Engineering Manager – Office of the County Engineer

Job Description

Position Summary

Why It’s a Great Opportunity:
As a seasoned transportation engineer with experience in program and budget development, as well as transportation planning, you will have the opportunity to help shape the future of transportation in Pierce County. You will support teams working on the County’s Comprehensive Plan update, a Vision Zero strategy for the county, and our upcoming Active Transportation Plan. You will also play a central role in county road standard and design manual updates. You will lead efforts to develop funding strategies and grant applications to support our work and will work to prepare our division’s biennial budget. This is a new role on this team, so you have influence in shaping the future of the job.

Why It’s a Great Department: 
PPW is a diverse and fast-moving department filled with motivated professionals working to ensure Pierce County is positioned to handle growth while building, operating, and maintaining reliable infrastructure to support livable communities. PPW is responsible for a broad and complex portfolio of services that provides unique opportunities to collaborate, innovate, and inspire. We are responsible for the County road and levee systems, sewer systems, airports, ferries, building permits, environmental review, sustainability, community planning, and code enforcement – just to name a few!

Learn more about Planning and Public Works at www.piercecountywa.org/ppw

How to be Successful in the Role:
We are looking for a collaborative and communicative leader who can inspire and align teams to work together toward a common goal. Effective leadership skills, the ability to establish strong working relationships with regional and local planning partners, and great verbal and written communication skills will be key. We pride ourselves on teamwork so we need someone who will cultivate an environment of respect, trust, and fairness, and who will support teams as they work to address complex challenges.

Your Future in this Role:
You will have the opportunity to work with the Executive, Pierce County Council, Department Directors, and community leaders to develop transportation plans and develop programs that addresses the county’s transportation needs now and into the future. As an added benefit, all leaders in Planning and Public Works are encouraged to pursue the Pierce County Leadership program and Project Management Professional training.

Core Daily Responsibilities:

• Manage, supervise, and coordinate activities of the unit; determine work procedures, prepare work schedules, and determine methods for expediting workflow. Ensure consistent interpretation and application of laws, rules, policies, and procedures.
• Manage special project assignments; consult with staff on issues pertinent to the effective functioning of the division.
• Manage the resources of several sections or a division through acceptable methods of planning, forecasting, review, feedback, and control.
• Provide leadership and direction in the administration of operations; delegate authority to professional personnel commensurate with assigned responsibility; ensure proper performance.
• Train and educate staff on criteria and standards of section/division.  Provide engineering guidance to staff and makes engineering recommendations to County officials and other departments.
• Assist in developing recruitment and selection processes for technical and professional level positions. Conducts performance evaluations and develops performance measures and standards.
• Investigate grievances involving subordinates and recommends resolution; recommend promotional and disciplinary action; approves leave requests and overtime; provides adequate coverage during staff absences.
• Ensure effective communication with county departments and staff to facilitate and ensure adherence to policies and procedures.
• Participate in the preparation of the departmental budget and is responsible for the allocation of funds within the appropriate budget areas.  Make decisions on budget matters and cost control and monitoring.

A classification description with a more detailed list of essential functions can be found here.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Certification as a Professional Engineer by the State of Washington,
• Graduation from a four-year college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a closely related field, AND
• Five or more years of supervisory or management experience is required.
• As a condition of employment, the applicant will need to authorize and complete a background check. Information received from the background check is reviewed case-by-case and will not necessarily remove an applicant from consideration.

Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity please:

• Complete and submit a detailed online Pierce County Employment Application by selecting “APPLY” or go to:   www.piercecountywa.org/jobs.
• If you have a question about this opportunity, please email the Recruitment Team at PCHRRecruit@piercecountywa.gov and specify the Job Number and Title.
• If you do not have internet access, you may visit your local public library or any WorkSource location and use their computers.
• Individuals needing accommodation in the application, testing process or need this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (253) 798-7480, at least two days prior to the need.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated for the quality and quantity of education/experience in the areas listed. Applicants whose qualifications most closely correspond to the County’s needs will be eligible for further consideration. Notification of application status normally occurs 2 to 3 weeks after the closing date. Short notice may be given to applicants to participate in further selection processes which may include assessments, phone screen, and interviews.

At Pierce County, diversity, equity, and inclusion means commitment, not a single step. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that supports equitable access to opportunities throughout your career. We want to recruit, develop, and maintain a talented workforce from various backgrounds, cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives, committed to our vision.   Employees of the County have local, direct, and visible impact in our diverse community. Will you join us in keeping Pierce County a great place to live, work, and raise a family?