Senior Civil Engineer
Senior Civil Engineer
This position provides project management, planning, engineering analysis, and technical expertise to support all phases of capital projects and programs within Public Works.
Responsibilities involve capital project delivery including project planning, consultant selection, engineering design and review, standards development and management, implementation, contract/budget administration and tracking, construction management, and project closeout. In addition, incumbent will research engineering methods and design, complete engineering analysis, develop engineering level reports and memorandums.
The incumbent will be part of a collaborative work team that is responsive to inquiries from the general public, consultants, contractors, engineering professionals, and staff regarding project, design, construction and engineering information. Supervises assigned staff.
The work is performed with limited supervision; the incumbent has relative independence for exercising independent judgment and initiative within the scope of oral and written instructions and established policies, guidelines, and procedures.
Work is performed consistent with applicable city, state, and federal design and construction standards and specifications, contracting procedures, funding requirements, and associated laws and codes. Work involves keen attention to detail and critical timelines, is specialized or complex by nature and requires a high degree of organization.
Lake Stevens is generally a residential community with access to numerous commercial, retail and recreational opportunities. Of course, the crown jewel of the community is the lake itself, which boasts some of the greatest water recreational opportunities in the county. Lake Stevens is also uniquely situated, being close to the lake, ocean, and Cascade mountains, to take advantage of many outdoor activities. The Lake Stevens Schools are excellent and coupled with a city priority of parks and increased walkability, makes Lake Stevens an ideal place to raise a family.
The City of Lake Stevens operates under the mayor-council system. The city’s motto, “One Community Around the Lake”, embodies our quality of life, top-ranked school district, and the City Council’s commitment to providing excellent services and amenities for its residents.Why City of Lake Stevens?
- Work-Life Balance - We are committed to ensure that our staff experience the reward of public service, while also sustaining a routine that suits each individual's lifestyle.
- Flexible Work Schedules- The city offers a variety of work schedules to include potential hybrid/remote work dependent on meeting business necessities and supervisor approval.
- Work Where you Live!
- Retirement- through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems.
- Deferred Compensation- with city match.
- Excellent healthcare options- including medical, dental, vision insurance, city-paid life insurance and long-term disability, health savings accounts (HSA), and Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRA/VEBA).
- Paid leave- including paid sick leave, paid vacation, flexible holidays, paid holidays, and bereavement leave.
- Tuition reimbursement!
- See our benefits page for a complete list of all the benefits available to the City of Lake Stevens employees
Why work for the Public Works Department?
The Public Works Department leadership team have established core values along with mission and vision statements for all employees. It is vital as we continuously improve and raise our standard of work that all employees understand and abide by a set of guidelines which provide a framework for a professionally engaged organization. It is important that candidates seeking employment within Public Works understand and are committed to these guidelines as you perform your duties.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Manages assigned capital projects including planning, design, scheduling, coordinating, tracking and administration; administers project documentation from inception to completion including design, review, public input and meetings, bidding, contract management and project completion
- Oversee engineering projects; perform quality control; monitor project budget and expenditures; write project change orders; consult with others to establish project punch lists as required for project completion; recommend project completion and acceptance by the city
- Perform rigorous review of engineering project plans and specifications for the city's capital projects and private improvements submitted to the city as part of development processes. Recommend changes, comments, or corrections as it relates to the needs and interests of the city in terms of maintenance support of the proposed projects or improvements and in terms of compliance with the city's construction standards
- Prepare detailed engineering, pre-design, and final design reports
- Oversee consultants contracted to perform engineering projects; perform research and provide engineering data, calculation, and information to consultants; answer consultants' questions; conduct onsite visits with consultants; work with management and consultants to prioritize and implement project corrective measures; communicate priorities with consultants; develop and manage consultant contracts for engineering services; and participate in the consultant selection
- Analyze and review engineering project requirements, physical location, and other pertinent data to prepare scope of work, engineer's cost estimates, Requests for Proposals (RFP), Request for Qualifications (RFQ), etc.
