Assistant Public Works Director - Engineering

City of Waukee; Walnut Township (IA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Waukee is seeking a seasoned Engineering Division leader to direct design, policy development and project execution for municipal public works.

You will manage budgets, CIP programs, review plans from consultants, and supervise staff to ensure compliance with federal, state and city standards while coordinating with other departments and public stakeholders. The role requires strong leadership, technical expertise and the ability to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction engineering; 5+ years in municipal public works project leadership.
• Two years of supervisory experience.
• IDOT technician certification for aggregate, PCC, soils, HMA and erosion control or ability to obtain within one year.
• APWA Public Works Professional – Supervision or Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector or ability to obtain within two years.
• Valid Iowa Driver’s License; comply with vehicle policy.
• Ability to interpret extensive technical instructions and manage multiple variables.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local codes and regulations governing design and construction.
• Thorough knowledge of engineering information sources and methods.

Responsibilities

• Leads the Engineering Division staff through selection, orientation, training, performance management and discipline.
• Develops and directs Engineering Division policies, procedures, regulations, programs, systems, operations, goals and objectives.
• Oversees the financial aspects of Engineering Division operations, including CIP budgeting and expenditures.
• Reviews plans submitted by consulting engineers and privately owned utilities.
• Provides direction for CIP, private development projects and public works areas.
• Ensures infrastructure is managed per state laws and engineering standards.
• Keeps the division in compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

Leadership

Supervisory experience

Codes & regulations knowledge

Analytical ability

Plan reading & site observations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering

APWA Public Works Professional – Supervision

IDOT technician certification

Job description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)

• Leads the Engineering Division staff through selection, orientation, training, performance management and discipline according to standard operating procedures, City policy and departmental rules and regulations.
• Develops and directs the Engineering Division policies, procedures, regulations, programs, systems, operations, goals and objectives.
• Oversees the financial aspects of the Engineering Division operations, including accounting for division revenues, approving expenditures, keeping accurate inventory and preparing annual CIP and budget request.
• Reviews plans submitted by consulting engineers and privately owned utility companies to ensure conformance with established requirements.
• Provides direction, coordination and oversight for the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), private development projects, environmental, transportation, and construction areas of Public Works involving public and private infrastructure.
• Ensures that public infrastructure and associated right-of-ways/easements are managed and maintained in accordance with State laws and current engineering standards.
• Keeps the Public Works – Engineering Division in compliance with all Federal and State safety standards and regulations.
• Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS:

• Take action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making; identify the important dimensions of a problem, determine potential causes, obtain relevant information and specify alternate solutions that result in effective resolutions.
• Create positive energy in both individuals and groups to build high morale and group commitments to goals and objectives.
• Actively support all efforts to increase cooperation, communication and collaboration between and among co-workers, departments, City officials, other jurisdictions, the business community and the general public.
• Ability to effectively communicate information through clear and accurate presentations and reports, including findings and recommendations, and respond appropriately to questions from directors, staff, developers, contractors, colleagues, elected officials, and the general public.
• Create and participate in a team environment.
• React to a work environment that will change day-to-day, requiring quick departure from and reorganization of one’s schedule.
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines.
• Safeguard confidential information and use it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required in the course of performing specific job duties.
• Contribute to overall City effectiveness by providing critical staff support to task forces and by participating, as necessary, in assisting all other teams.

• Utilize high level of conflict resolution skills with staff, community members, elected officials and all stakeholders.
• Attentive to the City’s standards for safety, customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City policies and procedures ensuring that all work performed and all staff members meet those standards while exhibiting consistent treatment of all staff.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or construction engineering from an accredited college or university AND five (5) years of experience in designing, planning and directing engineering projects related to municipal public works projects; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two (2) years of supervisory experience.
• IDOT technician certification for aggregate, PCC, soils, HMA and erosion control or the ability to obtain within one year of hire.
• American Public Works Association (APWA) certified Public Works Professional – Supervision or Certified Public Infrastructure Inspector or the ability to obtain within two years of hire.
• Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License and meet the requirements of the City’s motor vehicle policy.
• Able to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local codes and regulations governing design and construction of public works projects.
• Thorough knowledge of engineering information sources and in the application of engineering methods.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Able to read plans, and observe and evaluate job sites.
• Able to maneuver in undeveloped areas on uneven surfaces for up to one mile in various types of weather.
• Able to function productively in a standard office environment accessing cabinets, shelving, work areas and office equipment.
• Able to sit for long periods of time and to maintain focus on projects with a computer screen.
• Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with other employees and the community.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Climate-controlled office with hazards typical of that environment.
• Position requires travel within and outside of the City which imposes common travel hazards.
• Position requires outdoor work where heat, cold, precipitation and the results of weather and nature may be encountered.
• May be exposed to dust, noise, and moving machinery causing potentially dangerous conditions.
• Must be able to maintain standard work hours with flexibility to attend meetings, presentations and events during weekends and evenings.
• To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours within the Waukee Public Works Building.
• There is no residency requirement for this position.