Public Works Project Engineer

Description

Performs technical engineering and inspection work. Designs sewers, streets, drainage, parking lots, and other municipal projects. Creates and maintains GIS layers significant to Public Works operations. Performs accurate land surveys and supervises the field survey crew. Resolves design conflicts in the field. Coordinates data collection for GIS and assists other departments with utility easements and right of way locations. Performs routine inspections throughout the duration of the project; performs other routine inspections associated with City and private projects. Serves as liaison between city, contractors, and property owners during construction.

The essential functions of the job are not limited to those listed in the job description. The City retains the discretion to add to or change the duties of the position at any time.

• Creates, updates, and maintains GIS layers by determining best collection methodology; supplementing data with other data collection practices; integrating data using current GIS and AUTOCAD tools and geo-processing techniques; and performing quality control measures.
• Converts field survey data into design program data by applying knowledge of survey program; distributing data to Engineers in the department for design; and applying knowledge of computers and printers to distribute data.
• Monitors progress of construction of municipal projects by performing on-site inspections; performing visual observation of construction practice; negotiating plan change orders or construction alterations between city and contractor; assisting the contractor with technical support; reviewing and approving pay requests of contractors and filing daily construction inspection reports for projects; and maintaining records of work performed.
• Conducts safety inspections of bridges by reviewing previous inspection reports; scheduling and performing inspections; assisting in stream profiles when needed; climbing underneath bridges or culverts; climbing on top of structures; taking photos for inspection reports; and spending office time filing reports and submitting them to the city engineer.
• Designs sanitary and storm sewer lines and other municipal projects by using city and state specifications; checking computations for accuracy; collecting sanitary and storm sewer inventory by recording the data in a safe and timely manner.
• Performs land surveys based on deed research by conducting a topographic survey to show the change in elevation and drainage manholes or utility items; converting field survey data into design program data; and distributing data to Engineers for design.
• Performs surveys on easement area and prepares written description of an easement area to be recorded.
• Researches real estate records to find owners name, deed book references and maps for project.
• Conducts Erosion and Sediment Control Inspections by inspecting storm water controls at active construction sites; identifying violations; discussing findings with permit holders; and conducting re-inspection. Inspects curb cut, excavation, storm drain, erosion, and sediment control permits by receiving copies of permits; traveling to location of permits; inspecting the features that the permits cover; approving or disapproving the features as required; and reporting and recording finding on the permits.
• Provides emergency response during severe weather (snow, floods, storms, etc.).

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

Education and Experience

Bachelors Degree, with broad knowledge in a general professional or technical field and one to three years of experience.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of the specific requirements listed above

Certifications / Licenses

Job Knowledge

Advanced knowledge of the subject matter. Complete comprehension of the subject area to solve common and unusual problems, able to advise on technical matters, and serve as a resource on the subject for others.

Reading

Advanced : Ability to read literature, books, reviews, scientific or technical journals, abstracts, financial reports, and / or legal documents.

Writing

Intermediate : Ability to write reports, prepare business letters, expositions, and summaries with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech.

Math

Advanced : Ability to apply fundamental concepts of theories, work with advanced mathematical operations methods and functions of real and complex variables.

Communication Skills

Decisions regarding interpretation of existing policies may be made. Contacts may involve stressful, negative interactions requiring high levels of tact and the ability to respond to aggressive interpersonal interactions. Elements of persuasion may be necessary to gain cooperation and acceptance of ideas.

Independence and Decision-Making

Normally performs the job by following established standard operating procedures and / or policies. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically.

Technical Skills

Work requires a comprehensive, practical knowledge of a technical field with use of analytical judgment and decision-making abilities appropriate to the work environment of the organization.

Fiscal Responsibilities

Prepares accounting, budget, employment actions, and purchasing documents; and does research to justify language used in documents for a unit or division of a department.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Supervises and monitors performance for a regular group of employees or department. Provides input on hiring, discipline, work objectives / goals, performance evaluation and work assignments. Typically, a first line supervisor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

NON-PHYSICAL DEMANDS

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Typically requires use of office equipment, including computer and related hardware and software; vehicle, surveying equipment, GPS equipment, etc.; and any other equipment as appropriate or required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is normally performed in an office environment and outdoors, where there is daily exposure to extreme temperatures, and frequent exposure to respiratory hazards and physical danger or abuse. There is occasional exposure to mechanical and physical hazards, and to noise and vibration. There is seasonal exposure to wetness / humidity, and rare exposure to chemical and electrical hazards, and to communicable diseases.

The employee is expected to use appropriate protective equipment for the assigned task (hard hat, safety vest, steel-toe shoes, etc.); and any other equipment as apparent or assigned.