The Town of Hillsborough is seeking a qualified, motivated, and service-oriented engineering professional to join the Public Works Department. This is one flexibly staffed position that may be filled at either the Associate Civil Engineer or Senior Civil Engineer level, depending on the selected candidate’s qualifications, experience, and the needs of the Town.
This management-level position will serve directly under the Deputy Director of Public Works and will supervise engineering and inspector staff. The role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative municipal environment on a wide range of public works and civil engineering responsibilities, including wastewater, water, street, and storm drain infrastructure capital improvement projects, private development review and coordination, resident and contractor interaction, and project delivery from planning through construction. The selected candidate may also help represent the Department through City Council presentations, staff reports, coordination with senior staff, and communication on complex or high-profile matters involving residents, consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and other public agencies.
The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and practical problem-solver with sound technical judgment, initiative, and a commitment to providing responsive public service in a small-town setting.
Associate Civil Engineer
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, performs a variety of professional civil engineering field and office work related to the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the Town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), traffic engineering, and private development projects and studies; prepares designs and specifications and conducts inspections of assigned projects; serves as project manager for assigned projects; confers with developers, contractors, other engineers, and the general public; represents the Town at a variety of committee, commission, and City Council meetings; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff. Exercises direct supervision over technical and professional staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is the full supervisory-level class in the professional engineering series. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Assistant Engineer by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, exercising judgment and initiative, and supervision of staff. Positions perform diverse and specialized professional engineering activities with accountability and ongoing decision-making responsibilities associated with the work. Positions receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. This class is distinguished from the Senior Civil Engineer in that the latter has management responsibility for all engineering projects and programs of the Engineering Division.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Plans, organizes, assigns, supervises, and reviews the work of assigned staff in the Engineering Division; trains staff in work procedures; evaluates employee performance, counsels employees, and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action; assists in selection and promotion.
- Participates in the development of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for assigned services and programs; recommends and implements policies and procedures.
- Monitors activities of the engineering work unit; identifies opportunities for improving service delivery and procedures; provides recommendations concerning process changes; reviews with appropriate management staff; implements improvements.
- Coordinates department programs, projects, and activities with other Town departments, local jurisdictions and agencies, and regional, state, and federal agencies.
- Participates in annual budget preparation; identifies resource needs; prepares detailed cost estimates with appropriate justifications; monitors expenditures.
- Manages and provides technical support in all phases of engineering projects including planning, design, construction, and close-out; performs project management activities, including preparing preliminary and final designs and specifications, developing requests for proposals and scopes of work, cost estimates, change orders, work plans, budgets, schedules, and baseline requirements and contract negotiations and management; coordinates bid processes and develops recommendations for consultant/contractor selection; administers contracts and agreements; reviews the work of consultants and contractors; ensures compliance with specifications; recommends modifications; reviews and approves payment requests.
- Performs engineering design work by researching data, conducting surveys and engineering analysis of alternatives, and determining design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes.
- Prepares and reviews traffic control and signal plans; conducts traffic safety and neighborhood traffic circulation studies.
- Conducts field inspections to ensure conformance with design and specifications as well as compliance with local, state, and federal guidelines.
- Prepares and presents technical project and staff reports for various committees, commissions, and at public meetings and hearings; prepares a variety of written reports, memoranda, and correspondence.
- Supervises the preparation and maintenance of reports, records, and files; ensures the proper documentation of projects and activities.
- Collaborates and confers with developers, engineers, architects, and contractors and other Town staff in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding Town project requirements and Town policies, procedures, codes, and ordinances.
- Represents the Town in meetings with members of other public and private organizations, community groups, contractors, developers, and the public.
- Attends meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering.
- Answers questions and provides information to the public; investigates and responds to complaints and inquiries from citizens, other departments, and external agencies; recommends corrective actions to resolve issues.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Principles and practices of project budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration.
- Civil engineering principles, practices, and methods.
- Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of public works and private development projects.
- General design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements such as streets, utilities, storm drains, grading, and landscaping.
- Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
- Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing technical reports.
- Principles and procedures of record keeping.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Town staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 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:
- Assist in developing and implementing goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justification for solutions.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluate and solve civil engineering problems.
- Prepare, understand, and interpret engineering construction plans, technical drawings and designs, specifications, as-builts, and other contract documents.
