Assistant City Engineer

The City of Olympia is looking for an Assistant City Engineer who knows how to turn plans into projects—and projects into infrastructure the community relies on every day. From streets and utilities to development review and inspections, this role is about making sure the work gets done right, from start to finish. If you take pride in solid work, leading a team, and delivering results that stand the test of time, you'll find real purpose in serving Olympia. This position is responsible for planning, directing, and overseeing assigned activities within the Engineering Division of the City of Olympia Public Works Department. Work includes managing capital improvement projects including design, bidding, construction, and administration; managing inspection staff for public works and private development construction projects; reviewing private development land use and engineering plans; and managing and implementing the City's Engineering Design and Development Standards Ideal Candidate Profile Ability to lead all processes, activities, and personnel pertaining to construction inspection for public works and private development projects. Experience with private development land use and engineering plan review. Ability to coordinate public utility infrastructure and engineering design, construction, and inspection work with other Public Works divisions and City departments, outside agencies and jurisdictions, private developers, and consultants. Experience leading processes, activities, and personnel pertaining to the design and construction of capital projects. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of civil engineering, design, and construction. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce. Ability to manage the City's Engineering Design and Development Standards, enforce them in all engineering permits and capital projects, and manage changes to the standards including review with the development community and other stakeholders. Ability to uphold engineering standards while demonstrating professional judgement to compromise and be flexible when necessary to achieve project outcomes that are in the best interest of the City. Experience negotiating and problem solving to reach the best alternative to move projects forward. This position is full time with the option of a flexible schedule and remote work hours. The position will occasionally work outside of business hours to support inspection staff and to attend evening meetings. If you have questions about the Assistant City Engineer position, please contact Jeff Johnstone, City Engineer, at jjohnsto@ci.olympia.wa.us . Essential Functions The essential functions of this position include but are not limited to: 1. Reviews and evaluates work methods and procedures; meets with management staff to identify and resolve problems. 2. Assesses and monitors workload; identifies opportunities for improvement and implements changes. 3. Selects, motivates, and evaluates personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; makes recommendations regarding discipline and termination. 4. Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary. 5. Assesses, plans, and implements best practice standards ensuring compliance with all regulatory and funding agencies; compiles and submits data for trend analysis and regulatory reporting. 6. Ensures professional, technical, administrative, and project management staff activities meet all applicable City, local, state, and federal laws, policies, permit requirements, and specifications for assigned areas. 7. Ensures the preparation and maintenance of accurate record drawings, system plans, as-builts, and maps of the City's infrastructure. 8. Oversees and conducts research pertaining to engineering issues; assists the City Engineer in addressing such, including the provision of technical assistance to other City departments. 9. Collaborates with the City Engineer for engineering and program management as required. 10. Serves as City / department liaison to develop and sustain cooperative relationships with elected officials, advisory boards, public agencies, community groups and the public, bargaining units, the media and neighboring jurisdictions to solicit public involvement, disseminate accurate information, and present reports, plans, policies and recommendations. 11. Follows City and public safety guidelines and protocols and performs job functions in a safe manner; reports all safety hazards per established policies and procedures. 12. Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments and resolves difficult and sensitive inquiries and complaints from the public per established standards and protocols. 13. Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays current on new trends and best practices. 14. May be required to attend evening or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and requirements. 15. Punctual, regular, and reliable attendance is essential for successful job performance.

PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT 1.

Manages the City's Engineering Design and Development Standards (EDDS); enforces EDDS in all engineering permits and public works construction contracts; manages changes to the EDDS including review with development community and other stakeholders. 2. Oversees all processes, activities, and personnel pertaining to construction inspection for public works and private development engineering permits. 3. Conducts private development land use and engineering plan review; participates in problem resolution regarding issues of approval for land use and engineering permits.

CAPITAL PROJECTS 1.

Oversees all processes, activities, and personnel pertaining to the design and construction of capital project. 2. Coordinates public utility infrastructure and engineering design, construction, and inspection work with other public works divisions and City departments, outside agencies and jurisdictions, private developers and consultants. 3. Develops public bid documents and proposed contracts for consultants, vendors, and providers of professional services. 4. Participates in the appraisal, negotiation, and acquisition of land for rights-of-way (ROW) and easements. 5. Develop proposed contracts with consultants, vendors, and providers of professional services.

Typical Qualifications Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

1. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methods, and techniques of civil engineering, design, and construction. 2. Thorough knowledge of municipal ordinances and development standards; fire codes, zoning, and state and local design standards; American Public Works Association (APWA) specifications; and other local, state, and federal regulations governing engineering and construction practices. 3. Thorough knowledge of current construction methods, costs, and materials including code compliance and contract administration. 4. Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices, methodologies, and techniques utilized to effectively manage and motivate a diverse workforce. 5. Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department and organization specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required. 6. Skill in adapting to a changing work environment and competing demands. 7. Skill in developing, managing, and interpreting budgets, contracts, and fiscal and financial reports. 8. Skill in planning, leading, and overseeing complex and technical engineering activities. 9. Skill in developing, preparing, and reviewing technical drawings, engineering plans, and specifications. 10. Ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. 11. Ability to lead and motivate others to achieve goals. 12. Ability to formulate, initiate and administer policies and procedures for effective fiscal control. 13. Ability to effectively present information and technical advice to top management and relevant individuals. 14. Ability to read, analyze and interpret program related laws and regulations and establish necessary work processes and procedures. 15. Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met and to set priorities that move projects through efficiently to achieve customer and quality objectives. 16. Ability to identify potential issues, modify processes and resolve conflict as the need arises. 17. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Experience/Education 1. High school diploma or GED and twelve (12) years of increasingly responsible civil engineering experience, including complex project management, budget administration, and long-range planning and at least three (3) years of supervisory experience; 2. OR associate degree in civil engineering or a related field and ten (10) years of experience as listed above; 3. OR bachelor's degree in civil engineering or a related field and eight (8) years of experience as listed above; 4. OR master's degree in civil engineering or a related field and six (6) years of experience as listed above; 5. OR a combination of experience, certification, education, and training that demonstrates expertise in the related areas. Special Requirements 1. A valid Washington State driver's license may be required. 2. Must have professional engineer (PE) license by the State of Washington or ability to acquire within six (6) months of hire.

Supplemental Information Contacts:

1. Daily contact with assigned staff for supervision, work assignments, work coordination, and information gathering and sharing. 2. Frequent contact with the public to provide and receive information and explain City policies and procedures. 3. Contacts may occasionally be confrontational in nature requiring the exercise of discretion while clearly stating the City's position. 4. Extensive contact with engineers, architects, developers, contractors, and consultants for the purpose of information-sharing and enforcement. 5. In the enforcement role, the contacts may be adversarial in nature requiring the Assistant City Engineer to resolve both technical and interpersonal problems. 6. Skill in gaining compliance with codes and regulations while maintaining cooperative working relationships with the development community is of prime importance. 7. Attends formal and informal meetings with elected officials, committees or boards, developers, and the public to provide project status information and respond to questions and/or concerns.

Supervision:

1. Supervises, trains, assigns, and monitors the work of assigned staff.

Accountability:

1. Accountable for the effective operation of assigned program areas within engineering, for the successful completion of assigned projects and programs, and for meeting established performance measures. .

Working Conditions:

1. Usually works in an office. 2. Projects require considerable concentration and attention to detail and are performed in an environment of frequent work interruptions. 3. The position is subject to the stress of meeting competing demands and strict time deadlines. 4. Mobility sufficient to attend various meetings and visit work and/or construction sites is necessary. Olympia is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.