Job Description

CITY ENGINEER

(Non-classified)

JOB CODE 20280

Effective Date:	Rev. 10/09A

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The fundamental reason this classification exists is to plan and direct the efficient and economical development and construction of municipal public works programs and projects. The City Engineer is an executive position and is director of the Engineering and Architectural Services Department. Work involves the exercise of a high degree of independent judgment and discretion in the interpretation and execution of policies governing City public works programs. Professional engineering advice and assistance are given to other department heads in connection with the planning or execution of public works improvement programs and projects. Supervision is exercised over a large number of professional and subprofessional engineering and architectural personnel, as well as professional administrative and clerical employees. Broad policies are prescribed by and general direction is received from a Deputy City Manager, who holds the City Engineer responsible for the effectiveness of the engineering and architectural services program.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Directs, through the Assistant City Engineer and other professional employees in the Engineering and Architectural Services Department, the development, design, and execution of a variety of engineering and architectural projects;
• Gives technical engineering and architectural advice to the heads of various City departments and the City Manager's Office;
• Assists other City departments in the preparation and execution of capital improvement program (CIP) projects;
• Approves operating and capital budget submittals for the department;
• Assigns the preparation of various engineering and architectural activity reports;
• Presents the City's position and policies to other governmental jurisdictions, private firms, and the general public on certain engineering and architectural matters;
• Initiates engineering and architectural studies or program review in response to inquiries from City Council, City management, or when professional judgment suggests it is advisable to do so;
• Makes the final selection of engineering and architectural consultants and contractors for recommendation to the City Council;
• Arbitrates contractual disputes between the City and consultants or contractors involved in the design or construction of public works projects;
• Sets goals for the required level of Minority-, Women-owned and Small Business Enterprises (MWSBE) subcontractor and consultant participation on City projects;
• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Laws and regulations related to the business of the Engineering and Architectural Services Department.
• Principles and practices of the planning, design, construction, and administration of municipal public works programs.
• Principles and practices of personnel management and supervision.
• Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
• Contracting methods and techniques.

Ability to:

• Direct and supervise complex and politically-sensitive engineering and architectural programs.
• Work cooperatively with City Council, City management, private firms, and the general public.
• Communicate in the English language by phone or in person in face-to-face, one-to-one, or group settings.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Perform a broad range of supervisory responsibilities over others.
• Oversee department budget.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to self or others.
• Comprehend and make inferences from material written in the English language.

Additional Requirements:

• Must be registered as a Professional Engineer at time of hire. Registration in Arizona must be obtained within 12 months of employment.
• This position requires the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. The individual must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• Performs of other essential and marginal functions as assigned.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
Five years of management experience in the practice of public works engineering and construction, including experience in planning and directing difficult engineering projects and supervision of professional and subprofessional engineering and architectural staff, and a bachelor's degree in civil, structural, architectural, or construction engineering or an equivalent engineering degree. Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.