Director of Engineering - City of Hutchinson

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The Director of Engineering reports to the City Manager and is responsible for directing the operations of the Engineering Department, which includes management of Capital Improvement Projects involving road, flood control, and stormwater management infrastructure. The Engineering department also conducts traffic assessments and conducts development reviews in coordination with the Planning and Development Department. This position provides direction, coordination, and oversight to in-house staff and professional service contractors for various technical studies and infrastructure projects; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; and identifies opportunities for improvement. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of managerial effectiveness and is adept at coordinating and successfully implementing multiple tasks and projects while being results and detail-oriented. This employee should possess excellent public relations, organizational, supervisory, and communication skills.

A Day in the Life:

• Performs daily supervision over professional and technical engineering staff; Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the Engineering department; Prepares short- and long-range plans; Provides departmental leadership for establishing visions and strategic plans to achieve efficient, effective, and responsive operations and services.
• Develops work plans and project schedules, assigns responsibilities, monitors, and directs work and project progress to secure consistent quality and conformance to standards and schedules; Meets with staff to identify and resolve problems; Reviews projects for compliance with construction standards and recommends necessary engineering changes or improvements; Certifies completion of projects and recommends acceptance.
• Demonstrates understanding and good judgment in the evaluation of complex technical and/or financial information and alternatives related to policy development and/or engineering project management, planning, design, design review, surveying, construction standards, drafting standards, and mapping/records.
• Communicates effectively with a variety of technical and non-technical groups and individuals regarding work goals, budgets, and performance and engineering projects; Negotiates with other government agencies, contractors, and others to resolve issues and disputes.
• Prepares and manages the annual budget including capital improvements funding; Directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; Reviews and monitors expenditures to remain within established budgetary constraints; Authorizes purchases and signs purchase order documents, contract payments, and change orders; Prepares submittals for projects which compete for outside funding sources from Federal, State, and Regional agencies.
• Reviews and establishes design standards and sets priorities for construction projects and work programs; Drafts and negotiates intergovernmental agreements; Prepares staff reports and drafts ordinances and policies for City Council and community review and adoption.
• Coordinates and directs subordinates in the preparation of engineering plans and specifications, the bidding process, contract award, and construction inspection and administration; Directs subordinates in the development, negotiation, and management of consultant contracts.
• Participates in infrastructure master planning by reviewing engineering plans for accuracy and adherence to City standards and details, assisting in the development of water, sewer, street, and drainage plans, monitoring the capital improvement budget, assisting in the implementation and execution of capital improvement projects, and developing comprehensive infrastructure maintenance plans.
• Manages projects by assisting with planning, developing, and executing development and infrastructure projects, researching, and making recommendations concerning development projects, facilitating pre-construction meetings, working with project engineers, inspectors, and contractors to resolve problems, monitoring the progress of strategic objectives, and assisting with the department portion of the City Council strategic plan.
• Supervises directs and develops staff including hiring, training, assigning work, identifying skills gaps, ensuring the availability of appropriate training, providing coaching and guidance, conducting, or overseeing the annual performance appraisal process, addressing performance issues, and recommending personnel actions in accordance with City policies, procedures, and contractual agreements.
• Participates in the selection of private consulting engineering services; Prepares proposals; Conducts interviews and reviews consultant qualifications; Provides recommendations in the selection of consulting engineers; Reviews the work of private contractors for compliance with City standards and practices of engineering.
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; Maintain awareness of new trends and developments in the fields and transportation and land development engineering.
• Acts as a liaison to other department heads, City advisory boards, elected officials, outside agencies, business and community representatives, and other organizations regarding engineering-related issues; Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints; Builds and maintains effective working relationships with internal and external contacts.
• Must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors, and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required to accomplish work and employer goals.
• Must be punctual and timely in meeting all requirements of performance, including, but not limited to, meeting attendance requirements and work deadlines.
• Perform all other duties as deemed necessary or assigned.

What You Will Need to be Successful:

Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering or another closely related engineering field of study is required. A Master's Degree in any of the above-related fields is highly desirable.

Experience: Minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Registered Professional Engineer with progressively responsible project management and supervisory/managerial experience, including other professional engineers and paraprofessional staff.

Certifications/License: Registered as a Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Kansas or in another state with State of Kansas registration required within one year of hire.

The City of Hutchinson employs over 400 employees that serve our community every day. City employees make Hutchinson a great place to live, work, and play. We take pride in our work, and it shows. Come be a part of a workforce that makes a difference! We're always looking for talented, self-motivated individuals to join our team.

The City of Hutchinson is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits and hires qualified candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, disability, or veteran status