Principal Civil Engineer

Job Summary

Manages, plans and directs the major functions of land development, project development, construction management and/or water resources. Plans, develops, coordinates, and directs a number of large and complex public works projects and/or reviews, coordinates, and directs the work of Civil Engineering staff. Establishes goals, strategies, and criteria by which projects are designed and constructed and/or ensures that land development regulations and policies are enforced and/or implemented. Supervises, assigns, reviews and evaluates the work of professional, paraprofessional, technical and support staff.

Works under the administrative supervision of the City Engineer or designated management staff. Exercises general supervision over assigned staff.

Representative Duties

Plans, organizes and supervises the work activities of professional, paraprofessional and technical and support staff members engaged in the performance of a variety of public works engineering projects. Selects, provides leadership to, manages, supervises, motivates, trains and evaluates professional, paraprofessional, technical and support staff. 

Confers with the division manager regarding land development, project development, construction management, and/or water resources including project management, human resources, financial resources, and various regulations and procedures affecting the Division.

Implements federal telecommunications regulations and City Ordinances for work in the public right-of-way.

Coordinates infrastructure and facility projects with other City departments in accordance with relevant City policies.

Prepares, reviews and approves preliminary budget estimates for Capital Improvement Projects. Reviews and prepares designs for Capital Improvement Projects. Ensures designs meet the Sustainable City policies. 

Provides constructability/value engineering review of construction documents. 

Reviews and prepares bid documents for advertising.

Evaluates proposals and makes recommendations on the award of City contracts.

Oversees franchises with utility companies for work performed within the City. Oversees the placement of utility company facilities within the public right-of-way.

Plans, coordinates and develops engineering plans and specifications for large and/or complex public works improvement projects such as streets, sewers, bridges, parks, city buildings and structures, and related engineering projects.

Plans and establishes phases for current and future construction projects. 

Prepares construction mitigation plans in compliance with the Sustainable City policies. 

Oversees and provides direction to staff for the preparation of specialized design and complex engineering research projects and analyses. 

Estimates costs and time requirements for current and proposed construction projects. 

Makes major decisions with respect to the preparation of the final designs, plans and specifications for city projects.

Provides guidelines to staff regarding procurement of professional engineering services. Oversees and monitors the performance of contractors and consultants under contract with the City to ensure that work is being done on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with the terms of the contracts.

Develops and updates the land development, project management and construction management procedures and ensures compliance with the City’s municipal codes, policy guidelines, and federal and state laws.

Inspects construction sites to monitor progress and ensure conformance to plans, specifications, and construction and safety standards. Provides direction to staff regarding construction contract administration.

Makes budget recommendations for the division’s operating budget.

Oversees the review and approval of plan checks and engineering plans in accordance with applicable laws, codes, ordinances and City regulations.

Conducts studies, maintains records, and prepares a variety of reports including economic feasibility of current and proposed projects.

Operates a computer to maintain, retrieve, update, and access a variety of technical engineering data, including Computer Aided Design Drafting (CADD), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), spreadsheets and other applicable software.

Prepares and presents reports to the City Council, private and public organizations, boards and commissions, outside agencies, and the City’s management staff.

Provides technical expertise and advice to other City departments, task forces, commissions, and the public. Meets and confers with representatives from other government agencies, private agencies, and other engineering associations.

Develops and implements a variety of policies and procedures. Revises and/or updates existing policies and procedures to comply with federal, state and local law.

Acts on behalf of the division manager in their absence.

Performs other duties, as assigned. 

Requirements

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of management and supervision, including effective supervisory techniques

Principles, practices, and methods of civil and structural engineering relating to public works design and construction including buildings, streets, bridges, parking lots, traffic management systems, bicycle systems, streetlights, water distribution, drainage, sewers, and parks

Field engineering, including surveying, inspection, and construction practices

Seismic codes and standards for the evaluation of design and construction

Construction methods, materials, and equipment

Mathematics and physics applicable to civil engineering

Applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances

Budget development and project management

Computer aided design drafting, databases, spreadsheets, and related technical software

Effective customer service techniques

Claim evaluation and resolution techniques

Public contract codes

Quality planning and project impact analysis methods

Negotiation and dispute management techniques

Ability to:

Plan, manage and coordinate the activities of staff

Select, train, and supervise staff

Manage public works projects and contracts

Prepare and present clear and concise oral and written reports and recommendations

Communicate effectively both orally and in writing

Manage public works projects and contracts

Conduct engineering research and compile technical data

Read blueprints, drawings, and specifications

Analyze complex engineering projects and determine cost effective approaches

Prepare analytical and economic feasibility reports

Utilize computer programs to perform calculations and have proficiency in Computer Aided Drafting Software

Use project and construction management software programs 

Perform field work and conduct inspections of job sites

Interpret and apply relevant policies, laws, and regulations

Provide effective customer service

Establish and maintain effective and cooperative working relationships with City employees and the general public

Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches

Skill in:

Using a personal computer and applicable software applications

Using a variety of engineering tools, software and equipment 

Supervising the design and preparation of plans and specifications for public works projects 

Reading and interpreting engineering drawings and specifications

REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

Education:

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree. A degree in in civil engineering or a closely related field is desirable. 

Experience:

Six years of recent, paid work experience in civil engineering including two years of experience as a Registered (licensed) Professional Engineer. At least two years of the required experience must include project management experience and supervising or leading and coordinating the work of others. One year of leading and coordinating the work of others and the successful completion of the City of Santa Monica’s Pre-Supervisory Academy may substitute for two years of supervisory and/or leading and coordinating experience. Experience with land development and program management, including project development, construction management and capital projects is desirable. 

Licenses and Certificates:

Possession of a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions. Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is regularly performed indoors in a home or office environment, in accordance with the City’s Telework/Flexible Workplace Policy, with frequent interruptions and in noisy construction zones and other outdoor work sites. Contact with the public and meeting deadlines is frequently required. Outdoor work requires exposure to moving equipment, dust, noise, odors, slippery surfaces and seasonal weather conditions; it will be required to use safety gear and follow safety procedures. Physical demands include sitting, standing, kneeling, bending, reaching, carrying plans, equipment and product samples and walking. May be required to climb ladders or scaffolding at construction sites. May occasionally attend meetings after regular work hours and/or weekends and travel to various work sites.