Chief Engineer (Utilities Engineering)

Professional engineering, supervisory, and administrative work responsible for the day-to-day planning, review and management of projects and studies in the Utilities Engineering Division of the Utilities Department.

Salary will be determined depending on qualifications of candidates who exceed the minimum requirements as outlined within the job description.

Additional compensation based on licensure.

Note: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Responsibilities:

1. Acts as Division Manager during his/her absence.
2. Interacts with consultants, public, County staff, and elected officials.
3. Develops, reviews, and implements the Utilities Department Capital Improvement Program.
4. Performs management services on the capital programs within the Utility Engineering Division and oversees the prioritization and resource allocation within each program.
5. Serves on numerous regional water/wastewater initiative committees to develop policies and long-range goals and programs.
6. Participates in selection and contracting of consultants, determines project costs for engineering projects, manages financial oversight of invoices and budget matters and approvals, tracks scheduled progress of design and construction activities, reports all aspects of project progress and issues to the Utilities Manager and Utilities Director, and prepares solutions to issues for design and construction projects.
7. Plans, develops, schedules, coordinates, and manages utilities projects ensuring their completion on schedule and within budget. Administers professional services contracts, negotiates changes in scope of work and approves field changes for capital projects as necessary. Prepares recommendations for the Division’s budget and Capital Improvement Program.
8. Represents the Department/Division/County in internal meetings and public forums to resolve issues, conflicts, questions and/or concerns.
9. Organizes plans, supervises, and reviews the work of utility inspectors, engineers and/or technicians. Forecasts resource loading, budgets and schedules, and assigns work to meet completion dates.
10. Reviews and evaluates progress of staff and results obtained, controls expenditures from the approved budget for assigned staff and recommends changes to achieve overall objectives.
11. Initiates and effectively recommends, for final approval by the Division Manager and Department Director, the hiring, termination, performance evaluation and disciplinary and/or commendatory actions for assigned staff.
12. Coordinates with other County Departments and with State and Federal agencies to provide engineering services or complete engineering projects as assigned. Serves as liaison for FDOT projects.
13. Supervises Engineering Staff in daily duties and generates performance evaluations for subordinates.

Additional Duties:

1. Performs other duties as assigned or as may be necessary.
2. In the event of an emergency, all employees are considered essential personnel and may be required to perform alternate duties.

Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in civil or environmental engineering from an ABET accredited curriculum, or equivalent, plus appropriate continuing education, and at least ten (10) years of progressively responsible engineering experience in administration and management of potable water, wastewater and reclaimed water projects.

Must possess and maintain an active State of Florida Professional Engineer (P.E.) license.

A comparable amount of education, training, or experience may be substituted for the minimum qualifications.

Special Requirements:

Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of engineering as applied to utilities. Considerable knowledge of utility treatment processes and plant operations. Considerable knowledge of engineering design, construction methods, materials, standards and techniques related to utility projects. Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, Water Management District and County laws, rules, regulations, codes, guidelines and permitting requirements.

Ability to evaluate information, make decisions and coordinate programs efficiently. Ability to plan, organize, expedite and set work priorities for projects and assigned staff. Ability to analyze and interpret scientific and engineering data. Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with various groups and individuals. Ability to prepare clear and effective technical reports and correspondence. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with, and to deal tactfully with: diverse professionals, regulatory agencies, management, subordinates, other County staff and the general public.

Skilled in the use of computer aided design systems, geographic information systems, various programs for engineering analysis, database management, document preparation, and general information management.

Technical Requirements:

1. Must possess and maintain an active State of Florida Professional Engineer (PE) license.
2. Must successfully complete a criminal background check.
3. Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver’s License.