The City of Durango is seeking a highly qualified Civil Engineer with exceptional leadership abilities to manage a team of 10. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in civil engineering, with expertise in stormwater management and public infrastructure design. They will oversee projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and incompliance with all regulations and safety standards.

Beyond technical expertise, the City Engineer is an inspirational leader who excels at mentoring and developing a high-performing team. They cultivate a collaborative and supportive work environment, balancing strong project management skills with effective people leadership. With excellent communication abilities, they engage with city leadership, developers, and the community to align projects with the city’s strategic goals. Adaptable and solutions-driven, they are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable infrastructure that enhances public safety, operational efficiency, and quality of life for residents. This position offers a unique opportunity for a driven leader to make a lasting impact on both the team and the organization.

Essential Job Duties

Manages Engineering Division staff, overseeing public improvement projects throughout all phases and supporting staff through leadership, guidance, hiring, training, and performance evaluations.
Provides instruction and guidance on the review and approval of the design of private developments within the City.
Manages engineering studies for assigned projects, conducts civil engineering cost analysis, and ensures the accuracy of computations, preliminary layouts, and design work derived from field and survey data.
Supervises engineering design work, including researching data and determining design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes; preparing calculations, sketches, plans, specifications and estimates; and drafting designs either manually or using computer equipment.
Manages and administers stormwater and Engineering Division capital improvement projects from design to completion; prepares designs and specifications; reviews the work of consultants and contractors; ensures compliance with specifications; recommends modifications; recommends processing of payments.
Oversees and participates in construction surveys; serves as a member of the survey crew; gathers information for engineering projects.
Collaborates and confers with developers, engineers, architects, and contractors; recommends City policies and procedures related to engineering.
Maintains official City records, including Official City Map, utility plans, and public facilities records.
Administers engineering, architectural, and planning efforts for public improvement projects, including public buildings, parks, trails and other facilities that may be outside of the work assigned.
Supervises public improvement inspections conducted by the Engineering Division.

Fiscal Responsibilities:
Incumbent oversees and has authority to release operating and CIP funds budgeted for projects and within limits set by department or City policy. Assists with development of Departmental and Division budget as it applies to planned projects for the City.

Supervisory Relationships: Works independently with general guidance from the Public Works Director to ensure coordination of objectives and priorities of the City Manager and Council. Works under the guidelines of various federal and state government regulations as well as under the City’s policies, procedures, municipal code, ordinances and various other regulations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of civil engineering.
Colorado MS4 Permit requirements.
Water, sewer, drainage and stormwater design and grading techniques.
Principles of mathematics as applied to engineering work.
Engineering design principles and practices.
Construction principles and practices in the public works industry.
Terminology, methods, practices, and techniques used in technical civil engineering report preparation.
City development standards and construction specifications.
Pertinent Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding civil engineering.
Storm water management.
Pertinent State and local laws, codes and regulations relating to municipal construction.
Record keeping methods and techniques.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety practices.

Skill in:

Developing, reviewing and modifying civil engineering plans, designs, and specifications.
Performing technical research and solving engineering problems.
Maintaining technical civil engineering records and preparing reports.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Operating modern office and engineering equipment and software.
Preparing clear and concise reports.
Communicating clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Using and operating a computer, including specialized software.

Ability to:

Lead Engineering staff and facilitate effective collaboration with other Public Works divisions.
Interpret and apply pertinent Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations related to civil engineering.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Communicate clearly and concisely.
Interact in a positive manner with staff and the public.
Safely operate a motor vehicle for transportation to and from other City buildings, sites, meetings, etc.
Use efficient learning techniques to acquire and apply new knowledge and skills, using training, feedback, or other opportunities for self-learning and development.

Minimum Education and Certification: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in Civil Engineering or a related field.

Minimum Experience: Eight (8) years of municipal engineering experience or other civil engineering experience with two (2) years of administrative and supervisory experience. Or a combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the position duties and responsibilities.

Certifications:Must hold Certificate of Professional Engineering (PE) in the State of Colorado or be able to obtain within one (1) year. Must maintain a valid driver’s license.

What We Can Offer You:

This full-time position is exempt per FLSA. The City of Durango offers comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, generous paid time off, and 11 holidays. Employees also enjoy free recreation access, a transit pass, tuition assistance, and 24/7 support services, reflecting the City’s commitment to their well-being.

This posting will remain open until finalists are identified or the position is filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

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