City Engineer



City Engineer

Salary

$102,107.20 - $124,009.60 Annually

Location

City Hall: 129 N. 2nd St. Yakima, WA

Job Type

Full-time

Department

Public Works

Division

Engineering

Opening Date

03/29/2019

Closing Date

4/26/2019 4:00 PM Pacific

Bargaining Unit

None/Mgmt

Initial candidate eligibility is based on the job application and any accompanying documentation.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide sufficient information and details within the body of the  application (education and work experience sections) to permit the City of Yakima to properly evaluate the candidate's qualification, abilities and experience as it relates to the requirements of the position.  For calculation of experience, one year of experience equals 12 months with a minimum of 173.33 hours per month.  Additional required documents must be attached. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of application fields.  

Overview and Minimum Class Requirements

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED

All applications must be completed in full AND have the following attachments to be considered. (Resume may not substitute for work history information required in the application)
  • Resume
  • Cover letter addressing your interest in the position and top qualifications
  • Name and complete contact information for 4 references; to include at least two current or previous supervisor

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor Degree from an accredited college or university in Civil, Traffic or Sanitary Engineering and eight (8) years civil engineering experience plus two (2) years in a lead or supervisory capacity.  Completion of graduate level course work in civil or sanitary engineering may substituting for the desirable experience on a month-for-month basis to a maximum of eighteen (18) months. 

LICENSE, REGISTRATION & CERTIFICATIONS:

Must possess/obtain and maintain a valid Washington State Driver's license.  Must possess or obtain a Washington State Professional Engineering license within six (6) months of appointment.

Job Summary

Exercising considerable independence under the general supervision and direction of the Director of Public Works, this is a division management position responsible for the management and administrative work of the Engineering Division by planning, organizing, directing and supporting the work of the division staff.
 
Requires considerable contact with a wide range of groups involved in the maintenance, design, construction, repair and operation of necessary municipal public works for the safety and convenience of the citizenry.
 
 Duties include the responsibility and oversight of the operational functions within the division effectively accomplishing City goals and objectives. Supervision is exercised over a staff of professional, operational, technical and/or clerical personnel.

Essential Functions

Plans, directs, and evaluates design, construction, and maintenance of public facilities and improvements, including those completed by City personnel and those assigned to outside consultants or contractors;  Develops annual work program objectives; assigns planning projects and evaluates performance of division personnel. 
 
Serves as administrator of the Engineering Division with responsibility for maintenance of public records; preparation of the division budget; and employee performance.
 
Directs City staff and consultants in technical engineering design, supervision and other services for construction and transportation improvement projects, water and sewer improvements and other City projects.
 
Provides technical engineering services and input as an integral information source supporting public and private development for short and long term community and economic development plans and strategies.
 
Coordinates Engineering Division functions supporting several City departments and divisions to ensure unified progress towards City objectives.
 
Supervises and participates in the work of the division, providing guidance and direction to subordinate staff. Oversees and reviews the work of division; hires, trains, and develops staff providing professional leadership and ongoing development opportunities to staff; evaluates individual performance including taking or recommending disciplinary action as necessary. Provides assistance to staff in resolving difficult or unusual situations and problems.  Responsible for performance of subordinates; ensures compliance with all applicable laws, State and Federal regulations, City ordinances, policies, procedures and sound financial practices. 
 
Prepares annual operating budget for the Division and controls/monitors expenses within budget adopted by City Council.  Presents budget to City Council for approval and community groups for educational purposes.  Develops an annual City Capital Improvement Plan, and develops scheduling, budgeting and financing techniques for all City capital improvement projects.
 
Analyzes operational data, researches and prepares a wide variety of reports, costs estimates and feasibility studies regarding complex issues having a long-range and significant impact on the total municipal operation. Prepares reports of project and program progress and presents reports to the City Manager, City Council and/or advisory committees as necessary.
 
Coordinates Federal and State grant application processes for public works programs, and administers grant projects according to applicable regulations and grant guidelines.
 
Serves as staff representative and liaison with government agencies, City of­ficials, professional organizations, consulting engineers, and the public to provide continuing community involvement and input. Attends City Council sessions, and upon request, participates in meetings and conferences with other City boards, commissions, committees, administrative officers, and staff personnel.
 
Coor­dinates divisional activities with other City departments.  Maintains quality customer service relationships with citizens and community and professional groups impacted by, or in contact with, departmental projects, actions, or personnel.
 
Contributes to the effective administration of City government by fostering an attitude among staff that encourages cooperation and coordination of efforts and efficient use of resources. Provides continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
 
Performs related work as required.
 
Requires regular and reliable attendance.

Major Worker Characteristics

Knowledge of federal, state and city laws and ordinances, and City of Yakima policies and procedures. Knowledge of best principles and techniques of management, supervision and leadership; practices and principles of work flow and systems analysis; record keeping systems, processes, and practices; best principles and practices for project and financial management; municipal records retention procedures, and techniques. Demonstrates knowledge and sound judgement with regard to public disclosure, and confidentiality standards.
 
Thorough knowledge of current literature, trends, and principles and practices associated with public works construction and related operations.
 
Strong working knowledge of: computer spreadsheets; databases; industry applications; Microsoft Office Suite including Excel; report writing tools; professional office procedures and practices; and computerize municipal budgetary and fiscal management practices. Ability to operate standard office equipment including but not limited to: computer, fax machine, copy machine, telephone etc.
 
