Engineering Civil Works Specialist

newhavenct.gov; New Haven, Northern (CT, KY); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of New Haven is seeking an Engineering Civil Works Specialist to support inspection, supervision, and construction management of civil infrastructure. You will coordinate with contractors, utilities, and City staff to ensure compliance with plans, permits, and safety standards.

Responsibilities include field inspections, testing coordination, and maintaining project records, with opportunities to contribute to infrastructure delivery and capital improvement programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field; 1–2 years of civil engineering/construction management experience.
• OSHA 10/30, ATSSA/MUTCD traffic control, materials testing, NICET certifications are desirable.

Responsibilities

• Review permit applications from outside developers for compliance with City standards.
• Coordinate with applicants, contractors, utilities, and City staff to ensure work meets engineering and safety requirements.
• Assist in managing City infrastructure construction projects as assigned.
• Coordinate testing of construction materials with outside laboratories.
• Measure quantities of infrastructure items for review by Project Manager(s).
• Supervise project teams, interns, and contractors as assigned.
• Perform and document field inspections on City construction projects and in the public right-of-way.
• Maintain organized inspection notes, reports, and project documentation.

Skills

Civil engineering knowledge

Reading plans

Project scheduling

Field inspections

Documentation

Communication

Public speaking

Contractor coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

OSHA 10/30 training

NICET certification (desirable)

Tools

Microsoft Project

Microsoft Planner

Microsoft Office (Outlook/Word/Excel/PowerPoint)

Job description

Introduction

The City of New Haven is seeking a qualified and motivated professional to serve as an Engineering Civil Works Specialist within the Engineering Department. This position plays an important role in supporting the planning, inspection, and construction oversight of the City’s infrastructure projects. The Engineering Civil Works Specialist works closely with the City Engineer, contractors, developers, and other stakeholders to help ensure that work performed in the public right-of-way and on City construction sites meets applicable engineering standards, regulations, and safety requirements. This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the delivery and long-term quality of New Haven’s infrastructure and capital improvement initiatives.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is responsible professional work pertaining to the inspection, supervision, and construction management of civil infrastructure within the City of New Haven. The position ensures that work performed in the public right-of-way, on City construction sites, and by outside developers complies with applicable engineering standards, municipal regulations, project specifications, and safety requirements.The Engineering Civil Works Specialist performs technical field inspections; reviews permits and project documents; coordinates with contractors, consultants, utility companies, and other City departments; and assists with project scheduling, materials testing, documentation, and reporting. The role supports the City Engineer in maintaining accurate project records, monitoring progress and quality, and contributing to the successful delivery of the City’s infrastructure and capital improvement programs.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reviews permit applications from outside developers for compliance with City standards as part of the Engineering Department’s regulatory workflow.Coordinates with applicants, contractors, utilities, and City staff to ensure proposed work meets applicable engineering and safety requirements.Assists in managing City infrastructure construction projects as assigned.Coordinates the testing of construction materials with outside laboratories to ensure conformity with City, State, and Federal standards.Measures quantities of infrastructure items for review by Project Manager(s).Supervises project teams, interns, and contractors as assigned.Performs and documents field inspections on City construction projects, including daily and progress reports.Inspects work performed within the public right-of-way as assigned by the City Engineer or designee.Observes field conditions to verify that construction activities follow approved plans, specifications, permits, and safety protocols.Documents field changes on plans for accurate project record keeping.Maintains organized inspection notes, reports, and related project documentation for departmental and regulatory use.Performs other duties as assigned by the City Engineer or designee.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Civil or Engineering Technology, Public Works Administration, Environmental Engineering, Urban/Environmental Planning, Geology, or a closely related field;and 1–2 years of experience in civil engineering, construction management, infrastructure project management, or another discipline applicable to the work of this role.In lieu of a degree, an additional five years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, construction management, infrastructure project management, or a related technical or administrative discipline may be substituted.Relevant technical training or certifications (such as OSHA 10/30, ATSSA/MUTCD traffic control, materials testing, or NICET certifications) are desirable.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Knowledge of basic civil engineering practices, including materials testing, inspection criteria, and the methods and tools used for civil engineering inspection.Ability to read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, permits, and construction documents.Knowledge of industry safety requirements, including work zone protections and standard construction-site precautions.Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, with particular focus on Microsoft Project and Planner for infrastructure scheduling, tracking, and project delivery.Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, and the ability to learn and use multiple web-based applications.Ability to organize, analyze, and track project data—especially schedule data—using digital tools and collaborative platforms.Capability to perform field inspections or information-gathering work in various seasonal and weather conditions.Ability to monitor construction activities for compliance with plans, specifications, safety requirements, and City standards.Skill in documenting field observations clearly and consistently for departmental records.Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and collaboratively with co-workers, technical experts, contractors, and the public.Ability to present facts and express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, including the ability to create effective communication materials for the public.Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with department heads, other city officials, contractors, and the general public.Ability to organize tasks, maintain accurate records, and follow brief general instructions from supervisors.Ability to work calmly and efficiently under pressure, meet deadlines on short notice, and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.Capable of performing field inspection or information gathering work in various times of the year as required.Ability to supervise assigned project teams, interns, or contractors and contribute effectively to project management and departmental studies.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut Driver’s License.May occasionally be required to attend public meetings and construction sites during evening or weekend hours.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical RequirementsAmount of TimeWorking EnvironmentAmount of TimeNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3NoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3StandXWet / humid conditions (non-weather)XWalkXWork near moving mechanical partsXSitXWork in high, precarious placesXTouch, handle, or feelXFumes / airborne particlesXReach with hands & armsXToxic / caustic chemicalsXClimb or balanceXOutdoor weather conditionsXStoop, kneel, crouch, or crawlXExtreme cold (non-weather)XTalk or hearXRisk of electrical shockXTaste or smellXWork with explosivesXRisk of radiationXLifting or force to be exerted?VibrationXHow much andhow often?Amount of TimeUtilizes computer workstationXNoneUnder 1/31/3 to 2/3Over 2/3Customer / employee interaction (face-to-face)XUp to 10 poundsXField work (seasonally variable)XUp to 25 poundsXWears PPE at worksitesXUp to 50 poundsXUp to 75 poundsXUp to 100 poundsXMore than 100 poundsX

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a General Fund, Civil Service tested position.This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.General Funded hires into this class shall not be covered by Social Security but rather the City pension, contributing 10% of salary.The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.