ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER

Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

Under administrative direction, directs, manages, supervises, and coordinates the activities and operations of the Engineering Division within the Public Works Department including design, private development, traffic, field inspection, survey, Capital Improvement Program, environmental, real property acquisition and management, GIS, Landscape Maintenance District, and related functions and program areas; coordinates assigned activities with other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the Director of Public Works.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes management responsibility for assigned services and activities of the Engineering Division including design and bidding of all public improvement projects including roadway and utility projects, processing private development projects, traffic section activities including operation and maintenance of traffic controls, field inspection of all projects, survey, Capital Improvement Program, environmental, real property acquisition and management, GIS, Landscape Maintenance District, and related functions and program areas.
• Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned service areas, programs, and operations; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; plans, develops, and implements methods and procedures designed to improve operations, minimize operating costs, and promote the most efficient use of labor and materials; recommends, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels.
• Plans, directs, coordinates, and reviews the work plan for assigned staff; assigns work activities, projects, and programs; reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures; meets with staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training;
  works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Engineering Division’s annual budget; participates in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; implements adjustments.
• Provides responsible staff assistance to the Director of Public Works; conducts a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommends modifications to engineering programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Serves as the liaison for the Engineering Division to other divisions, departments, and outside agencies; represents the City in meetings with other public agencies to develop and coordinate future or on-going projects; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Serves as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees; serves as liaison to the Planning Commission, Transportation Commission, City Council, and the community; prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of engineering.
• Oversees and participates in the provision of customer service to internal and external customers; responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; meet with and represent the City at various neighborhood meetings to explain engineering criteria.
• Performs related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.

Knowledge of:

• Operational characteristics, services, and activities of a comprehensive engineering program including design, private development, traffic, field inspection, survey, Capital Improvement Program, environmental, real property acquisition and management, GIS, Landscape Maintenance District, and related functions and program areas.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles and practices of municipal budget preparation and administration.
• Principles of supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.
• Civil engineering principles and practices.
• Principles and practices of project management, administration, and coordination.
• Local, regional, and state design and procedure manual for engineering and public works administration.
• Public bidding process and contracting procedures for public works projects.
• Construction procedures and contract administration principles and practices.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases.

Ability to:

• Oversee and participate in the management of a comprehensive engineering program including design, private development, traffic, field inspection, survey, Capital Improvement Program, environmental, real property acquisition and management, GIS, Landscape Maintenance District, and related functions and program areas.
• Oversee, direct, and coordinate the work of lower level staff.
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff.
• Participate in the development and administration of division goals, objectives, and procedures.
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Prepare and administer large program budgets.
• Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Negotiate agreements and contracts with divergent interests.
• Read and interpret engineering and construction plans and specifications and interpret them to others.
• Manage, direct, and schedule complex public improvement projects and programs.
• Prioritize multiple, complex projects and programs within specific time frames.
• Estimate costs and develop budgets to carry out public works programs.
• Interpret and apply federal, state, and local policies, laws, and regulations.
• Oversee the establishment and maintenance of accurate operational recordkeeping systems.
• Understand the organization, operation, and services of the City and of outside agencies as necessary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Ensure adherence to established safety rules, regulations, and guidelines.
• Oversee and participate in the provision of a high level of customer service to internal and external customers.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public; tactfully and courteously represent the Public Works Department during public contacts.
• Operate office equipment including computers and supporting word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications.
• Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Education and Experience Guidelines - Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Education/Training: A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering or a closely related field.

Experience: Eight years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience including three years of management, administrative, and supervisory responsibility.

License or Certificate - Possession of a valid California Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer. Possession of an appropriate, valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

Environment: Standard office setting with some travel from site to site. Some exposure noise, dust, and all types of weather and temperature conditions; work and/or walk on various types of surfaces including slippery or uneven surfaces and rough terrain. Work schedule is 9/80 with alternating Fridays off in a biweekly period. Work environment is both formal and informal, team oriented, having variable tasks, pace, and pressure. Overtime and attending meetings outside of regular work hours may be required. Work is primarily performed indoors in office and in meeting rooms.

Physical: Primary functions require sufficient physical ability to work in an office setting and operate office equipment. CONTINUOUS sitting and upward and downward flexion of neck; fine finger dexterity; light to moderate finger pressure to manipulate keyboard, equipment controls, and office equipment; pinch grasp to manipulate writing utensils. FREQUENT side-to-side turning of neck, walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting at waist; moderate wrist torque to twist equipment knobs and dials; lifting objects weighing up to 20 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 yards. OCCASIONAL squatting, kneeling, and reaching above and at shoulder height; moderate grasp to manipulate reference books and manuals; lifting objects weighing 20-35 lbs. from below waist to above shoulders and transporting distances up to 50 feet.

Vision: See in the normal visual range with or without correction; vision sufficient to read computer screens and printed documents and to operate equipment.

Hearing: Hear in the normal audio range with or without correction.

Date: April 2003
Johnson & Associates