Director of Engineering and Facilities

This is highly responsible managerial, administrative, and technical work in planning and directing municipal engineering activities.  Work includes performance of City Engineer duties and execution of documents that require certification by the City Engineer.   Work involves planning, organizing, directing, and coordinating engineering, GIS, State-Aid and related activities. Work is also responsible for directing, planning, and managing the maintenance services, repairs and improvements of City facilities. Work includes the responsibility to develop departmental policies, programs, and work objectives and to resolve difficult administrative and engineering problems.   Supervision is exercised over subordinate supervisory, administrative, and technical personnel.  Work is performed with considerable administrative and professional independence under the general policy direction of the City Council and City Manager.  

1. Plan, organize, administer, coordinate and supervise activities of the Engineering Division including the planning, inspection, rehabilitation and construction of City infrastructure.
2. Responsible for oversight of the Facilities Maintenance Division including the operation of City-owned facilities and the ongoing evaluation of facility and equipment needs.
3. Develops and recommends overall departmental policies, programs, work objectives and system plans of services consistent with the goals of the City Council and general policy direction of the City Manager.
4. Provides professional civil engineering services to various city departments as may be required by the City Manager or City Code.  
5. Assumes professional engineering responsibilities for design, plans, and specifications of municipal improvement projects as well as any other responsibilities assigned to the City Engineer by the City Code or the City Manager.
6. Prepares, recommends, and reviews/revises annually the City’s five-year capital improvement program activities consistent with established guidelines.
7. Responsible for the annual Division budget for personnel services, supplies and services including the annual capital improvement program.
8. Provides short and long term forecasts and detailed plans to the City Manager and City Council for capital and infrastructure improvements and assists in the determination of utility rates to fund those improvements.
9. Directs the implementation of the overall capital improvement construction program of the City to ensure that approved projects are implemented consistent with plans, specifications, and applicable laws and regulations.
10. Assigns, trains, supervises and evaluates subordinate supervisory, administrative, and technical personnel.
11. Attends City Council meetings and meets with Boards and Commissions, other governmental agencies, developers, the general public, and others as deemed necessary, or as assigned, for the purpose of providing assistance or general information regarding engineering or public improvement activities.
12. Reviews and examines plans and specifications for proposed commercial and industrial projects to ensure compliance with generally accepted engineering and/or Public Works principles and practices; recommends appropriate changes as deemed advisable.
13. Develops and prepares specifications for major engineering projects, facility  improvements or equipment purchases.
14. Represents the City as a registered professional engineer in court cases and in contacts with other municipalities, counties, and/or organizations which interact with the City of Columbia Heights.
15. Keeps up to date of the latest knowledge and techniques within appropriate areas of specialization; initiates and conducts special studies as apparent or desirable to improve such programs.
16. Keeps the City Manager promptly informed of significant matters as they relate to the division and assists the City Manager with Public Works matters pertinent to discussions or decisions of the City Council.
17. Supervises, directs, disciplines, and evaluates assigned staff.  Recommends the hiring, transfer, suspension, promotion, discharge, assignment, rewarding and adjustment of grievances of employees under suspension. 
18. Acts as primary internal consultant to other departments. 
19. Performs other work as required.
    Required Qualifications:
    • Graduate Civil Engineer (BSCE) from an accredited college or university.
    • Licensed Professional Engineer in Minnesota (or ability to become licensed in Minnesota within six months of employment).  
    • Four years progressively responsible experience managing engineering functions.
    • Proficient with Microsoft Office software.
    • Possession of a valid driver's license.Desired Qualifications:
      • Master’s degree in engineering, business or public administration.
      • Six or more years progressively responsible experience managing civil engineering and public works functions.
      • Three years post-registration engineering experience including management of high level, complex projects, or programs.
      • One year training and/or experience in GIS.  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
        • Considerable knowledge of the professional principles and construction techniques and maintenance practices of public infrastructure as applied to municipal public works activities.
        • Considerable knowledge of administrative practices and procedures as related to municipal government processes including 429 improvements and public bidding.
        • Ability to make decisions, recognizing establish precedents and practices, and to use resourcefulness and tact in meeting new problems.
        • Ability to plan for needs and improvements in municipal public works systems.
        • Ability to organize and delegate responsibility and to evaluate performance and conduct.
        • Ability to provide considerable leadership skills and experience to successfully lead and manage Council and City Manager initiatives, develop, and implement innovative solutions to complex issues, and lead and motivate others in developing and completing projects/programs.
        • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, co-workers, other governmental agencies (State Aid - MnDOT, County, Watersheds), and the general public.
        • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
        • Ability to supervise employees.
        • Ability to perform various complex administrative duties pertaining to the areas of responsibility.
        • Knowledge of codes, laws, rules and regulations relating to the development, construction, and maintenance of Public Works infrastructure.
        • Thorough knowledge of Minnesota State Statute and Rules relating to special assessments.
        • Skill in making and constructively criticizing engineering computations, estimates, design, plans, and specifications.
        • Make sound decisions based on information available, experience and knowledge
        • Handle confidential and sensitive information appropriately.