwater, and other wet utility infrastructure to ensure compliance with City standards and system requirements; and balancing immediate operational needs with long-term infrastructure planning. The position requires strong communication, problem-solving, team-building, and decision-making skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships across the organization. This is an on-site leadership position based in the office, with no remote work option.

Requirements

• A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in civil, chemical, mechanical, or environmental engineering, or related field; AND Six (6) years of professional experience in civil, structural, mechanical, or chemical engineering, or wastewater collections and maintenance, including two (2) years of experience in a supervisory capacity.
• 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.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of leadership.
• Knowledge of administrative principles, practices, and methods including goal setting, program development, implementation and evaluation, policy and procedure development, quality control, and work standards.
• Knowledge of principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budget development and administration.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of contract administration and management.
• Knowledge of general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.
• Knowledge of methods, tools, materials, and functions of equipment used in the construction, maintenance, and operation of sanitary sewer collection systems.
• Knowledge of pollution control plant treatment systems.
• Knowledge of complex arithmetic and statistical techniques.
• Knowledge of research methods and techniques.
• Knowledge of recent and on-going developments related to the operations of the assigned department.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations as well as industry standards and best practices pertinent to the assigned area of responsibility.
• Knowledge of City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Knowledge of techniques for providing a high level of customer service, by effectively working with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Knowledge of 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 manner.
• Ability to develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
• Ability to provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Wastewater Operations Division.
• Ability to prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
• Ability to manage complex projects, evaluate overall project performance, and monitor specific project results.
• Ability to prepare engineering designs, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and recommendations for a variety of sewer utility construction and maintenance projects.
• Ability to perform difficult and complex engineering computations and analysis and make comprehensive and sound decisions.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately.
• Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
• Ability to supervise the establishment of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
• Ability to effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, various business, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, documentation, and other written materials.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ability to independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Ability to establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid class C California driver's license or the ability to provide alternative transportation as approved by the appointing authority and a safe driving record.
• Possession of valid registration as a Professional Engineer in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Chemical Engineering issued by the State of California in good standing.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience leading the operation and maintenance of sanitary sewer and/or stormwater collection systems in addition to a strong engineering background.
• Strong technical and engineering judgment combined with practical operational leadership.
• Comfortable working with engineers, supervisors, field crews, contractors, and developers.
• Experience using operational and asset data to improve maintenance programs and system performance.
• Experience reviewing development submittals related to water, wastewater, stormwater, and other wet utility infrastructure.
• Ability to balance immediate operational needs with long-term infrastructure planning.
• Strong communication, problem-solving, team-building, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Wastewater Operations Division, including the City’s sanitary sewer and storm drainage programs; manages capital improvement projects.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within division policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of assigned capital project budgets; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations to the Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Water Distribution/Sewer Collection.
• Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends discipline.
• Performs project management responsibilities; develops logical and efficient project plans; establishes priorities; monitors and manages task completion; anticipates and avoids problems; works collaboratively and cooperatively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability.
• Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
• Manages the planning, organization, and oversight of the City’s sanitary sewer and storm drainage programs while ensuring strict compliance with all applicable state and federal regulations to safeguard public health and environmental quality.
• Evaluates the City’s future sanitary and storm infrastructure needs based on development trends, population growth, and environmental projections; assesses system lifespan and vulnerabilities to set long-term goals and strategies that ensure future reliable services.
• Manages the full cycle of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) projects from planning to completion; ensures projects are delivered on time, within budget, and meet high standards of safety, compliance, and effectiveness.
• Assesses and prioritizes current and future CIP projects including sewer main replacements and pump station upgrades; ensures resources are allocated to projects with the most significant operational and community impact.
• Directs and oversees initiatives which align operations with environmental mandates; leads programs to protect local ecosystems from runoff and pollutants, directly impacting the City’s environmental footprint.
• Serves as liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces.
• Provides highly complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director of Environmental Services - Water Distribution/Sewer Collection; prepares and presents staff reports and other written materials; supervises the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files; ensures the proper documentation of operations and activities.
• Reviews the work of staff to ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Represents the City in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, and the public.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of municipal wastewater operations.
• Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
• Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• City paid 2% contribution to a deferred compensation plan.
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute.
• Comprehensive City paid family medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Excellent Retiree Medical Benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager