City Engineer

POSITION SUMMARY: Under the general direction of the City Administrator, the City Engineer supervises the engineering work of the City of South Milwaukee by designing and planning engineering projects, managing public works construction, and conducting applicable studies. This is a department head position and the City Engineer serves as a part of the City's management team. The City Engineer supervises the GIS/Surveying Technician as well as a part-time Administrative Assistant. This position qualifies as emergency personnel as permitted Wis. Stat. Sec. 66.0502.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Design and draft plans for (re) construction of streets, water, sanitary sewer and storm water facilities and other Public Works as directed.
• Prepares or supervises contractual preparation of bid documents, engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, feasibility reports, and documentation of public works projects, including stormwater management and transportation.
• Project management, including contract administration, documentation, budgeting, estimating, scheduling, reviewing contract proposals, and recommending contract awards.
• Responsible for administering the City's stormwater utility.
• Respond to public or other inquiries/complaints relative to engineering policies and procedures on specific projects and other information. Evaluates issues and options regarding municipal public works and makes recommendations.
• Prepares and submits compliance reports to various state and federal agencies; keeps current with state or federally-mandated regulations.
• Reviews and approves new plats, surveys, and plans for compliance with specifications and adopted City requirements.
• Furnish professional advice in regard to proposals made, specifications and standards set forth, soundness of design, theory and construction practice.
• Make periodic field inspections of construction activities under contract.
• May perform major inspection work on projects involving advanced engineering knowledge and skills.
• Develop and design criteria, standards and specifications for streets, water, sewer and drainage systems.
• Supervise, direct, plan and coordinate all activities and personnel in the Engineering Department.
• Responsible for maintaining drawings, specifications, contracts and preparation of assessment rolls.
• Attend various public meetings such as Public Works & Public Property Committee, Plan Commission, and various Common Council and Committee meetings.
• Prepares and documents budget requests; administers adopted budget.
• Participate in meetings and other activities as a member of City's management team.
• Assigns duties and examines work for exactness, neatness, and conformance to policies and procedures.
• Represents the City in meetings and interacts with federal, state, and local governmental bodies, officials, community groups, the public, and various trade associations.
• Studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency of department.
• Coordinates and/or undertakes the Capital Improvements Program and other plans involving municipal infrastructure.
• Reviews private development projects to maintain compliance with federal, state, and city regulations, statutes, and ordinances regarding public improvement projects, stormwater management, and transportation projects.
• Maintains the engineering library and infrastructure records.
• Reviews utility permits, street use permits, franchise utility permits, etc.
• Maintains regular contact with consulting engineers, construction project engineers, City, County, State and Federal agencies, professional and technical groups and the general public regarding Department activities and services.
• Assists in the evaluation of transportation and traffic impacts of development proposals, permits, rezones, plats, etc. Prepares traffic, utility and other studies and reports.
• Provides intersection signal and channelization design.
• Develops and maintains a pavement management system.
• Updates and maintains the comprehensive plan for the city with consultant assistance.
• Coordinates sidewalk inspection, maintenance and enforcement programs.
• Monitors intergovernmental actions affecting public works.
• Maintains prompt, predictable, and regular physical attendance.
• Performs other duties consistent with the function of the classification; other duties as assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

• Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in civil engineering or a closely related field with State registration as a Professional Engineer; and
• Minimum of seven years previous professional civil engineering experience in municipal or related field, including at least two years utilities with experience in public works administration including office administration and budget preparation; or
• A combination of education and experience that can be demonstrated to result in the possession of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position may also be considered.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and methods as applicable to a municipal setting; Thorough knowledge of applicable City policies, laws, and regulations affecting Division activities;
• Considerable skill in arriving at cost estimates on complex projects; Skill in operating the listed tools and equipment.
• Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with employees, consultants, other governmental agency representatives, City officials and the general public.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to conduct necessary engineering research and compile comprehensive reports.
• Computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office software, email, and internet.
• Possession of valid Wisconsin motor vehicle operator's license or ability to obtain one prior to employment and willingness to use own transportation in the course of performing required duties; evidence of personal motor vehicle liability insurance as outlined in city policy. Loss of license or insurance is cause for demotion or termination.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in Wisconsin or obtain within one year of hire.
• Certification in Stormwater Management through the American Public Works Association is preferred.