ENGINEERING MANAGER
DEFINITION
Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages the staff and operations within the Engineering Division of Public Works; participates in the development of policies and department strategies for program operations; ensures effective utilization of division resources to enhance organizational productivity; provides highly responsible and complex support to the Director of Public Works in specialized areas; and performs related duties as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Public Works/Engineering. Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, para-professional, technical, and administrative support staff.
CLASS CHARACTERISTICS
This is a management classification responsible for managing an assigned division in the Public Works Department. The incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for assigned division, including short- and long-term planning, budget administration and reporting, and coordination of key programs/projects with other City divisions and departments and external agencies. The position applies advanced management principles and strategic thinking to decisions that impact the organization as a whole and the public being served. This position generally serves as an advisor and contributor to executive management on policies, procedures, and major City initiatives.
EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL JOB FUNCTIONS (Illustrative Only)
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.
Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; continuously monitors the efficiency and effectiveness of assigned programs, service delivery methods, and procedures; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities and makes recommendations for improvement.
Participates in the development, administration, and oversight of division budget; determines funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensures compliance with budgeted funding.
Participates in the selection of, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; works with employees to correct deficiencies; recommends and implements discipline and termination procedures.
Develops and manages requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepares scope of work and any technical specifications; evaluates proposals and recommends award; negotiates contracts; administers contracts to ensure compliance with City specifications and service quality.
Prepares and evaluates requests for proposals and negotiates contracts.
Prepares and presents staff and agenda reports and other necessary correspondence related to assigned activities and services; presents reports to various commissions, committees, and boards.
Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in capital improvement program engineering; researches emerging products and enhancements and their applicability to City needs.
Conducts a variety of organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures, as appropriate.
Monitors changes in regulations and technology that may affect operations; implements policy and procedural changes after approval.
Serves as a liaison for assigned functions with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces, as necessary.
Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action.
Plans, manages, and oversees the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Capital Improvement Program, including public works engineering, construction, and financing.
Coordinates project inspections and drafts ordinances according to general instruction.
Supervises and participates in the review of plans; evaluates compliance with laws, ordinances, and acceptable engineering standards; recommends corrections or improvements; supervises the preparation of legal descriptions and deeds for easements and rights-of-way.
Provides technical assistance to other departments and City personnel; assists in the design and construction of municipal works facilities, including streets, water, sewer, and storm drainage systems.
Directs the establishment and maintenance of working and official division files.
Ensures staff compliance with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Performs related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and project management.
Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures.
Principles and practices of leadership.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly.
Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulatory codes, ordinances, and procedures relevant to assigned areas of responsibility.
Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned area of responsibility.
Principles and practices of contract administration and management.
Engineering principles, methods, and practices as applied to public works, including planning, development, design, and construction.
Techniques for reviewing designs, plans, specifications, estimates, reports, and recommendations related to public works projects.
Cost accounting.
Budgetary, work planning, and time/material cost estimation techniques.
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations.
Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the operations of the assigned division.
Methods and techniques of preparing technical and administrative reports, and general business correspondence.
City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff.
The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, oversee, and manage the staff and operations within the Engineering Division.
Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards.
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner.
Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the division.
Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner.
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations.
Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods.
Research, prepare, and present technical engineering reports.
Review and check complex engineering designs, computations, plans, and studies.
Plan, direct, and coordinate public works engineering programs and manage a section of the Public Works Department.
Operate programs within allocated amounts.
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials.
Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present technical information and data in an effective manner.
Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports.
Effectively represent the division and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional, and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals.
Direct the establishment and maintenance of a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems.
Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow-up on assignments.
Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy and procedural guidelines.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Education and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:
Education
Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field.
Experience:
Five (5) years of increasingly responsible, diversified experience, including two (2) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity serving in a public sector agency.
Licenses and Certifications:
Possession of a valid California Driver’s License, to be maintained throughout employment.
Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California, to be maintained throughout employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 10 pounds.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS
When assigned to an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone; ability to stand and walk between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information.
When assigned to field inspection, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various Agency sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaging a weight of 40 pounds, or heavier weights, in all cases with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.
WORKING CONDITIONS
City employees are expected to work overtime, weekends, evenings, and holidays as required to accommodate the City’s needs, in addition to responding as a Disaster Services Emergency Worker.
Engineering Manager
May 2026
FLSA: Exempt