Deputy Public Works Director / City Engineer

Job Description

The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer assists in planning, organizing, directing, and supervising the activities of the Engineering Division and assigned Public Works functions, particularly the Water Department, Water Pollution Control Department, and Public Works Environmental Division. The position directs the City’s Engineering and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) operations in the design, construction, inspection, and records management of the City’s infrastructure and capital improvement projects as well as administrative functions including budget development and administration, financial reporting, and purchasing.

This is a management and professional engineering position responsible for major engineering activities including project planning, consultant coordination, subdivision and development review, contract administration, regulatory compliance, and capital project delivery. The position provides professional and technical assistance to the Public Works Director and serves as acting Director in their absence.

The Deputy Public Works Director/City Engineer is the designated Floodplain Administrator for the City.

The position requires licensure as a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Idaho, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to interpret and convey complex technical information. 

The position requires the ability to maintain collaborative and cooperative working relationships with elected and appointed officials, City employees, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the general public.

Work is performed in both office and field environments and may include exposure to construction sites, traffic areas, and adverse weather conditions.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the Public Works Director in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating activities and programs within the assigned Public Works functions;
• Assists in the development, implementation and monitoring of long-term plans, goals and objectives focused on achieving the City’s mission and Council priorities as directed. Participates in the development of the annual division budget including capital improvement and contract services budgets. Manages and assists in the development, implementation and evaluation of plans, policies, systems, and procedures to achieve annual goals, objectives and work standards;
• Assists the Public Works Director with project, program, and contract administration relating to public works activities, with attention given to departmental policies, procedures and scheduling of infrastructure extension and maintenance;
• Serves as acting Public Works Director in the Director’s absence;
• Directs Engineering and GIS staff in the planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure and capital improvement projects, whether performed in-house or by outside consultants;
• Coordinates and oversees consultants, contractors, and staff on engineering design and construction projects;
• Evaluates subdivision and site development proposals to ensure compliance with engineering standards, City Code, and applicable regulations;
• Reviews and approves engineering plans, plats, specifications, and construction documents;
• Determines project delivery methods; determines whether projects are managed in-house or outsourced; prepares and evaluates bid documents; recommends contract awards; and administers contracts to ensure compliance with time, budget, safety, and quality standards;
• Coordinates projects involving federal aid, state grants, and other funding sources to ensure compliance with agency requirements and procurement regulations;
• Obtains required permits from federal, state, and local authorities;
• Under the direction of the Public Works Director, works on land and/or easement acquisition for projects including acquiring appraisals, legal descriptions, purchase agreements, and condemnation proceedings if required;
• Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of department and division budgets. Prepares and documents budget requests. Oversees and administers adopted budget in assigned public works divisions as needed. Analyzes monthly operating costs, exercises expenditure controls, and makes recommendations for the division budgets;
• Assures departmental compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures;
• Serves as the City’s designated Floodplain Administrator. Enforces floodplain development regulations in accordance with FEMA and NFIP requirements. Issues floodplain elevation certificates and responds to public inquiries regarding floodplain boundaries, elevations, and maps;
• Oversees GIS development and integration with Engineering operations;
• Maintains project records, databases, maps, and compliance documentation;
• Plans, organizes, directs, and evaluates the performance of assigned staff. Establishes performance standards, provides coaching and development, and administers discipline in accordance with City policies;
• Prepares reports and presentations for the Mayor, City Council, and other stakeholders;
• Conducts inspections and analyses of City infrastructure as assigned;
• Performs other duties as assigned. Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities at any time. Performs all work in accordance with City policies, procedures, and safety practices.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, LICENSES AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required;
• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Idaho required;
• Six (6) to eight (8) years of civil engineering experience or public works experience required, at least two (2) of which were at a supervisory or management level;
• Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) within six (6) months of hire date. Failure to acquire this certification by the established date will violate the terms of the position and will result in layoff from the position.
• Valid Idaho driver’s license required

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

CLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty and be successful in the position. 

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles and practices, particularly in public infrastructure and capital improvement projects;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations governing engineering and public works activities;
• FEMA, NFIP, and current floodplain development requirements;
• Construction management, cost estimating, public bidding procedures, and contract administration;
• Subdivision review processes and development standards;
• Public administration principles, including budgeting, purchasing, and recordkeeping;
• GIS systems, computer-aided design software, and project management tools;
• GPS, surveying, and field data collection technologies;
• Principles and practices of management and supervision;
• Customer service methods and techniques;
• Operation of standard office equipment and personal computers with job-related software applications.

Skill and Ability to:

• Assist in planning, directing, and integrating engineering and capital improvement programs;
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local laws, rules, codes, and regulations;
• Review and evaluate engineering plans and technical documents for compliance;
• Coordinate projects with consultants, contractors, regulatory agencies, and affected community groups;
• Prepare clear and logical reports and presentations for public meetings;
• Organize, supervise, and motivate professional and technical staff;
• Communicate effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance;
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative working relationships with elected officials, City employees, and the public;
• Operate a motor vehicle and job-related equipment;
• Perform all duties in accordance with City policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and the safety of others.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, climb ladders, work at heights, and in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to handle materials, manipulate tools, operate a computer, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance.  Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

DISCLAIMER
The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons.   Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice.  This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees: 

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
  - Medical
  - Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations. 

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.