What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Public Works Director/Engineering position at City of Grand Island, NE?
Description
Manage the design and construction of streets, sewers, structures and other public facilities. Serve as technical advisor to the Public Works Director. Lead the activities and operations of the Engineering Division of the Public Works Department, including provision of administrative and technical oversight of traffic engineering, and capital improvements engineering, design, and construction observation. Address questions and requests from developers, contractors, engineers, and the public.
Essential Functions
Display a willingness to assume and visibly demonstrate mentoring and coaching, role modeling and leadership to staff members by recognizing and developing talent.
Display honest, trustworthy, and ethical behavior when dealing with internal and external customers.
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Regular attendance that is punctual and dependable is required.
Plan, supervise and participate in the design and preparation of plans and specifications for construction projects and other projects including streets, water mains, storm and sanitary sewers, curbs, trails and sidewalks, gutters, drainage facilities, building maintenance projects, bridges, viaducts and related appurtenances.
Supervise and participate in the inspection of construction projects to ensure that City specifications and standards are met. Consult with contractors, engineering and representatives in carrying out various public works projects.
Perform Responsible Charge duties as defined by the Nebraska Department of Roads on Federal Aid transportation projects.
Ensure accuracy of project list, including status and itemized estimates.
Prepare plans, specifications and contracts for public works capital improvement projects.
Prepare cost estimates of projects; meet with developers, contractors and other local and state agencies.
Prepare the division and/or special program budgets; implement and administer division budget; accurately forecast funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; administer the approved construction budget.
Provide input into budget preparation; oversee and monitor construction contracts; review contractor billing regarding construction expenses; tabulate project costs; determine property assessments; prepare cost estimates for project plans.
Perform duties associated with the planning and implementation of the One and Six Year Programs which include managing and scheduling projects.
Submit proposals and advice on particular projects or long range planning to the Public Works Director.
Perform duties associated with the design and construction of the City's public infrastructure improvements including the coordination and management of outside consultants performing design and construction services for the City.
Recommend and implement improvements within special assessment districts regarding property owner identification and notification, public hearings, contract administration and assessment calculations.
Perform duties essential for the proper coordination of joint projects with county, state and federal entities.
Perform duties associated with providing information and reports to developers, contractors, engineers and public.
Recommend selection, train, motivate and evaluate personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline and termination procedures as necessary; promote high morale.
Participate in subdivision reviews.
Coordinate joint projects undertaken by the Nebraska Department of Roads and the City of Grand Island.
Perform related duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Knowledge of:
Extensive knowledge of engineering and municipal public works administration.
Modern and complex principles and practices of Public Works programs.
Principles and practices of organization, administration and personnel management.
Pertinent Federal, State, and local laws, codes and regulations.
Engineering practices, principles, standards and codes as applied to streets, drainage channel activities, trails and sidewalks, wastewater operations, refuse disposal, traffic engineering and development of property.
City functions and responsibilities in satisfying and remedying community need, desires and problem areas.
Operations and capabilities of computers and their application to public works problems and systems.
Ability to:
Apply engineering practices, principles, standards and codes appropriately.
Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions and project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, standards, laws, codes and regulations.
Communicate clearly and concisely, orally, in writing and through email communication.
Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of civil engineering.
Supplemental Information
Experience:
A minimum of five years of experience in engineering is required. Supervisory experience is preferred.
Training:
A bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field is required.
License or Certification:
Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Nebraska or ability to obtain through reciprocity prior to hire is required.
Qualification, or ability to be qualified, as Responsible Charge individual by the Nebraska Department of Roads for Federal Aid transportation projects.
Employee must possess a valid driver’s license and maintain insurability as determined by the City’s insurance carrier.
Working Hours:
Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Other:
Must submit a copy of your Bachelor's diploma or transcripts with your application.
Candidates are subject to a background check.
Rates Effective January 1, 2026 and are subject to change.
This is a general guide for the purpose of informing all new employees of benefits. Coverage for all benefits, with the exception of the retirement savings plan, is effective the first of the month following one full calendar month of full time employment. Payroll deduction will begin in the month prior to the effective date of coverage. The retirement savings plan is effective on the first day of employment.
HEALTH INSURANCE: Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage provided to the employee and dependents. There are two options: a Qualified High Deductible Plan with an HSA, or a Traditional PPO plan. If your spouse is eligible for coverage on their employer's group health plan, spousal coverage with the City is not available.
The semi-monthly premiums for the High Deductible Plan: ($3400/$5900 deductible)
- Employee only $ 29.78
- Employee 2/4 $ 85.22
- Employee and Family $173.97
- Employee only $121.30
- Employee 2/4 $228.04
- Employee and Family $354.94
DENTAL INSURANCE: Delta Dental coverage provided to employee and dependents. The employee is responsible for a portion of the premium. $5.31 for Single, $10.49 for Emp. 2/4 or $21.78 for Family semi-monthly.
VISION INSURANCE: EyeMed Vision coverage is available to employees and dependents. The employee is responsible for the full premium. Employee only - $7.09; Employee/Spouse - $13.88; Employee/Children - $14.61; Family - $21.48. All rates are monthly payroll deductions.LIFE INSURANCE: Securian/Ochs Life Insurance coverage provided for employee ($50,000), spouse ($10,000), and dependents ($5,000 each), with premiums paid by the City. Supplemental life insurance available for employee and dependents through payroll deduction.
RETIREMENT PLAN: Mandatory Ameritas Retirement Plan - 6.5% of gross earnings matched by the City. Effective on date of employment. Four year vesting schedule. Voluntary after-tax contributions up to 10% - not matched by City.
DEFERRED COMP: Five optional Deferred Compensation Plans which allow pre-tax contributions up to $23,500/yr.
LONG-TERM DISABILITY: CIGNA - LTD provided for employee. Pays a portion (60%, maximum of $8500 per month) of employee's salary should he/she becomes disabled.
CAFETERIA/125 PLAN: Optional participation by the employee. Can be used for medical expenses, non-employer sponsored premiums and/or dependent daycare.
VEBA PLAN (HRA): MidAmerica. Health reimbursement plan to be used for post-employment medical expenses. Contributions of $50 per pay period are made by the City.
PAID VACATION: Vacation leave is earned and accrued in bi-weekly increments in the following manner: 80 hours in the first year; 96 hours in years 2-4; 120 hours in years 5-6; 128 hours in years 7-8; 136 hours in years 9-10; 144 hours in years 11-12; 152 hours in year 13; 160 hours in years 14-19; 180 hours in years 20-24; 200 hours in year 25 and beyond. No vacation can be used during introductory period.
PAID HOLIDAYS: Ten Holidays, two Personal Holidays, one Convenience Day.
MEDICAL LEAVE: Accrual of 9 hours a month which is cumulative to a maximum of 1,250 hours.
Salary : $127,858 - $190,154