Assistant County Engineer/Division Manager

Job Description

Summary
Under the direction of the County Engineer, the Assistant County Engineer/Engineering Division Manager is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and controlling the activities of the Engineering Division. Responsibilities include overseeing administration and disbursement of road and other state/federal funds for the improvements related to roads, bridges, culverts, stormwater, ferry improvements, and other capital construction projects. Overseeing a staff of professional engineers, project managers, surveyors, design technicians, inspectors, and administrative assistants with a budget of over $15 million annually.

This Division collaborates closely with the Planning Department in reviewing and addressing impacts from private developments projects, utilities franchise permits and improvement projects.

This Division also works with private developers and other regional governments to develop and implement ordinances, resolutions, coordinate development issues, coordinate construction and other permit requirements, and inspects construction progress.

This position will have regular contact with the Public, Board of County Commissioners, Tribal Governments, and other Local, State, and Federal Governmental Agencies; requiring strong communication skills and the ability to represent the County professionally and effectively in public meetings, interagency discussions and community forums.

• Salary upon hire is step 1 through 3 ($9,564.18/month – $10,246.42/month) dependent upon qualifications.
• Progressive increases are based upon years of service with Skagit County, up to 10 total steps top step $12,726.62/month). The Assistant County Engineer/Division Manager is Range 33 of the General (Non-Union) salary schedule.  

 

Essential Functions
 

• Strong foundation in civil engineering and public works construction experience to make effective engineering decisions; ability to provides effective leadership and managerial skills to provide directions and guidance for team to prepare engineering plans, specifications, cost and quantity estimates, bid procedures, construction inspection, and project administration for public works construction projects.  Reviews contracts, change orders and provides construction contract oversight of projects. Responsible for the retention, maintenance, and preservation of the Department’s records.
• Monitor budgets, invoices, expenditures; prepare budget amendments, and assist in cost reporting with grant agencies. Secures, prepares, monitors, and assures compliance with grants and contracts.
• Ability to delegate, develop and utilize staff to their maximum potential; Identifies the need for consultant or outside services when needed, and participates in the negotiation of contracts with engineering consultants for studies, design, and inspection.
• Exercise sound engineering judgment, discretion, and initiative, especially interacting with the Board of County Commissioners, other governmental agencies, consultants, general public, and developers. Represents the County as a spokesperson in a professional manner.
• Provides technical and/or policy advice and research at the request of the Board of County Commissioners or by the County Engineer/Director.
• Participates in and supports the development, measurement, and execution of the mission, goals, and objectives of the Public Works Department, Engineering Division, and individual work groups as well as other cross-functional groups.
• Monitors hiring, training, scheduling, and assignment of Engineering Division employees; performs job performance evaluations and counsels employees on performance goals; provides interpretation of personnel policies.
• Acts on behalf of the County Engineer at their direction and/or in their absence.

Supervisory: 
This is a highly responsible senior management/leadership position requires minimum supervision and works independently and cooperatively as a member of a team.
Work is performed under the guidance and supervision of the Director of Public Works/County Engineer.
This position has direct supervisory responsibilities.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
Performs related duties as assigned. Related duties as required are duties that may not be specifically listed in the Position Description but are within the general occupational series and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s classification of work.

Minimum Qualifications
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying.  A typical path to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related field and registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington is required.
• Master’s degree in Engineering is desired.
• Tenure of at least five years in this environment is required; however, strong emphasis will be placed on experience, abilities, and personal attributes. Requires a strong foundation in the engineering and construction of public works projects and the provision of services to the motoring public.
• A minimum of 1 year of supervisory experience is required, however, 2 -3 years of supervisory experience is preferred.

Requires knowledge of and ability to:

• Perform thoroughly and accurately the full scope of ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS for this position as listed above.
• Inspire, empower, and grow staff to their best abilities through demonstration, appropriate delegation, consistent communication of expectations, and a willingness to hold staff accountable. Additional means include, but are not limited to, balancing work independently with minimum direction or direct supervision, effective project development and managerial/leadership experience in leading cross-functional teams, the capability to inspire trust and loyalty, and making difficult personnel decisions.
• Understand Public Works government principles and practices; follow applicable County ordinances, resolutions, governing laws, and generally accepted procedures and practices
• Be politically astute, with excellent verbal and written communications skills; able to encourage participation, navigate conflicts, and de-escalate hostile situations
• Possess an open style that encourages empowerment of staff and citizens in decision making processes
• Promote the commitment of the County to provide outstanding customer service, both internally and externally
• Develop ways to identify, improve, and promote efficient systems and processes
• Maintain current knowledge for assigned areas and adapt to new technologies keeping technical skills up-to-date and using technology to increase productivity

 

Licenses and/or Certifications:

Valid Washington State driver’s license.

Professional Engineer in the State of Washington.

Background check must meet County criteria.

 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is performed both in an office environment and on-site at project locations. Fieldwork may require walking on steep or uneven terrain.

 

Hazards:

Normal hazards found in an office environment.   Hazards on-site include adverse weather conditions, variable terrain, traffic, and construction equipment.

 

Supplemental Information
Skagit County, as an equal employment opportunity employer, encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

It is the policy of Skagit County to follow all federal and state laws to ensure non-discrimination in its employment practices.

American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Notice: Individuals, who need an ADA accommodation to complete the application, test or interview process, please call: (360) 336-9433.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the essential functions of this position, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned, including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload. Changes to the position description may be made at the discretion of the employer.