County Engineer

Job Type

Full-time

Description

POSITION SUMMARY : Under the supervision of the County Administrator, the County Engineer works closely with the Public Works Administrator under the umbrella of the Public Works Department to ensure requisite engineering services as required by law and other duties as assigned

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (required) :

1. Coordinates work efforts and resources with the Public Works Administrator.

2. Responsible for the overall management of the Engineer Division. Attend meetings as required in cooperation with the Public Works Administrator to include weekly updates, staff meetings, Commission meetings, and requests for action.

3. Responsible for effective utilization of staff and resources.

4. Works closely with the Public Works Administrator to find and apply for any grant opportunities.

5. Plans and schedules engineering work for short-and-long term projects.

6. Coordinates projects with other City, County, State, Federal and private agencies.

7. Participates in the preparation of Federal, State, local Government and public reports.

8. Ensures compliance with department safety policy and practices, personal protective equipment, and driving habits.

9. Works with the public to explain project details, answer questions, resolve conflicts and provide timelines for completion.

10. Responsible for the supervision of Engineer Division employees and other personnel as assigned. Directly supervises the positions of Project Coordinator and Administrative Assistant.

11. Assigns duties and follows up to ensure effective utilization of staff. Assists with employee selection, orientation, and training. Evaluates employee performance and provides feedback for employee development.

12. Ensures positive relations with public and staff.

13. Regular and predictable attendance required.

14. Must have and maintain a valid Driver's License and be able to legally operate a motor vehicle in the State of Kansas.

MARGINAL FUNCTIONS

1. Involved in permits related to entrances and utilities.

2. Assists other divisions as needed.

3. Works with Human Resources to maintain current safety rules and procedures for the Engineer Division and provide training on job hazards and safe practices.

4. Works closely with the Public Works Administrator on making recommendations for equipment purchases.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : The work environment and physical demand characteristics described here are representative and not intended to be fully inclusive of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

Exerts 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and / or up to 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently. May exert up to 10 pounds of force regularly. Requires the ability to communicate ideas by means of the spoken and written word such as giving assignments or directions. Possess eye / hand / foot coordination sufficient to drive vehicle and walk across uneven / unstable terrain. Ability to pick, pinch or otherwise work primarily with fingers, rather than with the whole hand or arm as in handling. Ability to climb ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like using feet and legs and / or hands and arms. Ability to maintain body balance to prevent falling when walking, standing, crouching or running on narrow, slippery or erratically moving surfaces.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY : Serves as County Engineer. Ensures county roads and bridges are maintained and / or replaced based on a cost-effective approved plan. Prepares and submits requests and plans for the Capital Improvement Program for Public Works maintenance and construction projects. Employee is responsible for five-year bridge plans, ten-year Capital Improvement Program plans, Local Public Authority Certification program, bridge inspection submittals to Kansas Department of Transportation, and bridge load ratings. Additionally responsible for design and certifying bridges, reinforced concrete boxes, culverts, grading and asphalt projects and road design and construction.

This position works closely with Planning & Zoning Department on establishing base flood elevations, conditional use permits, subdivisions, and other projects. Will work closely with the Public Works Administrator in preparing and administering the Department annual budget. Provides input to purchase materials established county guidelines. Administers Federal or State funded projects including road, bridge, safety and other applicable programs. Administers operations in accordance with current local, State and Federal Laws and regulations.

Employee serves as Local Public Authority project manager, or assigns duties as needed, reviews construction projects, supervises activities and negotiates agreements associated with right-of-way acquisitions. This position, either directly or through subordinate supervisors, assists with the management, administration and operation of the division. Supervises engineering and surveying activities associated with the planning, location, design, construction, maintenance and operation of complex road, bridge, water control, and other projects.

Ability to analyze facts and to make sound judgments. Ability to solve arithmetic problems involving operations with whole numbers, decimals, percentages and simple fractions. Ability to listen to information and instructions and apply them to new situations. Ability to recognize correct spelling, punctuation, capitalization and grammar. Ability to read a map or follow verbal directions.

PROBLEM SOLVING : The work involves a wide variety of related tasks in a professional field that requires resolution of intensive scheduling conflicts, critical selections of safe and economical construction and maintenance alternatives and supervision of a diverse group of employees with a variety of skill levels.

DECISION MAKING : Decision regarding what needs to be done includes the assessment of unusual circumstances, variations in approach and incomplete or conflicting data. Planning and scheduling work requires considerable judgment to utilize labor, equipment and materials efficiently.

SUPERVISION / ACCOUNTABILITY : This position works with occasional supervision from the Pottawatomie County Administrator but is expected to coordinate efforts on a daily basis with the Public Works Administrator. Employee has direct supervisory control over subordinate personnel, and other personnel that may be temporarily assigned to him / her. Employee is directly responsible for departmental equipment and resources. This position has purchasing authority and provides input into the annual budget process. Employee is responsible for daily record keeping for cost accounting purposes.

PERSONAL RELATIONS : Daily contact with the general public, subordinates, co-workers, vendors, contractors and supervisory personnel is expected. Occasional contact with appointed and elected officials can be expected. Explains projects and the rules and regulations of the division to interested individuals and groups. Maintains a positive work atmosphere by acting and communicating in a manner developing a congenial and lasting relationship with customers, clients, co-workers and management. Requires successful interaction with the public and County personnel. Independent judgment and action are required.

Requirements

EDUCATION / TRAINING / EXPERIENCE : A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent is required. Must have a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. Five (5) years' experience as a Civil Engineer is required. Ten (10) years' experience as a Civil Engineer is preferred. Must be Professional Engineer, and either currently licensed by the State of Kansas or obtain a Kansas license within the first six (6) months of employment. Must currently have Local Public Authority Certification, or obtain such certification within the first twelve (12) months of employment. Management experience necessary, preferably a minimum of two (2) to three (3) years in a responsible position. Strong people management and communication skills; planning skills; and knowledge of Public Works construction and maintenance methods and techniques essential. Must have and maintain a valid driver's license and remain insurable under the county's fleet insurance policy.

Salary Description

$124,456 - $155,570