Knowledge of techniques and strategies for dissemination of complex and/or technical written and verbal information to a wide range of individuals, including but not limited to managers, staff, City Council; government officials, and members of the public.
 
Must be able to communicate clearly and effectively, with employees, members of the public representing diverse education and background, and with officials at all levels of government utilizing well developed communication skills, both written and oral, with appropriate use of business English, and plain English, including but not limited to correct grammar, vocabulary, letter composition, editing, spelling, and punctuation. Ability to negotiate and present complex information clearly and concisely in both written and verbal formats. Must possess the ability to make informative and persuasive presentations to individuals and groups, conduct public meetings, and participate in public forums. Must routinely and regularly maintain confidentiality and discretion through all forms of communication.
 
Ability to perform a variety of mathematical computations with ability to read, interpret and analyze complex and technical documents and to translate analysis into recommendations or reports.  Ability to read, research, interpret, apply and explain complex laws, codes, rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.  Must possess ability to identify and define complex problems, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
 
Ability to work independently with self-direction and  minimal direction or oversight; maintain sustained attention to detail and work under timeline pressures; prioritize and assign workloads; manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines. Excellent analytical and organizational skills are essential. Must possess ability to quickly adapt to changing priorities and demands.
 
Ability to establish, facilitate, and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public, community organizations and government agencies; to consistently and continually demonstrate tact, diplomacy, and respect to individuals, groups and organizations representing a wide diversity of ethnicities, cultures, opinions, and beliefs; train, supervise, plan, organize, and direct the work of a staff of technical, professional, operational and clerical personnel; evaluate personnel performance; provide constructive feedback to subordinates; develop and implement modern auditing and accountability methods, procedures, forms and records; facilitate and lead cohesive, positive and highly productive work teams with a customer service focus. Ability to positively receive feedback and take direction is essential.
 
Ability to develop, present and gain acceptance for long-range programs and budgets.  Must be able to locate grant resources and prepare grant proposals for projects.
 
Ability to work extended hours as needed to carry out the management and supervisory responsibilities and functions for the division. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work is performed primarily in an office environment with occasional traveling to different locations. While in the office, will be sitting at a desk or computer terminal for extended periods of time or standing for a period of time. Frequent use of both hands in reaching/handling/grasping/fingering while performing duties and operating computers. Occasional heavy work includes lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds. Occasionally ascends/descends stairs, ladders and other inclines while maintaining balance. Occasional bending/twisting at knees/waist/neck. Occasional stooping/bending/ kneeling/crawling while performing duties. Continuous use of all senses including feeling/talking/hearing/seeing while performing duties and communicating with co-workers, general public and completing all tasks as assigned. Must be able to distinguish color and maintain long-term and short-term memory. May work outside in all weather extremes and be exposed to insects, water, slippery surfaces, dirt, dust, noxious odors, fumes, or chemicals, solvents, oil, vibrations, and/or rough and uneven terrain. May work at heights, in confined spaces or awkward positions, remote locations or in noisy work area. Will be required to wear safety protective gear when necessary. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
 
UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

May work with angry, irate or upset customers.  Will require travel to a variety of locations.  May require some evening or weekend work to address workload and when meeting with the public. May be required to carry a cell phone or paging device and respond to technological or operating issues and/or emergency situations outside the normal work schedule, including weekends and holidays. 
 

The City of Yakima is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

The City of Yakima offers an excellent benefits package reflecting our commitment to attract and retain the highest quality employees. 

Our comprehensive and competitive benefit package includes medical/dental/ life insurance; vision coverage; vacation/sick/bereavement/holiday pay; pension; as well as supplemental benefit options. 

 

01
Did you attach a resume, cover letter, and references as required?
  • Yes
  • No
02
What is your highest level of education?
  • High School/GED
  • Some College
  • Associates Degree
  • Bachelors Degree
  • Masters Degree
  • Technical/Trade Certification
  • None of the above
03
Do you possess a Bachelors Degree (or higher) from an accredited college or university in Civil, Traffic or Sanitary Engineering?
  • Yes, Civil Engineering
  • Yes, Traffic Engineering
  • Yes, Sanitary Engineering
  • No
04
How many years of civil engineering experience do you possess?
  • None
  • Less than 6.5 years
  • At least 6.5 years and less than 8 years
  • At least 8 years
05
How many years of lead or supervisory experience do you possess?
  • None
  • Less than 2 years
  • At least 2 years and less than 5 years
  • At least 5 years
06
Do you possess a Washington State Professional Engineering (PE) license?
  • Yes
  • No
  • No, but I am able to obtain within 6 months of employment
07
Briefly detail the most significant projects you were involved with in the last 5 years. For each project, be sure to include your scope of responsibility and level of authority.
08
Describe your experience with budget management and oversight including but not limited to department/division budgets and/or major projects. Detail the size(s) of the budget(s) and your responsibility and authority levels related to budget creation and administration.
09
Describe your experience in preparing, obtaining and managing grant funding including the type of grant(s), amount(s), and your specific role.
10
Briefly describe your experience interacting with and presenting to city councils, boards of director, committees or other public entities.
11
Please describe particular skills, experience or training which you believe BEST qualifies you for this position.

Required Question

Agency
City of Yakima
Address
129 N. 2nd Street

Yakima, Washington, 98901
Phone
(509) 575-6090