Definition:
Under the supervision of the Engineering Services Manager, the Senior Civil Engineer will perform professional engineering work in the planning, design, construction, and operation of engineering projects. This position is assigned to the Engineering Services Department.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
- Plan, manage, coordinate, and supervise in the activities of a major section within the Engineering Services Department.
- Assist in the development and implementation of goals, policies, procedures, and priorities.
- Prepare and oversee the preparation of engineering designs, specifications, and cost estimates for a wide variety of capital improvement projects; assist in preparing Engineering Division’s five-year CIP.
- Provide professional and technical engineering support services relative to assigned area of responsibility.
- Interpret and apply relevant codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
- Supervise the preparation, updating, and maintenance of utility maps and records.
- Check plans for accuracy, suitability, and completeness and make recommendations for revision and improvement.
- Review specifications for composition and accuracy.
- Meet and confer with developers, contractors, engineers, local and/or regional regulatory agencies, and the general public relative to City policies, regulations, procedures, and permits; coordinate discrepancies and problem situations with outside parties.
- Administer and oversee the administration of contracts; review and approve payments and billings for contracted services.
- Oversee and participate in the review of projects under construction in the field; resolve complaints and problems in the field between the inspectors and developers, contractors, and/or engineers.
- Coordinate activities with other departments’ divisions as appropriate.
- Serve as staff liaison to a variety of City and outside commissions, boards, and committees as assigned.
- Conduct special engineering studies relative to assigned area of responsibility; prepare appropriate reports and analyses.
- Communicates technical information fluently to non-technical audiences.
- Manages design teams.
- Determines project responsibilities by identifying project phases and elements.
- Determines project specifications by studying requirements and performance standards.
- Completes technical studies and prepares cost estimates.
- Prepares project status reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information and trends and recommending actions.
- Attends and makes presentations before the City Council, City Commissions, and other public and private groups.
- Select, supervise, train, review the work of, and evaluate assigned professional and technical staff.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to new development; applicable laws and regulatory codes related to development, design, and construction; methods and techniques used in the design, construction, and surveying of a variety of utility and other public works projects; and principles of practices of organization, administration, and personnel management, as well as operating and budgeting practices.
ABILITY TO:
Interpret and apply applicable codes, ordinances, rules, and regulations related to development and construction; interpret, review, and analyze development proposals, plans, and specifications; make complex engineering computations and check, design, and supervise the construction of a variety of public works projects; perform professional and technical support services relative to assigned area of responsibility; administer contracts; prepare specifications and write technical reports; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work; supervise, train, review the work of, and evaluate assigned staff.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION: 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:
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Four years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience. Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering.
Required Licenses or Certificates: Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. Possession of a valid California Class C driver’s license.
IDEAL CANDIDATE POSSESSES THE FOLLOWING CHARACTERISTICS: Is highly professional, patient, respectful, and ethical; possesses excellent problem-solving skills and a can-do attitude. The person holding this position should demonstrate a high level of customer service standards with the community, customers, and departments. Communicates effectively and proactively both verbally and in writing. The ideal candidate is comfortable with change and can multi-task; is familiar with governmental organizational structure and public service oriented. Enjoys working in a small town atmosphere with an engaged public, including merchants, property owners and residents.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer. Vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing and walking between work areas or at locations in the field may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter 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.
RECRUITMENT PROCESS:
The recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. Prior to hire, candidates will be required to successfully complete a pre-employment process, including a livescan background investigation. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment; however, failure to disclose a conviction will result in disqualification or termination.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Los Altos is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of a person’s race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, mental or physical disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age or sexual orientation. Candidates with a disability, which may require special assistance in any phase of the application or testing process, should advise City of Los Altos upon submittal of application. Documentation of the need for accommodation must accompany the request.
LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER
The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. All job requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees.
