County Engineer

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

This is a professional position responsible for directing all operations and personnel under the Engineering Department.  Position is responsible for major functional areas of Public Works including planning and administration of capital projects relating to transportation infrastructure, transportation improvement programs, development review, emergency management, planning and coordinating technical engineering services for transportation and storm water management, solid waste functions, and overseeing development and implementation of programs, practices and procedures for the areas under its direction.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

The following statements describe the principal functions of the job and its scope of responsibility but should not be considered an all-inclusive list of work requirements.  Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

• Acts as consulting engineer to the Board of County Commissioners.  Attends Board meetings as necessary.
• Plans, coordinates, directs, and exercises general supervision over employees engaged in the furtherance of the activities under the direction of the County Engineer.  Studies departmental organization, personnel distribution, and project requirements to determine the most efficient and economical utilization of facilities, personnel, and equipment.
• Responsible for designing and engineering of all County Works projects including roads, bridges, parking lots, boat ramps, docks, buildings, and miscellaneous Engineering projects to meet the needs of residents as directed.  Develops and implements programs, practices, and procedures for all areas under its direction.
• Supervises and coordinates the activities of subordinate supervisors and employees including determining work procedures and schedules, issuing instructions and assigning duties, reviewing work, recommending personnel actions, conducting performance reviews, and conducting departmental training and orientation.
• Conducts and attends meetings and conferences to discuss current work problems, policy changes, safety, and other related matters.
• Reviews federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations governing the programmatic areas supervised and ensures departmental compliance with those regulations through standard operating procedures, administrative directives, staff meetings, and other management tools.
• Participates in professional associations in the Public Works or related fields.
• Directs the business and financial affairs of public works areas under its direction including preparation of requisitions, budget amendments and transfers, and monitoring expenditures to budgeted line-item accounts in accordance with established procedures.
• Develops, implements and updates procedural and managerial systems to enhance the integration and operation of the department and ensures consistency with county wide policies and procedures.
• Develops and implements program plans for major functional areas within established time frames and budget.
• Assists in the long-range planning and budget development for major departmental programs; reviews component requests and provides input.
• Coordinates the dissemination of technical information to the Board of County Commissioners, other governmental agencies, and the public.
• Maintains a professional and safe unit and work area adhering to established safety policies and the image desired for the organization.
• Consistently follow Board policies and procedures.
• Responds productively to change and performs all other tasks as directed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of modern techniques, methods, procedures, and practices of public works engineering.  
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, vendors, co-workers, and Administration.
• Ability to plan, direct, supervise, and inspect public works programs and activities.  
• Ability to prepare written technical reports, estimates, construction, and other cost records.  
• Ability to plan, assign, instruct, review, and evaluate work assignments of personnel.  
• Ability to develop, prepare and present long-range plans and programs relating to Public Works.  
• Ability to evaluate construction problems and respond to community needs.  
• Demonstrated leadership roles in national, state, and/or professional associations in the Public Works or related fields.  

PHYSICAL SKILLS:

The person in this position: Must be able to remain in a stationary position for 50% of the time.  Must be able to frequently position self to reach files and other office items located on low shelves or the floor.  Must be able to inspect and assess daily email and postal mail correspondence. Frequently communicates with the public, vendors, co-workers, managers, directors, Administration, and the Board of County Commissioners.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations.  Frequently operates various types of office equipment to include, but not limited to a computer and copy machine.  Occasionally ascends/descends stairs.  Rarely moves materials and office equipment weighing up to 30 lbs.  Constantly works in indoor and outdoor environments.  Rarely works in inclement outdoor weather conditions. Rarely operates motor vehicle for up to four (4) hours continuously or intermittently.  

 MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering and a minimum of six (6) years of experience in Public Works Engineering, including three (3) years in a highly responsible / supervisor capacity.    

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, OR REGISTRATIONS:

Must possess a valid Florida Drivers license while employed.   
Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Florida, required. 

OTHER JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS:

Disaster Essential.  

THE HIGHLANDS COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Does not Discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religious belief, color, national origin, disability/handicap, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, genetics or any other legally protected group/class. We are proud to be a drug free workplace. Screening tests for illegal drug use may be required as a condition of employment