What are the responsibilities and job description for the Public Works Senior Engineer I, II position at City of McKinney?
Depending on experience, education, and qualifications, applicants may be hired as either Public Works Senior Civil Engineer I or Public Works Senior Civil Engineer II
Salary Range - If hired as Senior Civil Engineer I:
$95,484.96 - $138,456.43 Annually
Salary Range - If hired as Senior Civil Engineer II:
$101,548.26 - $147,248.42 Annually
WORKING FOR THE CITY OF MCKINNEY
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.
OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Working for the City of McKinney is more than a job. It is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. It is also an opportunity to have a hand in the development of one of the fastest growing communities in the nation. Proudly recognized on the Top Workplaces USA list by USA TODAY, our team is dedicated to making McKinney one of the best places to work, live, and raise a family. That’s why we exist. Join us and start making a difference today.
OUR CORE VALUES
City of McKinney employees work hard and at a very fast pace. However, we also look after and support one another. All of us are guided by four employee-inspired values – Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (RISE). We are also supported by servant-based leaders who foster and support a healthy, family-oriented culture. All new employees are expected to embrace and live by our core values and commit to helping us sustain our exceptional work environment as a high performance organization.
SUMMARY OF POSITION
Under the direction of the Assistant Director or Division Manager, this position plays a vital leadership role in delivering high-quality public infrastructure for the City of McKinney. They will manage complex capital and operational projects from initial concept through final completion, ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of the City’s roadways, drainage systems, water and wastewater systems, and traffic-related improvements.
As a licensed professional engineer, this position will conduct field inspections of existing infrastructure, evaluate system conditions, identify deficiencies or emerging issues, and develop practical, data-driven solutions that enhance public safety, mobility, and service reliability. They will oversee the planning, design, and execution of projects; prepare and review technical studies; develop and manage project budgets and schedules; and ensure compliance with all applicable standards, policies, and regulations.
The position also leads procurement efforts, manages consultant and contractor performance, coordinates construction activities, and ensures timely communication with residents, stakeholders, and partner agencies. Regularly engages with engineers, consultants, property owners, and other City departments to develop solutions that reflect community needs and organizational goals.
GENERAL EXPECTATIONS FOR ALL EMPLOYEES
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When Assigned to Senior Engineer I
In order for us to continue to achieve our primary function of making McKinney a better place to live, work, and raise a family, we hold these expectations for all employees.
- Learn and demonstrate an understanding of how team, department, and city goals are interconnected.
- Contribute to a positive work culture.
- Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
- Ability to assess his/her work performance or the work performance of the team.
- Contribute to the development of others and/or the working unit or overall organization.
- Ability and willingness to work as part of a team, to demonstrate team skills, and to perform a fair share of team responsibilities.
- Ability to continuously learn and develop through a mix of internal and external training opportunities, and if applicable, encourage subordinates to do the same.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
When Assigned to Senior Engineer I
- Manages public works infrastructure projects under the direction of an Assistant Director, including contractor and consultant oversight.
- Coordinates with Engineering and all Public Works divisions to ensure project alignment and support CIP development.
- Leads project coordination meetings with Public Works, Engineering, Finance, Purchasing, and outside agencies.
- Responds to public and interdepartmental inquiries related to public works infrastructure and maintenance.
- Develops, reviews, and coordinates plans, specifications, estimates, and contracts for public works projects. Issues plans and specifications as the engineer of record.
- Performs QA/QC reviews on plans and technical documents.
- Issues field directives within authority and performs construction management to ensure timely, compliant delivery.
- Supports hydraulic modeling in coordination with Water staff and Engineering.
- Supports Wastewater Division with collection system modeling, lift station and force main evaluations, and I&I reduction planning.
- Supports drainage system analysis including storm sewer design, erosion control evaluation, and MS4 compliance support.
- Works with Street Operations to interpret pavement condition data and develop pavement preservation strategies.
- Ensures compliance with city engineering standards, safety standards, environmental and permitting requirements.
- Assists with development and updates to design manuals, construction specifications, and Public Works standards (utilities, drainage, ROW).
- Acts as liaison with consultants, external engineers, developers, and internal stakeholders.
- Conducts public meetings and supports public involvement for city projects.
- Prepares technical reports, ordinances, resolutions, and presentations for City Council, committees, and external agencies.
- Leads consultant selection processes including scoping, bidding, negotiation, and contract preparation.
- Manages professional service and construction contracts, including tracking, invoicing, and compliance.
- Provides engineering support during operational emergencies (e.g., water main breaks, SSOs, storm response, infrastructure failures).
- Reviews ROW permits, utility conflicts, and ADA compliance for pedestrian facilities.
- Coordinates with Fleet and Facilities on infrastructure-related engineering needs when impacts affect public works operations.
- Provides technical direction, training, and support to City staff.
- Prepares progress updates, project schedules, and budget performance reports.
- Monitors industry trends and recommends technical advancements.
- Performs supervisory duties in the absence of the Assistant Director.
Duties of Senior Engineer I carry over, in addition to:
- Assists the Assistant Director with workload planning and adherence to the plan.
