Public Works Senior Engineer I, II

City of McKinney; McKinney (TX); On-site; USD 95,484 - 147,248; Full time

Job summary

A municipal organization in McKinney is seeking a Senior Civil Engineer to manage public works projects. Responsibilities include overseeing contractor work, coordinating with various divisions, and ensuring compliance with engineering standards. Candidates must have a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering, a PE License, and significant experience. Salary ranges from $95K to $147K depending on level. The position offers a collaborative work environment focused on community infrastructure improvement.

Qualifications

• Ten (10) years of Civil Engineering experience, or equivalent.
• Thirteen (13) years of Civil Engineering experience for Senior Engineer II.

Responsibilities

• Manage public works infrastructure projects, overseeing contractors and consultants.
• Coordinate projects with Engineering and support CAP development.
• Lead project coordination meetings and ensure compliance with engineering standards.

Skills

Civil engineering principles

Project management

Communication skills

Technical writing

AutoCAD drafting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field

Professional Engineering (PE) License

Tools

GIS software (ESRI)

CityWorks

Job description

Summary

Applicants may be hired as either Public Works Senior Civil Engineer I or II. Salary ranges:

• Senior Civil Engineer I: $95,484.96 – $138,456.43 annually
• Senior Civil Engineer II: $101,548.26 – $147,248.42 annually

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

When Assigned to Senior Engineer I

• Manage public works infrastructure projects under the direction of an Assistant Director, including contractor and consultant oversight.
• Coordinate with Engineering and all Public Works divisions to align projects and support CAP development.
• Lead project coordination meetings with Public Works, Engineering, Finance, Purchasing, and outside agencies.
• Respond to public and interdepartmental inquiries related to public works infrastructure and maintenance.
• Develop, review, and coordinate plans, specifications, estimates, and contracts for public works projects; issue plans and specifications as the engineer of record.
• Perform QA/QC reviews on plans and technical documents.
• Issue field directives within authority and perform construction management to ensure timely, compliant delivery.
• Support hydraulic modeling with Water staff and Engineering.
• Support Wastewater Division with collection system modeling, lift station and force main evaluations, and I&I reduction planning.
• Support drainage system analysis including storm sewer design, erosion control evaluation, and MS4 compliance support.
• Work with Street Operations to interpret pavement condition data and develop pavement preservation strategies.
• Ensure compliance with city engineering standards, safety standards, environmental and permitting requirements.
• Assist with development and updates to design manuals, construction specifications, and Public Works standards (utilities, drainage, ROW).
• Act as liaison with consultants, external engineers, developers, and internal stakeholders.
• Conduct public meetings and support public involvement for city projects.
• Prepare technical reports, ordinances, resolutions, and presentations for City Council, committees, and external agencies.
• Lead consultant selection processes including scoping, bidding, negotiation, and contract preparation.
• Manage professional service and construction contracts, including tracking, invoicing, and compliance.
• Provide engineering support during operational emergencies (e.g., water main breaks, SSOs, storm response, infrastructure failures).
• Review ROW permits, utility conflicts, and ADA compliance for pedestrian facilities.
• Coordinate with Fleet and Facilities on infrastructure-related engineering needs when impacts affect public works operations.
• Provide technical direction, training, and support to City staff.
• Prepare progress updates, project schedules, and budget performance reports.
• Monitor industry trends and recommend technical advancements.
• Perform supervisory duties in the absence of the Assistant Director.

When Assigned to Senior Engineer II

• Assist the Assistant Director with workload planning and adherence to the plan.
• Develop and implement citywide strategies for the CAP process and engineering standards related to Public Works.
• Develop and implement departmentwide strategies for public infrastructure maintenance, asset management, and process improvement.
• May supervise other Public Works staff.
• Manage the Public Works infrastructure project portfolio and lead long‑term CAP planning, prioritization, and funding strategies.
• Lead departmentwide asset management strategies and long‑range maintenance forecasting.
• Provide final technical review and approval of complex or high‑risk projects; issue plans and specifications as the engineer of record as needed.
• Provide strategic oversight for regulatory compliance for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems (TCEQ, EPA, MS4, and FEMA).
• Oversee citywide master planning for water distribution and wastewater collection systems, coordinating with the Water and Wastewater Divisions and Engineering on hydraulic modeling and capacity forecasting.
• Lead development of Public Works engineering policies, SOPs, and design criteria for streets, drainage, water, wastewater, and ROW.
• Provide executive‑level guidance on drainage and flood mitigation.
• Direct integration of SCADA, AMI, CMMS, and asset management data into CAP decision‑making.
• Resolve escalated issues related to consultants, contractors, utilities, or ROW conflicts.
• Supervise engineering and technical staff, including performance monitoring, coaching, and development.
• Mentor staff and support succession planning.
• Represent Public Works in regional and statewide technical committees or interagency groups.
• Manage high‑profile and politically sensitive infrastructure projects.
• Oversee strategic coordination for complex ROW negotiations or utility conflicts.
• Develop long‑term funding strategies and resource allocation frameworks for CAP and operational needs.
• Guide grant funding strategy and ensure alignment with department priorities.
• Oversee strategic planning related to fleet and facilities capital needs when tied to Public Works operational functions.
• Lead emergency engineering response for major events, including severe weather, flooding, freeze impacts, or major system outages.

Other Job Functions

• Perform other duties as assigned or directed.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Behaviors

• Embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence.
• Communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and the public.
• Produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
• Plan and organize work, time, and resources, including those of subordinates.
• Know principles and practices of civil engineering related to preparation of plans and specifications.
• Apply logical analysis to major problems and develop effective solutions.
• Stay current with trends, developments, and legislation relevant to civil engineering.
• Use drafting techniques such as AutoCAD and engineering instruments.
• Research methods, analyze situations, and adopt effective courses of action.
• Interpret and explain applicable laws, codes, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
• Use engineering and legal professional language.
• Prepare and control the budget.
• Communicate orally and in writing.
• Apply interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.
• Use judgment, decisiveness, and creativity in evaluating information.
• Mentor, train, and motivate others.
• Supervise and perform complex engineering duties.
• Prepare plans and specifications and review cost estimates.
• Adapt approved methods and standards to diverse project types.
• Use advisory and design data and information (reports, drawings, budgets, codes, maps, ordinances).
• Operate from construction plans, shop drawings, and sketches; perform data entry and prepare reports.
• Use GIS software (ESRI) and CityWorks for analysis and recommendations.
• Work independently with minimal supervision to meet schedules.
• Contribute to a team environment and treat coworkers with respect.
• Build professional relationships with staff and customers.
• Offer flexibility and adaptability during change.

Required Qualifications

When Assigned to Senior Engineer I

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineering (PE) License.
• Ten (10) years of Civil Engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

When Assigned to Senior Engineer II

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
• Professional Engineering (PE) License.
• Thirteen (13) years of Civil Engineering experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Conditions of Employment

• Must pass a drug screen and background check.
• Must have a Class C Texas Driver’s License.

Physical Demands

Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, including some lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling objects and materials of light weight (5–10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods at a keyboard or workstation. Some tasks require visual and sound perception, discrimination, and oral communication ability.

Work Environment

There is limited exposure to environmental conditions. Tasks are performed without exposure to adverse conditions such as dust, pollen, fumes, extreme temperatures, noise, machinery, electrical hazards, traffic hazards, or disease.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees in this position may be required to perform other job‑related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement, and all requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We are committed to an alcohol‑/drug‑free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.