- Create and produce effective grant requests, administer grants once awarded
- Communicate in person, in writing, and on the telephone with city personnel, consultants, developers, contractors, other agencies, property owners, and the public to exchange information, resolve concerns, issues, and complaints as necessary; and provide technical information related to codes, ordinances, regulations, policies, and projects
- Serve as the city representative at various technical committees, study groups, meetings and taskforces as assigned; develop and deliver oral presentations
- Maintain related data and records; prepare plans and reports conforming to related federal, state, and city regulations
- Visit construction sites to inspect work progress and compliance with approved plans, specifications and regulations
- Provide engineering and technical expertise to city staff and the public; provide storm/water/utilities/pavement engineering expertise to city design projects
- Provide research, information, and assistance in the development and management of assigned budget sections; monitor purchasing, procurement, and usage of funds as it relates to the assigned budget's activities
- Perform supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the city's policies and procedures and applicable laws. Responsibilities include planning, scheduling, coordinating, assisting with, directing, and evaluating work in progress and upon completion; appraising performance and safety procedures; training employees to improve their skill and effectiveness; addressing complaints and resolving problems; reviewing/scheduling employee leave; assisting in interviews; making hiring recommendations, and recommending promotion and disciplinary actions.
- Maintain regular, predictable and reliable attendance
PERIPHERAL DUTIES:
- Perform the duties of assigned staff as needed
- Provide coverage for daily operations for the City Engineer when that position is absent
- Performs other duties as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Please see the attached questionnaire and below for position-specific physical requirements and typical working conditions. The physical demands and work environment characteristics described in the attached form and below are representative of those the incumbent encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disability to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; talk; and hear. The incumbent frequently is required to sit for extended periods of time and type on a keyboard for extended periods of time. The incumbent is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The incumbent must occasionally lift and/or move up to 35 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color, and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. Work is usually performed in an indoor office environment, subject to driving to offsite locations to review/inspect progress of assigned projects or to investigate complaints, and subject to working outside of normal working hours to meet critical timelines or to provide support in department emergency response events. While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is subject to multiple interruptions by telephones and walk-ins by employees, elected officials and citizens; may occasionally work outdoors and be exposed to all weather conditions, noxious odors, uneven terrain, variable surface heights and depths, vehicle traffic; and individuals who are irate or hostile. The noise level of the work environment is usually low in the office, and loud to very loud in the field.
Typical business office machinery and equipment utilized includes, but is not limited to, personal computer including database program, spreadsheet and word processing software; printers; telephones; scanning equipment; fax machine; copy machine; calculators; and projectors.
Evening or variable hours to attend meetings is required.
Qualifications
Education, Training and Experience Guidelines
Education: Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related
field from an accredited educational institution;
Experience: Four (4) years of progressively responsible civil engineering design and
construction experience in a municipal, state, or related environment. Supervisory experience preferred.
