City Engineer

Job Description

City Engineer (071)

(Unclassified)

Education and Experience

Education equivalent to graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in engineering and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in engineering work, two (2) years of which must have been in a management/supervisory capacity.

License & Certification

Possession of an appropriate, valid California driver’s license is required. Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a civil engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers (Board) is required. Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a civil engineer authorized to practice land surveying or possession of a land surveyor’s license issued by the Board is desirable.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is a professional, managerial position in the City’s Unclassified Service, responsible for the operation and supervision of the Engineering Department. As a member of the City’s Unclassified Service, this is an “at-will” position. The incumbent serves at the discretion of the City Manager. An incumbent in this classification: demonstrates strong ethical, professional, and service oriented leadership and interpersonal skills; sets a good example; and correctly applies the tenets of the City’s Code of Ethics and Values. This position may act in the capacity of the Director of Public Works in his/her absence.

Typical Duties

With general direction: advises the Director of Public Works on engineering and public works matters; advises on engineering work in progress whether performed by City personnel, other agencies, or private contractors; plans long range projects and gives direction to the work of the Engineering Department including the Design, Field Services, Property Development, Special Projects, and Traffic divisions; oversees and reviews the preparation of plans, specifications, estimates, and contracts for public works projects, including streets, sewers, storm drains, transportation and municipal or public structures and buildings; directs the negotiation and acquisition of public lands and right of way; advises other municipal officials on engineering proposals; reviews and develops conditions for private development related to the public infrastructure improvement in accordance with the City’s property development ordinance; directs the keeping of accurate records, maps, field notes, and memoranda; reviews subdivision maps, plans, and specifications; attends City Council and Planning Commission meetings; conducts negotiations on engineering matters; may act as chair, member, or advisor to City committees or represent the City as a member, alternate member, or staff liaison on a variety of outside agencies, boards, commissions, committees, and joint powers authorities; and performs other related duties as assigned by the Director of Public Works.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

General knowledge of the engineering principles, practices, methods, and issues as applied to planning, budget, design, construction, operations, and maintenance of municipal public works. Good knowledge of principles of organization and management, including human resources administration and budgetary controls; engineering, management, budgeting, worker safety, public contracting, procurement of services, and related matters; and methods employed in the physical preparation of land for development. Working knowledge of City government and issues of concern to developers, property owners, contractors, private engineers, and other individuals dealing with the City on engineering matters. Ability to: plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the activities of a department; function effectively in personnel matters such as disciplinary actions and decisions for retention or dismissal; establish and maintain effective public relations with a wide variety of persons and organizations, sometimes under difficult and controversial circumstances; prepare comprehensive reports; speak and write effectively; and make effective public presentations.

Supervision Received

Works with the general direction of and reports to the Director of Public Works.

Supervision Exercised

Gives general direction and guidance to the Principal Engineers, and, at times, various other professional, technical, field, clerical staff members, and consultants.

Other Requirements

The incumbent in this classification may be required to work unusual hours. Must be able to perform all of the essential functions of the job assignment.

Conflict of Interest

The incumbent in this classification is required to file a Conflict of Interest statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with City Manager Directive 100.

Approved, November 2001