Chief of Transportation Engineering and Construction, Operations Director I (NCS) - Department [...]

City of Baltimore; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Baltimore's Department of Transportation seeks a Chief of Transportation Engineering and Construction (TEC). This senior leader directs engineering, construction, and administrative operations for Highways, Bridge Engineering, and related areas.

The role provides strategic direction for project delivery across the Department. Reporting to the Deputy Director, the TEC Chief oversees capital program management, procurement compliance, staffing, and interdepartmental coordination with

Responsibilities

• Lead operations of the Transportation Engineering and Construction Division by setting goals, policies, and staffing.
• Ensure construction projects comply with codes, standards, and regulations.
• Direct capital project procurement to align with city policies and state/federal requirements.
• Oversee CIP expenditures and reporting within the division.
• Recommend personnel actions and conduct performance evaluations.
• Coordinate division activities with other city divisions, agencies, and partners.
• Provide management from planning through construction and closeout of division projects.
• Develop division policies, procedures, and performance measures for progress monitoring.
• Oversee construction activities and provide technical guidance on complex engineering issues.
• Monitor FHWA and MDOT SHA reporting for funded projects.
• Perform other related duties, including emergency operations and Snow and Ice Control.

Job description

Job Summary

The Baltimore City Department of Transportation (BCDOT) is seeking a Chief of Transportation Engineering and Construction (TEC). Reporting directly to the Deputy Director, this senior leadership position is responsible for directing and overseeing professional engineering, construction, and administrative operations within the areas of Highways and Street Engineering, Bridge Engineering, Construction Management, Land Surveying, and Footways and Alleys. The Chief serves as BCDOT's principal engineering and construction leader, providing strategic direction and subject matter expertise for engineering, construction, and capital project delivery across the Department.

Essential Functions

• Lead the overall operations of the Transportation Engineering and Construction Division by establishing goals, objectives, policies, and procedures; ensuring their implementation; developing programs to achieve Division objectives; and overseeing personnel actions.
• Ensure construction projects are properly coordinated and reviewed for compliance with accepted engineering and construction practices, applicable codes, standards, and regulations.
• Direct all activities related to the procurement of the Department's capital projects to ensure compliance with Baltimore City procurement policies and applicable federal and state requirements.
• Oversee all activities related to the administration and processing of Capital Improvement Program (CIP) expenditures within the Office of Transportation Engineering and Construction.
• Recommend personnel actions to the Deputy Director, conduct performance evaluations, prepare performance documentation, and make recommendations regarding employee recognition and development.
• Coordinate Division activities with other BCDOT divisions, City agencies, executive leadership, and federal and state partners.
• Provide effective management and oversight of Division projects from planning and design through construction and final project closeout.
• Develop Division policies, procedures, and performance measures for monitoring project progress, including work schedules, work plans, staffing requirements, and resource estimates.
• Oversee construction activities for assigned projects and provide technical guidance on complex engineering issues.
• Monitor projects funded by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and ensure all reporting requirements and deadlines are met in coordination with FHWA and the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA).
• Perform other related duties as assigned, including serving as a critical/essential employee or lead during the Department's Snow and Ice Control Program and other emergency or special operations.

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in engineering or a closely related field.
• Ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience managing engineering projects.
• At least five (5) years of supervisory or management experience.
• Have an equivalent combination of education and experience (Equivalency Notes).
• Licenses, Registrations, and Certificates: MD Professional Engineer License; a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license or an equivalent driver's license and eligibility to obtain a Baltimore City driver’s permit. Provisional driver’s licenses are not acceptable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of engineering principles and practices.
• Knowledge of methods and procedures for collecting, organizing, interpreting, and presenting technical and operational information.
• Knowledge of budgeting, fiscal management, accounting principles, and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of organizational management principles and supervisory practices.
• Ability to apply administrative and analytical techniques to complex engineering and operational projects.
• Ability to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend effective solutions.
• Ability to interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, standards, and procedures.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, and well‑organized reports, presentations, and recommendations.
• Ability to analyze financial, operational, statistical, and budgetary data.
• Ability to coordinate activities across multiple organizational units and stakeholders.
• Ability to plan, organize, supervise, and evaluate the work of professional and administrative staff.
• Ability to research, prepare, and present complex technical, narrative, and statistical reports.
• Excellent oral communication skills, including the ability to present information and testify before governmental bodies, commissions, community organizations, business groups, and the media.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, partner agencies, community organizations, and business stakeholders.

Background Check

Eligible candidates under final consideration for appointment to positions identified as positions of trust will be required to complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening, and must be successfully completed.

Probation

All persons, including current City employees, selected for this position must complete a 6‑month mandatory probation.

Financial Disclosure

This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7‑7, 7‑8, and 7‑9 of the City Ethics Law. The initial financial disclosure must be submitted within 30 days of hire.

Baltimore City Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, and we are committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. The City of Baltimore prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, ancestry, creed, national origin, disability status, genetics, marital status, military service, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Applicants requiring accommodation during the hiring process should contact the Department of Human Resources directly. Requests for accommodation should not be attached to the application.

Benefits

The City of Baltimore offers medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans. The office also supplies wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. You can learn about our benefits here: https://humanresources.baltimorecity.gov/hr-divisions/benefits