- Develops and implements citywide strategies for the CIP process and engineering standards as they relate to Public Works.
- Develops and implements departmentwide strategies for public infrastructure maintenance, asset management, and process improvement.
- May supervise other Public Works staff.
- Assists the Assistant Director with workload planning, staff allocation, and monitoring performance to meet department goals.
- Manages the Public Works infrastructure project portfolio and leads long-term CIP planning, prioritization, and funding strategies.
- Leads departmentwide asset management strategies and long-range maintenance forecasting.
- Provides final technical review and approval of complex or high-risk projects. Issues plans and specifications as the engineer of record as needed.
- Provides strategic oversight for regulatory compliance for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, including TCEQ, EPA, MS4, and FEMA requirements.
- Oversees citywide master planning for water distribution and wastewater collection systems, including coordination with the Water and Wastewater Divisions and Engineering on hydraulic modeling and capacity forecasting.
- Leads development of Public Works engineering policies, SOPs, and design criteria for streets, drainage, water, wastewater, and ROW.
- Provides executive-level guidance on drainage and flood mitigation.
- Directs integration of SCADA, AMI, CMMS, and asset management data into CIP decision-making.
- Resolves escalated issues related to consultants, contractors, utilities, or ROW conflicts.
- Supervises engineering and technical staff, including performance monitoring, coaching, and development.
- Mentors staff and supports succession planning.
- Represents Public Works in regional and statewide technical committees or interagency groups.
- Manages high-profile and politically sensitive infrastructure projects.
- Oversees strategic coordination for complex ROW negotiations or utility conflicts.
- Develops long-term funding strategies and resource allocation frameworks for CIP and operational needs.
- Guides grant funding strategy and ensures alignment with department priorities.
- Oversees strategic planning related to fleet and facilities capital needs when tied to Public Works operational functions.
- Leads emergency engineering response for major events, including severe weather, flooding, freeze impacts, or major system outages.
OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Perform other duties as assigned or directed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES, AND BEHAVIORS
- Ability to embrace and embody the City’s core values of Respect, Integrity, Service, and Excellence (R.I.S.E.).
- Ability to communicate effectively with peers, supervisors, subordinates, and people to whom service is provided.
- Ability to produce desired work outcomes, including quality, quantity, and timeliness.
- Ability to plan and organize work, time, and resources, and if applicable, that of subordinates.
- Know the principles and practices of civil engineering as related to the preparation of plans and specifications of various projects.
- Know the principles of logical or synthesis functions and working with several concrete and abstract variables as necessary to analyze major problems.
- Ability to keep up with current trends, developments, and legislation pertinent to civil engineering.
- Know the materials, techniques, and equipment applicable to the area of specialization and the technical aspects of the field. Perform skilled coordinated movements, such as drafting on AutoCAD, utilizing drafting and engineering instruments and equipment.
- Ability to research methods, analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
- Ability to know, interpret and explain the applicable laws, codes, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures as they relate to Civil Engineering.
- Ability to know and use engineering and legal professional language.
- Ability to prepare and control the budget.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Ability to effectively use interpersonal skills in a tactful, patient, and courteous manner.
- Exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental, or subjective criteria, as opposed to that which is clearly measurable or verifiable.
- Ability to mentor, train, and motivate others.
- Supervise and perform complex and technical engineering duties in the coordination and direction of civil engineering projects.
- Prepare plans and specifications and review engineering project cost estimates.
- Adapt approved engineering methods and standards to the design and construction of a variety of projects.
- Utilize a variety of advisory and design data and information, such as technical study reports, engineering drawings, budget printouts, zoning and subdivision codes, planning maps, engineering designs and city ordinances.
- Ability to work from construction plans, shop drawings, and sketches, perform data entry, maintain records, and prepare reports.
- Ability to use GIS software systems such as ESRI, and other data systems such as CityWorks to analyze infrastructure conditions and make planning recommendations.
- Able to work independently with minimum supervision and meet schedules and timelines.
- The ability to work in a team environment; contribute as a team member and treat co-workers, subordinates, and customers with respect.
- Build professional relationships with internal staff and customers.
- Offer flexibility and adaptability, especially during times of change.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the below Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the below specified education and experience requirement.
When Assigned to Senior Engineer I
- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
- Professional Engineering (PE) License.
Ten (10) years Civil Engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
When Assigned to Senior Engineer II
- Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
- Professional Engineering (PE) License.
- Thirteen (13) years Civil Engineering experience; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Must pass a drug screen and background check.
- Must have Class C Texas Driver’s License
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
There is limited exposure to environmental conditions.
When Assigned to Water Distribution
Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or work station.
Some tasks require visual and sound perception and discrimination and oral communications ability.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
There is limited exposure to environmental conditions.
When Assigned to Water Distribution
Tasks are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, toxic agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed as of the date of preparation and approval. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of the position. Employees holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties as requested by management. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and all requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.
The City of McKinney is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to an alcohol / drug free workplace and to providing equal opportunities regardless of age, race, color, gender, religion, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status.
Salary : $95,485 - $147,248