PORT PRINCIPAL ENGINEER

Port of Oakland; Oakland (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The Port of Oakland is seeking a Port Principal Engineer to lead engineering programs, manage design and project activities, and supervise staff. The role requires PE registration with a civil, electrical, or mechanical focus and substantial management experience in the public sector.

Candidates should demonstrate strong budgeting, contract negotiation, and regulatory compliance skills, with the ability to direct multi-disciplinary teams and present to the Port Board. On-site at Port facilities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering plus five years of professional engineering management experience.
• Five years of professional engineering management experience with at least three years supervising in the public sector.
• Basic knowledge of budgeting, contracts, and project controls.

Responsibilities

• Manages the work of an engineering department, including related maintenance and construction activities.
• Coordinates and reviews engineering work submitted by consultants, contractors, regulators, tenants, and the public.
• Directs and reviews final plans, project manuals, specifications, and records for accuracy.
• Manages personnel, equipment, and materials for Port facilities maintenance and construction.
• Develops and implements department standards, goals, and objectives.
• Negotiates third party agreements and consultant/contractor contracts; participates in claims resolution.

Skills

Leadership

Engineering management

Budgeting

Public sector experience

Staff supervision

Project management

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Board presentations

Team building

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Job description

Under general direction, Port Principal Engineers plans, organizes, manages and directs the work of a major program, Port engineering design, engineering project management, engineering services or construction activities, engineering utilities business and operations, assuring that performance standards and objectives are being met. Incumbents train and supervise assigned staff.

Any one position may not include all the duties listed, nor do the examples cover all the duties which may be performed. Incumbent may perform other related duties at the equivalent level.

• Manages the work of an engineering department, which may include related maintenance and construction activities, construction inspection, design, survey, dredging, engineering services, utilities business, and engineering project or program management.
• Coordinates and reviews engineering related work submitted by consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, tenants and the public.
• Coordinates work performed by his or her department with personnel in other Port engineering departments and other Port departments.
• Directs and reviews the preparation of final plans, project manual, specifications, agreements, reports and record documents for form and accuracy.
• Manages personnel, construction equipment, tools and materials for the efficient maintenance and construction of Port facilities.
• Formulates procedures for assigned area of supervision; participates in formulation of division procedures; prepares periodic and special reports.
• Develops and implements department’s standards, goals and objectives.
• Negotiates third party agreements as well as consultant and contractor contracts, and participates in the resolution of claims.
• Ensures adherence to codes, regulations and guidelines governing engineering activities.
• Prepares, monitors and controls department budget.
• Directs the selection, supervision, work and performance evaluation of department staff; provides for staff training and development.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Develops programs and policies to Meeting the business needs of Port operations.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires education and experience reflecting possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. A typical combination for each of the engineering departments would be graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in engineering PLUS five years of professional engineering management experience with at least three years of experience supervising in the public service.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Modern principles and practices of management relative to planning, administering, and actualizing a department engineering program.
• Relevant municipal and state engineering laws, codes, ordinances, specifications and plans, Utility industries rules and regulations
• Understanding of Maritime and Airport engineering operating practices and procedures, methods, materials, and equipment.
• Personnel management, employee relations, team building, budget development and controls, and financial management.
• Port personnel rules and regulations and labor contracts affecting personnel in the Engineering Division.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan and direct engineering, utilities, and/or maintenance projects in accordance with all applicable codes, regulations and guidelines.
• Supervise professional engineers, sub-professionals, administrative personnel, trade and skilled craftspersons and semi-skilled personnel.
• Develop policies and programs, as well as direct and perform administrative functions, such as preparation and review of rate structures, budgets, contracts, plans, designs, project manuals, specifications, cost estimates, reports and professional service agreements.
• Resolve difficult technical and operational problems in an independent and creative manner.
• Give oral presentations of projects and issues before the Board of Port Commissioners, regulatory agencies and the general public.
• Apply Port personnel rules, regulations, and labor contract provisions to manage and resolve personnel matters.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures, work standards and internal controls.
• Analyze complex administrative and program information, evaluate alternative solutions and recommend or adopt effective courses of action.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the performance of duties and to work as a team.

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Stage I: Application, PE Registration and Supplemental Questionnaire Evaluation (Pass/Fail)

The first stage in the selection process will consist of an application, PE registration, and supplemental questionnaire appraisal review (pass/fail). Applications submitted without an attached PE registration and completed supplemental questionnaire will not be given further consideration. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee advancement to the next stage. Only the most suitably qualified candidates will be invited to Stage II.

Stage II: Assessment Examination (Weighted 100%)

The second stage of the selection process may consist of a combination of job-related situational project exercises and an oral panel interview designed to assess technical knowledge and any additional other KSAs. Job-related situational project exercises may consist of written exercises, performance exercises or other situational exercises that would assess the KSAs. The Assessment Examination is designed to test your overall aptitude for the position.

Candidates must achieve a scale score of 70 or more on this examination to be placed on the eligible list for employment consideration. The Port of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity.

ADVISORIES

Immigration and Reform Control Act:

In compliance with the Immigration and Reform Act of 1986, the Port of Oakland will only hire individuals who are legally authorized to work in the United States. Social Security card must be presented, and the name on it must match the name on the application.

Americans with Disabilities (ADA):

In compliance with State and Federal Laws, the Port will employ and promote qualified individuals without regard to disability. The Port is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the selection process and in the work environment. Individuals requesting reasonable accommodations during the selection process must notify Nancy Jeu at [e-mail] within seven (7) calendar days of the closing date of the job announcement. The Port requires applicants to provide supporting medical documentation to substantiate a request for reasonable accommodation.

The Port of Oakland is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Must possess and provide a valid California certificate of registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) as a Civil Engineer, Electrical Engineer or Mechanical Engineer.

Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license at the time and for the duration of appointment.

Must be available for on-call duty as required by emergency situations, or as required for uninterrupted Port operations.

Incumbents in this classification may be assigned either to the Airport or Harbor work location. In order to comply with the security requirements of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for incumbents assigned to the airport and U.S. Customs for individuals who have unescorted access to secured areas of the harbor, each incumbent is required to successfully complete a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check, which will include a fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) and a Security Threat Assessment (STA), prior to being considered for this position. The incumbent assigned to the airport may be required to complete and pass a U.S. Customs Airport Security Program Check (19CFR122.182). This status must be maintained for the duration of employment at the Airport.