Principal Civil Engineer

APWA Inland Empire Branch; Indio (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

APWA Inland Empire Branch seeks a Principal Civil Engineer to lead the engineering staff, oversee complex design and construction projects, and provide technical guidance.

The role requires directing work, preparing budgets, and coordinating with city departments and external consultants to ensure project success.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering is required.
• Six years of progressively responsible professional experience including directing others in engineering projects.
• Current California PE license (Civil) is required.

Responsibilities

• Leads, oversees, reviews, and performs work activities of engineering staff on complex projects.
• Plans, coordinates, and supervises staff, ensures safe work practices and quality control.
• Interprets regulations, prepares budgets, and participates in grant and funding activities.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering

Job description

Disclaimer

City reserves the right to accelerate or extend the “Closing Date” of open positions at any time, dependent upon the number of applications received. The City is in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and will make all reasonable accommodations for the disabled to participate in employment programs and facilities. Women, minorities, and disabled individuals are encouraged to apply. The finalist candidate must pass a pre‑employment physical and drug screen.

Definition

Under direction, leads, oversees, reviews, and performs work activities and duties assigned to the engineering staff; assumes responsibility for the more difficult and complex tasks; performs related duties as required.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Principal Civil Engineer is the advanced journey level professional class responsible for administering and overseeing a variety of functions in the Engineering Division and for providing technical guidance to staff engineers and support staff. This classification is distinguished from the next higher class of City Engineer in that the latter has overall responsibility for the Engineering Division.

Supervision Received / Exercised

Receives direction from the City Engineer and/or the Director of Public Works. Exercises technical and functional supervision over training personnel.

Essential Functions

• Leads, oversees, reviews, and performs work activities and duties assigned to the engineering staff; performs a variety of difficult engineering and design activities such as street and storm drain improvements, preparation of plans, specifications, cost estimates, grading plans, and traffic signal design and timing.
• Plans, coordinates, prioritizes, supervises, and participates in the work of assigned engineering staff; discusses job progress with staff; provides motivation and training for assigned personnel; monitors work activities to ensure safe work practices, work quality and accuracy; participates in the hiring and evaluation of assigned staff; and prepares performance evaluations for supervised staff.
• Resolves conflicts or problems between staff and developers and/or contractors; makes presentations to Planning Commission and City Council; serves as the City’s representative on Transportation Technical Advisory Sub‑committee at CVAG and the Technical Advisory Committee at RCTC; leads or participates in discussions regarding engineering projects.
• Prepares and monitors project schedules and project budgets; prepares the City’s Five‑Year Capital Improvement Plan and budget; manages the acquisition of grants and other external funding to supplement the City’s Capital Improvement budget; writes grants and presents grant proposals to review committees; assists in the preparation of the annual budget for the Engineering Division.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on technical reports and studies; performs studies requiring analysis of issues; prepares reports or correspondence, including staff reports, status reports, and other Federal, State and/or local jurisdictional reports and forms.
• Coordinates with other City departments and outside consultants for a variety of project design work and related private development activities; review traffic and environmental reports, tentative maps, subdivision maps, site improvements and grading plans; manages construction projects, including advertising the work, preparing contracts and specifications; preparing and processing addendums, reviewing and recommending award of bids, and prepare agenda reports for award of construction and design projects and other related public works matters.
• Interprets and enforces construction codes, plans and specifications; determines right‑of‑way and easement requirements for street construction projects; prepares engineering cost estimates; reviews public works bids and contract documents; coordinates inspections and authorizes progress payments.
• Develops negotiation strategies; participates in contract negotiations and administration; reviews work for conformity with City standards and project requirements.
• Performs plan checks and field engineering and construction staking; determines work procedures; prepares work schedules; signs engineering plans and specifications; reviews and approves Encroachment permits.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the general public; provides information as is appropriate and resolves service complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.

Other Duties

• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or a related field.
• Experience: Six years of progressively responsible professional experience including experience in directing the work of others involved in engineering project activities.
• License / Certificate: Possession of a valid Class C California driver’s license; possession of a certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer issued by the California State Board of Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge Of

Operations and standard operating procedures of an engineering division; principles and practices of program development and administration; complex principles and practices of engineering design and construction management; principles and practices of capital budget development and administration; operational characteristics of engineering design and construction management standard equipment; methods and techniques of supervision, training, and motivation; basic principles of mathematics; applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations; methods and techniques of scheduling work assignments; modern office procedures, practices, methods, and equipment, including a computer and applicable software; methods and techniques for record keeping and report preparation; proper English, spelling, and grammar; occupational hazards and standard safety practices.

Skill To

Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; perform complicated engineering design work.

Ability To

Oversee and participate in engineering design and construction management programs; participate in the operations and activities of engineering design professional, technical, and support staff; courteously respond to community issues, concerns and needs; analyze a complex issue and develop and implement an appropriate response; prepare and administer a municipal budget; analyze and evaluate new and existing service delivery methods and standard operating procedures; plan, organize, train, evaluate, and direct work of assigned staff; perform mathematical calculations quickly and accurately; interpret, explain, and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; read, interpret, and record data accurately; organize, prioritize, and follow up on work assignments; work independently and as part of a team; make sound decisions within established guidelines; follow written and oral directions; observe safety principles and work in a safe manner; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain effective working relationships.