City Engineer

Job Description

The City Engineer directs the employees and operations of the City’s Engineering Department in the design, construction, and records management of the City’s infrastructure and capital improvement projects. This is a management and professional engineer job directing major engineering activities for the City. The job is responsible to plan, coordinate and oversee consultants, contractors and staff on engineering design and construction projects, development review of subdivisions and new construction, including project approval, surveying, drafting/mapping, inspection, and contract compliance.

The role includes administrative responsibilities such as employee supervision, budget development and administration, project reporting, and public presentations. The City Engineer is also the designated Floodplain for the City of Pocatello. Additionally, this role will coordinate and design the City storm water system and network.

The City Engineer will participate in Bannock Transportation Planning Organization Technical Advisory Committee. This position will also coordinate and design the City’s transportation network including streets, sidewalks, pathways, and multimodal accessibility; and access management standards.

The position requires licensure as a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of Idaho, strong leadership and communication skills, and the ability to interpret and convey complex technical information.

The City Engineer must maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, department heads, staff, contractors, regulatory agencies, and the general public. Serves as technical advisor to the City Mayor, Council, Public Works Director and city-wide division or department heads with respect to all projects requiring engineering insight or oversight in compliance with local or state codes; provides engineering design, review and construction management assistance as required to design, review, bid, and build city funded infrastructure or capital improvement projects

The role involves both office and field work, including exposure to construction zones, weather conditions, and traffic.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Directs Engineering staff in the planning, design, and implementation of infrastructure projects and capital improvements, both in-house and through outside consultants.
• Oversees compliance with local, state, and federal engineering regulations.
• Serves as the City’s designated Floodplain Administrator per federal and municipal requirements.
• Evaluates subdivision and site development proposals to ensure engineering and code compliance. This includes coordinating with Public Works staff for the review and approval of traffic impact studies submitted to the City.
• Coordinates projects involving multiple funding sources (e.g., federal aid, state grants), ensuring adherence to agency requirements and procurement regulations.
• Determines whether projects are managed in-house or outsourced; prepares and evaluates bid documents, awards contracts, and ensures construction meets all design, safety, and code requirements.
• Selects and supervises consulting engineers and monitors their compliance with contractual obligations.
• Oversees land and easement acquisition, including legal and permitting requirements.
• Obtains necessary project permits from federal, state, and local authorities.
• Reviews and approves engineering plans, plats, and construction documents for compliance with applicable statutes and standards.
• Reviews annexation and development agreements to ensure that the terms thereof are consistent with appropriate engineering standards and with the related improvement drawings; reviews and approves site plans for public developments and improvements; verifies with Public Works staff, the city’s ability to service potential new property with regards to water, sewer, sanitation, and street requirements.
• Leads hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, and discipline of department employees.
• Prepares and manages departmental and project-specific budgets, including federal aid and special project funds.
• Coordinates Geographic Information System (GIS) integration with Engineering operations.
• Responds to inquiries and provide information to the public on flood plain management and elevations, boundary locations and descriptions, and maps.
• Issues floodplain elevation certificates and enforces floodplain development regulations per FEMA and NFIP guidelines.
• Prepares reports and presentations for the Mayor, City Council, and other stakeholders.
• Maintains detailed project records, databases, and compliance documentation.
• Coordinates long-range infrastructure and capital planning with other departments and agencies.
• Performs related duties as assigned in accordance with City policies and safety practices.
  
  

Acceptable Experience, Training, Licenses And/Or Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required;
• Current Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Idaho required;
• Six (6) to eight (8) years of civil engineering experience required;
• Two (2) years of supervisory/management experience preferred;
• Certification as a Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) preferred but not required, will be required to be attained within six (6) months of hire date;
• Valid Idaho driver’s license required.
  
  

An equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.

Classification Requirements

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty satisfactorily and be successful in the position.

Knowledge Of

• Civil engineering principles and practices, particularly in public infrastructure and capital improvements;
• Idaho Statutes and City Code relevant to the responsibilities of a City Engineer;
• FEMA, NFIP, and recent floodplain development requirements, including Risk Rating 2.0;
• Federal and state regulations on engineering design, procurement, and construction management;
• Building and safety codes, including recent updates from OSHA and ADA compliance;
• Construction cost estimation, public bidding procedures, and contract administration;
• Under the director of the Public Works direction, work on land and/or easement acquisition for projects including, but not limited to, acquiring appraisals, legal description, purchase agreement, and/or condemnation, if required;
• GPS, surveying, and field data collection technologies including UAV (drone) use and LiDAR;
• Advanced GIS systems (e.g., ArcGIS Pro) and computer-aided design software (e.g., AutoCAD Civil 3D);
• Public budgeting, financial tracking, and grant funding processes;
• Personnel management, including employee development and progressive discipline;
• Public service and professional communication standards.
  
  

Skill And Ability To

• Manage engineering personnel and oversee departmental operations;
• Interpret and apply laws and regulations related to engineering;
• Direct, manage, and inspect capital projects with multi-agency funding and oversight;
• Analyze and review engineering plans, drawings, and plats for code compliance;
• Perform field inspections and assess construction quality;
• Coordinate GIS development and integration for municipal engineering needs;
• Obtain regulatory permits and ensure environmental and legal compliance;
• Use project management tools for tracking, reporting, and presenting to stakeholders;
• Communicate effectively in technical and lay terms, both orally and in writing;
• Build cooperative working relationships with contractors, developers, elected officials, and the public;
• Operate a motor vehicle, standard office equipment, and specialized engineering software.
  
  

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this classification, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, climb ladders, work at heights, and in confined spaces. The job requires hand/finger dexterity to handle materials, manipulate tools, operate a computer, and reach with hands and arms. The job requires operation of job-related equipment and driving a vehicle. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds with assistance. Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform the essential functions and interact with the public is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

DISCLAIMER

The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified. Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons. Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice. This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Benefits

The City of Pocatello offers a generous benefits package to full-time employees:

• Medical
• Prescription
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• PERSI Retirement
• PERSI Choice 401(k)
• 457 Retirement Planning
• HRA VEBA Contributions
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Medical
• Dependent Care
• Vacation Time
• Sick Time
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Education Assistance
• Employee Wellness Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
  
  

Company Description

Nestled in the foothills of the majestic Rocky Mountains, Pocatello offers a perfect blend of work and play. With a semi-arid climate, you can experience the best of all four seasons, from hiking and skiing to fishing and camping. Plus, you're just a short drive away from Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, Lava Hot Springs, and other must-visit destinations.

All job offers are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background check.