Job Class Specification for:
CIVIL ENGINEER, SENIOR

Class Specification Schematic Number: 7004505

Class Summary:

Supervises or performs senior-level professional civil engineering work in the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of municipal public works, utilities and services projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics of the Class:

Positions in this advanced level class require an extensive knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of civil and construction engineering, including the methods, materials, equipment and techniques used in civil engineering, construction and inspection; extensive knowledge and ability to perform civil engineering design, drafting, mapping and computations, as well as to read and interpret plans, specifications, codes, property descriptions, construction schedules, contracts and other construction documents; and a thorough knowledge of the area of practice. Some positions may require supervisory ability.

Positions in this class may supervise and/or serve as project engineers/managers on the most technically complex, visible and/or high priority projects or programs. These projects require a high level of technical proficiency as well as coordinative/administrative responsibility. Most positions require the ability to coordinate the efforts of a multi-discipline, multi-agency project team to complete a defined assignment or CIP.

Guidelines available include engineering, drafting, design and construction standards, plans and specifications, architectural and engineering manuals, and relevant codes, ordinances, laws and regulations. Judgement is exercised in developing designs and design criteria, interpreting data from engineering documents, determining appropriate engineering methodology to apply, and originating, developing, and checking engineering projects through the various phases of planning, design, detail plans, specifications, estimates, contracts, construction, operation, and maintenance.

Positions in this senior level class work under limited supervision, independently resolving most routine problems but informing the supervisor of unusual or controversial problems. The supervisor reviews project status and provides general guidelines and direction with respect to deadlines, departmental priorities and in situations involving unprecedented circumstances. This class may lead or supervise professionals and technicians or serve as a technical expert in a civil engineering specialty area.

Contacts include inter and intra departmental, administrative, engineering and construction personnel, elected officials and their staff, other government agencies, contractors, consultants and the public to exchange information, coordinate work, answer questions and respond to complaints.

Examples of Work:

• Supervises or serves as project engineer/manager on the most technically complex, visible and/or controversial projects or programs involving several design specialties including: planning studies of major pump stations, large pipelines projects, transmission line designs, hydroelectric generation facilities, substation structures, civil features of general plant facilities, combined sewer overflow facilities, bridges and roadway improvements.
• Supervises and/or performs preliminary and final designs and/or prepares design criteria for roadways, bridges, structures, signal and lighting systems, retaining walls, electrical substations, switchyard and transmission structures, generation plant facilities, sewers, storm drains, watermains, transmission pipelines, pump stations, treatment facilities and other related public works projects
• Supervises and/or prepares cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports and studies for public works projects and utility improvements.
• Supervises and/or prepares contract documents, technical specifications and plans.
• Supervises and/or prepares and monitors project schedules.
• Supervises and/or prepares progress and final reports and estimates.
• Serves as divisional reviewer of final plans, specifications, estimates, and agreements. Coordinates and oversees work of contractors, affected public agencies and utility crews.
• Reviews and writes contract change orders; and negotiates and recommends financial arrangements for additional work done.
• Supervises activities of a design team in the preparation of preliminary and long range plans, schedules, estimates, budgets, detail final construction plans, specifications, and agreements. Oversees project progress from design through construction.
• Prepares and administers consultant and BPW construction contracts, monitors contract progress and reviews invoices for approval.
• Monitors the work of consultants and construction contractors to ensure compliance with contract provisions and scope of work.
• Supervises field inspections of the more complex work done by contractors to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
• Supervises structural inspections and preparation of condition appraisal reports.
• Supervises material testing and analysis during design and construction phases.
• Supervises the development of plans, specification and instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of traffic signals, signing, lighting, pavement marking and design standards.
• Supervises the preparation of annual and long-range street and transportation improvement programs including need studies, cost estimation, environmental assessments, accident statistics analysis, traffic planning studies and grant applications.
• Supervises traffic engineering studies on traffic flow, traffic accident locations, parking, and other traffic-related matters.
• Supervises the review of shop drawings, material sources and specifications during construction.
• Serves as a technical expert in an engineering specialty area.
• Supervises environmental reviews of land development and improvement projects.
• Supervises hydraulic and/or hydrologic calculations and water supply and distribution system network analyses, including computer modeling.
• Supervises or prepares drawings of plans and details manually or with computer-aided drafting and design applications.
• Supervises the preparation of Local Improvement District cost distributions to assessment rolls and boundary maps.
• Coordinates contracts, designs, and new construction with other private and government agencies.
• Prepares a variety of reports, correspondence and official documents.
• Prepares budgets, workload forecasts, project variance reports, and progress reports.
• Participates in the selection, hiring and performance appraisal of subordinates.
• Meets with the public and representatives of other agencies and City departments to discuss current or proposed projects.
• Advises the legal staff of the City on complex engineering phases of court cases or legal problems relating to condemnation cases, appraisals of damages, and contract claims.
• Makes presentations and acts as team leader on special projects as assigned.
• Performs other related duties of a comparable level/type as assigned.

Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites. May be required to lift over 50 pounds. May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time. May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Overnight travel may be required.

Requires five years professional civil engineering experience and a Bachelor Degree in Civil Engineering or Civil Engineering Technology; (or a combinations of education and/or training and/or experience, which provides an equivalent background required to perform the work of the class).

Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington. Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility

Comments:

This description was prepared to indicate the kinds of activities and levels of work difficulty required of positions in this class. It is not intended as a complete list of specific duties and responsibilities.

Class History:

Class adopted January 2, 1991.

Date posted 5/7/1999

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