Professional Engineer - Public Works
City of Lakeland
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Job summary
City of Lakeland is seeking a highly responsible supervisory-level engineer to guide complex civil projects from planning through construction. The role includes directing in-house task forces, acting as Project Manager, and coordinating with consultants and external engineers.
The position requires a Professional Engineer license, five years of experience, and the ability to approve designs, plans, and cost estimates. Strong leadership and communication skills are essential.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or closely related field.
- Five years of experience in related engineering work.
- Possession of a Professional Engineer’s license issued by the State of Florida.
Responsibilities
- Prepares difficult and complex design drawings, construction plans, specifications, feasibility studies, evaluations, cost estimates, and bid documents for engineering projects.
- Supervises personnel in the various phases of project development.
- Coordinates utilities verification and resolves conflicts to meet intended design functions.
- Plans and recommends training for personnel supervised and conducts performance reviews.
- Manages the City’s right-of-way use permitting process.
Skills
Education
Job description
This is a highly responsible supervisory-level engineering position. An employee in this class performs difficult and complex engineering design, operation, and construction tasks associated with the planning and design of various civil engineering projects. Duties will involve directing in-house engineering task forces engaged in major projects, assuming the role of Project Manager. In this capacity, the employee will also perform Project Manager duties for projects performed by outside consultants and engineers. Work includes the preparation, review, and acceptance of studies, reports, designs, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the project. The opportunity for independent judgment in planning the work and making technical decisions is required. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative supervisor and is evaluated upon completion. The direction will be exercised over lower-level engineers, technicians, and field personnel.
This is a highly responsible supervisory-level engineering position. An employee in this class performs difficult and complex engineering design, operation, and construction tasks associated with the planning and design of various civil engineering projects. Duties will involve directing in-house engineering task forces engaged in major projects, assuming the role of Project Manager. In this capacity, the employee will also perform Project Manager duties for projects performed by outside consultants and engineers. Work includes the preparation, review, and acceptance of studies, reports, designs, plans, specifications, and cost estimates for the project. The opportunity for independent judgment in planning the work and making technical decisions is required. Work is performed under the general supervision of an administrative supervisor and is evaluated upon completion. The direction will be exercised over lower-level engineers, technicians, and field personnel.
This posting is "Continuous" and can close at ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.
- Prepares difficult and complex design drawings, construction plans, specifications, feasibility studies, evaluations, cost estimates, and bid documents for engineering projects.
- Applies signature and Professional Engineer’s seal to design and construction plans prepared or supervised and assumes the responsibilities as the Engineer of Record for the projects.
- Supervises personnel in the various phases of project development.
- Coordinates assigned functions and activities with other City departments, divisions, governmental agencies, and private consultant engineers and contractors.
- Coordinates utilities verification and resolves conflicts to meet intended design functions.
- Prepares permit applications to government agencies such as FDOT, SWFWMD, DEP, COE, and Polk County for transportation and stormwater projects.
- Signs, seals, and certifies as-built drawings for designed and permitted projects.
- Supervises and directs engineering design operation and development site plan review operation.
- Evaluates consultants’ qualifications and proposals for projects.
- Evaluates right-of-way or easement needs for projects.
- Reviews and provides comments on transportation and stormwater projects designed by consultants for City projects or projects submitted by FDOT and Polk County.
- Assists the manager in planning Capital Improvement Plan projects, annual budgeting, and maintaining the City’s Engineering Standards Manual for the Engineering Division.
- Prepares estimates to indicate budgetary requirements for operating, maintenance, and construction purposes.
- Plans and recommends training for personnel supervised and conducts performance reviews.
- Performs research, analysis, evaluation, and engineering calculations as needed for subjects and prepares reports and recommendations based on the results of such research.
- Uses computer-aided design software to review design drawings, provide edits, and perform calculations and analysis for engineering projects.
- Performs studies on installed systems to determine proper performance and recommends changes to improve said performance.
- Uses computer programs to perform calculations and analysis for engineering projects.
- Coordinates outside contractor's personnel and consultant inspection personnel with other City personnel on construction projects managed by the Engineering Division.
- Manages the City’s right-of-way use permitting process.
- Directs Engineering Technicians in reviewing and approving utility and non-utility right-of-way permit applications.
- Participates in the City of Lakeland Development Review Team and supervises Engineering Technicians in reviewing development plans and/or engineering reports to ensure compliance with Florida Greenbook and City of Lakeland Engineering Manual Standards.
- May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
- May be required to work alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
- Position is designated Mission Critical.
- Performs related work as required.
- Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a closely related field.
- Five years of experience in related engineering work.
- Possession of a Professional Engineer’s license issued by the State of Florida.
- Must complete required continuing education to maintain a Professional Engineer’s license issued by the State of Florida.
- Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Must maintain a valid telephone number.
- May be required to pass and maintain qualification for:
- Respiratory Protection Physical
- Pulmonary Function
- Qualitative and Quantitative Fit Test(s)
- Extensive knowledge of fundamental and applied engineering science, engineering principles, and practices applied in planning, analysis, and design as required for carrying out the design of civil engineering projects.
- Extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal standards, regulations, policies, and procedures for transportation and stormwater design projects.
- Extensive knowledge of specifications for transportation and stormwater construction projects.
- Extensive knowledge of specific systems related to engineering areas of responsibility.
- Extensive knowledge of statistical principles, applications, and sampling techniques for data collection, interpolation, and evaluation for planning and reporting.
- Extensive skill in using computer-aided drafting software and mathematical formulas required in engineering work.
- Extensive skill in using drafting instruments and in the use of mathematical tables required in professional engineering work.
- Skill in making complex engineering computations and in designing difficult engineering projects.
- Skill in verbal and written communications in presenting engineering projects.
- Ability to prepare, interpret, and review for acceptance engineering plans, specifications, and reports.
- Ability to conduct engineering research, write technical reports, and give reliable advice on complex engineering problems.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, and the general public.
- Ability to plan and direct the work of subordinate engineers and technicians.
- Ability to direct project development and coordinate design and construction activities.
- The job requires sedentary to active work that involves walking or standing sometimes, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, and routine keyboard operations.
- The job has no significant exposure to environmental hazards.
- The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.
All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview, and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your e-mail and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.
Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:
- Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989.
- Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned.
- All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year.
- Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*
Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.
- NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.
Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.
For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768
Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.
For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.
Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.
Plan C Employee 4.52%
Employer 15.54%
OR
Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits
Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire
Employer 15.54%
A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.
Maximum contribution for 2026 is $24,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $8,000; employees age 60‑63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.
Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.
Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.
Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.
Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.
Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).
Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.
Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.
Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.
For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.
A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.
For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.
(refer to handout in new employee folder)
An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.
Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.
Free while at work.
Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.
please contact Benefits at 834-6797.
contact the Retirement Services at 834-8765 or 834-8797.
contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.
01
Do you possess a Bachelor's degree from an accredited four-year college or university in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a closely related field?
- Yes
- No
02
If you have a college degree, please indicate the area of study for your degree. If not, please type N/A.
03
Do you have five (5) years of experience in related engineering work?
- Yes
- No
04
Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.
05
Are you a registered Professional Engineer currently licensed to practice in Florida?
- Yes
- No
06
Please indicate which type of valid driver's license you possess.
- Florida driver's license
- I have an out-of-state driver's license
- I do not have a valid driver's license
07
By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.
- Yes
- No
- Required Question
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