Or: Any combination of education and experience, which provides the applicant with
the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the job, may be substituted for these qualifications. Examples of these skills include:
Knowledge of:
- Principles, practices, methods, and standards of civil engineering including the design and construction of public works projects, project management principles
- Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures related to water, wastewater and sanitary sewer systems, streets and other assigned areas
- State and federal funding procedures for public works projects, including procurement regulations
- Modern engineering methods as applied to the design, project management and construction of public works, public utilities, transportation, stormwater management and general construction
- Design and construction contract administration principles and practices
- Mathematics and formulas for civil engineering computations
- Lake Stevens Municipal Code (LSMC) and Engineering Design & Development Standards (EDDS)
- Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Standard Specifications and Local Agency Guidelines Manual
- Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC) Contracting for Services for bidding/procurement
- Washington State Department of Ecology Stormwater Manual for Western Washington
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) design guidelines and compliance standards
- Structure, organization and interrelationships of City departments, agencies and related governmental agencies and offices affecting assigned functions
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy
- Modern office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and computer applications such as Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams
- AutoCAD and GIS software
- Effective oral and written communication principles and practices to include public relations, public speaking and professional business letter writing
- Administrative program/project management techniques and principles
- Contract negotiation and administration
- Research methods and report preparation and presentation
- Principles and practices of governmental budget preparation and administration
- Supervisory and training principles, methods, best management practices and techniques
- Lean Management System or Six Sigma principles
- Municipal organization, structure, policies, procedures, practices and objectives
- Correct English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation
Skill and Ability to:
- Work safely and in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations, and with City policies and standards
- Participate as a contributing member of a service-oriented team
- Develop, monitor and manage capital improvement projects
- Develop, coordinate and maintain documentation standards and practices, reporting and tracking procedures and administrative activities
- Develop, administer and manage consultant contracts as necessary
- Review capital, residential and commercial plans for compliance with adopted construction codes
- Read and interpret construction plans, engineering plans, survey notes and legal descriptions
- Track and maintain accurate and complete project records, including schedules, budgets, and contracts
- Organize work for maximum efficiency; prioritize work to meet frequent deadlines; delegate tasks and workload assignments
- Complete engineering analysis and formulate conclusions with recommendations
- Identify design and/or project objectives and possible alternative methods and concepts
- Interact with professionals from other areas of practice
- Plan and implement long-term strategies, including capital construction project planning and oversight
- Utilize personal computer software programs and other relevant software affecting assigned work and in compiling and preparing spreadsheets
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, management, consultants, contractors, vendors, outside agencies, community groups and the general public
- Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action
- Maintain confidentiality and communicate with tact and diplomacy
- Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, including the ability to listen effectively and to explain complex issues and applicable legal requirements, policies, and procedures to internal and external customers
- Apply Lean or Six Sigma principles to continuously improve processes, procedures and implement change management
- Read, analyze, and interpret various items such as technical documents, legal documents, operating and procedure manuals, general business periodicals, professional journals, government regulation
- Define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions; apply common sense understanding to solve practical problems
- Establish and maintain trust, confidence, and effective working relationships with subordinates, other city officials, and the general public; effectively interact with tact, patience, and courtesy
- Demonstrate positive and effective interaction and communication with individuals of diverse social and economic backgrounds
- Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, laws and regulations
- Operate personal computer, including word processing, spreadsheets, and database software applications
- Maintain confidentiality of business records and other information
LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
- Current Washington State Professional Civil Engineer (PE) license, or ability to obtain within six (6) months of hire
- Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred
- Valid driver’s license and a driving record which meets the city’s requirements, or must be able to obtain State of Washington driver’s license within 30 days of hire
- Successful completion of position-relevant background check
Supplemental Information
How to Apply
Applications for this recruitment will be accepted electronically. Your relevant experience may be evaluated to determine salary. Therefore, it is very important that the “Work Experience” portion of the application be completed in as much detail as possible.
In order to be considered for this opportunity, please include the following with your online application:
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An attached resume outlining (in reverse chronological order) your experience to date.
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An attached cover letter that further explains your qualifications and indicates why you
believe you are a viable candidate for this role. -
Contact details for a minimum three (3) individuals who can attest to your work performance, technical skills, and job-related competencies. **Please note: Phone number AND email address are required for all professional references This information can be entered in the “References” section of the online application; does not require an additional attachment.
The City of Lake Stevens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, sex, age, color, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, marital status, genetic information, veteran’s status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.
There are no limitations to who's a best fit to serve this community. If we contact you for an interview and you need specific accommodations, please let us know. Please contact Human Resources at (425) 622-9400, ten (10) days in advance to allow time for us to make proper arrangements. You're also welcome to mail your request to City of Lake Stevens Human Resources, P.O. Box 257, Lake Stevens, WA 98258; or email to HR@lakestevenswa.gov.