Are you passionate about civil engineering and eager to make a tangible difference in your community? The Engineering Division at El Paso County Department of Public Works (DPW) is seeking a skilled, motivated engineer to plan, design, and manage projects essential to the safety and sustainability of our drainage infrastructure. From drainage master planning to capital improvement projects, your work will directly ensure the long-term safety of residents and the integrity of our roadways, storm drains, and drainage systems. This role offers exciting opportunities to leverage your professional engineering experience to plan, design, and manage stormwater drainage projects; collaborate with various departments, agencies, and jurisdictions; and engage productively with public constituents.
Hiring Range:
$129,000.00
- $145,000.00 annually This position has an anticipated work schedule of Monday
- Thursday or Tuesday
- Friday, 7:00 am
- 5:30 pm; or Monday
- Friday, 7:30 am
- 4:30 pm; subject to change.
Please be advised this position may close without advance notice, should we receive a sufficient number of qualified applications. The Principal Engineer position is responsible for performing, overseeing, and coordinating professional civil engineering work in the field and/or office, and for performing related work as required. This is a lead-level classification of the Engineer series and is responsible for managing highly visible and sensitive projects or programs. Projects assigned may be in the phases of planning, conceptual design, development review, or construction. This position performs a variety of complex, controversial, and consultative engineering duties in the field of civil engineering in accordance with civil engineering principles and practices as well as County policy and procedures. May be assigned to Development Review, Construction Services, Capital Projects, or Stormwater within the Engineering Division. Employment is subject to the terms, conditions, and policies detailed in the Personnel Policies Manual (PPM). This position requires regular in-person presence as an essential job function. Oversees and coordinates assigned civil engineering projects, functions, and activities. Provides mentorship, training, and guidance to less experienced engineers, including setting priorities and reviewing written reports. May provide input and support to the Manager regarding applicable performance evaluations. Performs and reviews complex and difficult civil engineering work in connection with the design of transportation, stormwater systems, development, and parks. Reviews projects for consistency with applicable adopted plans, criteria, and standards; identifies any related issues and makes appropriate recommendations. Coordinates with appropriate stakeholders to ensure proposed design and plans are compatible with the County's existing infrastructure and long-term plans. Accomplishes complex engineering assignments requiring the use of judgment and initiative in developing solutions to problems, interpreting general policies, and determining work schedules; provides input and technical assistance as necessary. Prepares formal and technical reports, specifications, and presentations. Directs data collection and analysis in the fields of civil engineering, development engineering, or traffic/transportation engineering and planning. Oversees the preparation and review of engineer's estimates, checking item quantities and unit pricing, for a variety of engineering projects. Performs economic analysis and value engineering for engineering projects; presents results. Determines project feasibility based on analysis of data collected and presents recommendations to others. Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and procedures for the division and department. Recommends, prepares, and presents documents for procedural, specification, or criteria changes. Assists in budget preparation at the section, division, and department levels. Responsible for the preparation of staff reports and agendas for various boards and commissions. Attends and represents the County at various meetings with citizens, developers, contractors, consultants, County departments, and other governmental agencies. Participates and/or presents projects to the Board of County Commissioners and other applicable governing boards and commissions. Provides expert testimony and responses at meetings and public hearings as needed. Reviews and coordinates the processing of environmental documents pursuant to National Environmental Protection Act and State requirements. Performs other duties as required.
Supervision Exercised:
This classification requires functioning as a lead worker performing essentially the same job duties as those directed and includes overseeing work quality, training, instruction, and scheduling work. May include providing input on hiring/disciplinary action and work objectives/ effectiveness, performance evaluations, and realigning work as needed.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision. This classification typically performs job duties by following established standard operating procedures and/or policies. Periodic direction, guidance, and coaching from supervisor may be expected. There is a choice of the appropriate procedure or policy to apply to duties. Performance reviewed periodically. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Advanced knowledge of principles, practices, methods, and techniques of modern civil engineering theories as they pertain to assigned section. Advanced knowledge of plan checking methods and the ability to exercise sound independent judgment within established guidelines, including compliance with codes, criteria, and regulations. Knowledge of project management, public communication, issue resolution techniques, procurement, and contracting practices. Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local funding programs. Possess excellent customer service, organizational, planning, and administrative skills. Proficiency in computer applications, databases, and engineering-specific programs; ability to quickly learn new software. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the activities of professional, technical, and maintenance personnel. Ability to lead and train others; ability to objectively review the performance of others. Ability to apply principles of logic and scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions, exercises sound, independent judgment within established guidelines. Ability to create own data sets necessary for project analysis. Ability to apply statistical techniques such as frequency distribution, determination of test reliability and validity, analysis of variance, correlation techniques, sampling theory, and factor analysis as necessary. Ability to analyze, interpret, apply, and explain technical procedures, applicable laws, codes, and regulations. Ability to actively participate and make agreements, decisions, or commitments within the regulatory framework, in a complex, controversial, or highly political environment. Ability to assess situations and make prudent decisions. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to make formal presentations to groups or individuals. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, elected officials, consultants, contractors, regional working groups, outside agencies, and the public. Accountability for efficient, accurate, and timely completion of work assigned. Ability to remain informed of new standards, legislation, or practices that affect engineering or public works projects. Ability to work independently or in a team environment. Maintain regular and punctual attendance. Required Education & Experience Bachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field. Eight years of professional experience in the civil engineering field, including two years of supervisory or related leadership experience. Preferred Education & Experience Graduate study in engineering, public administration, or business administration. Certified Floodplain Manage (CFM) Experience using ArcGIS or other GIS software Experience using AutoCAD design software Experience using HEC-RAS, HEC-HMS, and other hydrologic/hydraulic software Licenses/Certificates Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license. Professional Engineer's (PE) License; possession of Colorado PE within six months of employment. Pre-Employment Requirements Must pass conditional post offer background investigation, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen. Duties are performed both in an office environment and remote work environment dependent upon Department discretion and business needs, and outdoors. May be exposed to adverse weather conditions. Requires travel to County facilities, conferences, seminars, meetings, and outlying areas for the inspection of development, construction sites, or public work facilities. Subject to after-hours call-out. The classification specification above is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities and minimum qualifications; specific job assignments, duties, education, experience, licenses/certifications, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the needs of the department/office and the particular assignment. Changes to this document may only be made by a member of the Human Resources Department.