- Independently conduct engineering studies and research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff and technical reports; present technical engineering information and data in an effective manner.
- Perform mathematical and engineering computations with precision.
- Respond to complaints or inquiries from citizens, staff, and outside organizations.
- Read, understand, and interpret blueprints, plans, and specifications.
- Prepare clear, effective, and accurate reports, correspondence, and other written materials.
- Maintain accurate logs, records, and written records of work performed.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering and four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in professional engineering design, plan review, and project administration, preferably in a public agency setting.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License.
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists within twelve months of appointment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect Town sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Town sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas and to conduct inspections may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
Senior Civil Engineer
DEFINITION
Under general supervision, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and projects of the Engineering Division; serves as project manager for complex professional engineering activities including planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the Town’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP), traffic engineering, and private development projects and studies; manages the effective use of division resources to improve organizational productivity and customer service; provides complex and responsible support to the Deputy Director, Public Works in areas of expertise; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Deputy Director of Public Works. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for planning, organizing, and managing the staff, operations, and activities of the Engineering Division. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities, which include division budget administration, program evaluation, and recommendation and implementation of policies, procedures, goals, objectives, priorities, and standards related to engineering. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines. This class is distinguished from the Deputy Director of Public Works in that the latter is a professional engineering class overseeing all engineering and public works operations and maintenance programs and projects of the Public Works Department.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations where appropriate so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Engineering Division, including planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the Town’s CIP program, traffic engineering, and private development projects and studies.
- Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, 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 division and CIP 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 and makes recommendations for improvement.
- Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
- 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 Town specifications and service quality.
- Coordinates and participates in CIP planning activities; provides oversight and input into conceptual designs of engineering projects; investigates and resolves problems with scope of work or cost issues of major facility upgrade and replacement projects; ensures that projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Manages and provides technical support in all phases of engineering projects including planning, design, construction, and close-out.
- Manages land development activities, including the review and approval of subdivision maps, grading/drainage and erosion control plans, storm water management, and developer public improvement plans; oversees the issuance of encroachment permits for construction work within the Town’s public right-of-way.
- Develops, directs, and reviews standards for design and construction of public works facilities, including streets, storm drains, sewer and water systems, and Town buildings and facilities.
- Analyzes civil engineering plan design, specifications, and consultant and staff comments in accordance with design requirements and municipal and intergovernmental standards and regulations; recommends approval or additional engineering conditions and changes; reviews and signs engineering drawings, plans, specifications, studies, and reports.
- Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
- Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other Town departments and outside agencies.
- Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in engineering; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to Town needs.
- Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
- Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
- Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files.
- Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, project management, budget development and administration, and contract administration and management.
- Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
- Principles and practices of leadership.
- Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
- Applicable federal, state, and local laws, rules, regulations, ordinances, and organizational policies and procedures relevant to assigned area of responsibility.
- Advanced civil engineering principles, practices, and methods including general design, layout, and construction practices for public improvements.
- Engineering plan types, review practices, and permit filing and approval procedures.
- Engineering and surveying tools and equipment.
- Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
- Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing technical reports.
- Techniques for effectively representing the Town in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
- Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
- Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
- Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and Town staff.
- The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
- 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:
- Plan, organize, oversee and manage the staff and operations of the Engineering Division.
- Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
- Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
- Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
- Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to work performed.
- Apply engineering principles and techniques to evaluate and solve civil engineering problems.
- Prepare, analyze, and interpret engineering plans and specifications in accordance with design requirements and applicable standards and regulations.
- Use engineering and surveying tools and equipment effectively and in a safe manner.
- Independently conduct engineering studies and research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective staff and technical reports; present technical engineering information and data in an effective manner.
- Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
- Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
- Effectively present projects and represent the division and the Town in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
- Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record keeping, and tracking systems.
- Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
- Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
- Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.
- Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Equivalent to completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering and six (6) years of increasingly responsible experience in professional engineering design, plan review, and project administration, preferably in a public agency setting.
Licenses and Certifications:
- Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver’s License.
- Possession of a valid Professional Civil Engineer license issued by the California Board of Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to inspect Town sites, including traversing uneven terrain, climbing ladders, stairs, and other temporary or construction access points; to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Town sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas and to conduct inspections may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.
Environmental Elements
Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may work in the field and occasionally be exposed to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, road hazards, vibration, mechanical and/or electrical hazards, and hazardous physical substances and fumes.
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