City Engineer (Full-Time)

ORGANIZATION AND AREA INFORMATION: Nestled in the central part of Southeastern Arizona’s Gila Valley, the City of Safford is a thriving rural Arizona City. With a population of just over ten thousand, it is the largest municipality in Graham County. Incorporated as a town in 1901 and becoming a city in 1955, Safford has become the major hub for Southeastern Arizona. The City of Safford as an organization has multiple different departments and over 230 staff members including full time employees, seasonal employees, volunteer firefighters and councilmembers to staff all the different positions at the City. The City also provides all utilities for its residents and other residents in surrounding areas. In addition to the major utilities of gas, water, electric, sewer, and sanitation, the City has a landfill and airport that service the county.

SUMMARY: Under limited direction, plans, organizes and directs the activities and personnel related to design and management of City engineering projects, project management and grants administration. Performs complex and technical duties involved in the design and administration of construction of a variety of City facilities and structures including Utilities (water, wastewater, gas, electric) and Public Works.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISITICS: This is the executive level job class within the Public Works department and reports to the Public Works Director.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills and other characteristics. The list that follows is not intended as a comprehensive list; it is intended to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed, and may be required to perform additional, position-specific tasks. The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Plans, designs and manages construction activities of streets, parks, utilities, City facilities, project management and grants administration.
• Designs, prepares specifications and contracts for City Engineering projects, including obtaining the services of outside consultants and monitoring their progress and quality of work.
• Demonstrates authority and oversight responsibilities for all city capital improvement projects of at least $25,000 or any project defined as assigned by the Public Works Director or City Manager.
• Performs high-level work in managing complex projects from implementation, progress and completion by coordinating and facilitating involved parties; preparing and reviewing reports and correspondence, providing advice, cost-estimates, feasibility and cost-benefit studies.
• Reviews and approves developer’s plans for proposed and new developments within the City.
• Works with other departments within the City to ensure their engineering and project management needs are met.
• Ensures projects conform to all Federal, State and local laws, rules and regulations and funding is available in city budget; oversees grant administration and coordination.
• Directs, evaluates and motivates department personnel and evaluates employee performance. Maintains discipline, conduct and general behavior of staff.
• Assists in the management of the finances of the department. Aides in the submission of the operating budget for approval, controls and monitors expenses of the Engineering Division of Public Works. Ensures Engineering Division purchasing and procurement follows policies and procedures.
• Coordinates cooperative services with other City departments for special events, activities and general services.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education, Experience, Certifications and Licenses:

• High School diploma or equivalent GED certificate, or equivalent experience.
• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering required (Civil Engineering preferred).
• Six (6) years work experience in project management, budget administration and supervision, required.
• Experience in public engineering and municipal management, preferred.
• Ability to obtain and maintain Arizona Professional Civil Engineer license within six (6) months of hire, required.
• Valid State of Arizona Driver’s license.

Required Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge of principles and practices of civil engineering.
• Knowledge of organizing and directing comprehensive, complex projects and grants administration.
• Knowledge of methods, equipment, techniques, software applications and materials used in civil engineering projects.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, ordinances, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of project management, scheduling and administration.
• Knowledge of principles, practices and methods of management and supervision.
• Knowledge of budget planning, preparation, cost analysis, bid and purchasing procedures and expense control.
• Knowledge of interpersonal skills using tact, and diplomacy.
• Skill in interpreting laws and regulations, making decisions, maintaining composure, and working effectively under stressful conditions and emergency situations.
• Skill in effectively supervising, leading and delegating tasks and authority.
• Skill in interacting with people of different social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Skill in reviewing and preparing narrative and statistical reports and records.
• Skill in preparing budgets, cost estimates and monitoring the disbursement of funds.
• Skill in interpreting and applying rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Skill in communicating with violators and mediating difficult situations.
• Skill in operating a personal computer and software applications.
• Skill in following and effectively communicating verbal and written instructions.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS & CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work is routinely performed in office environments with occasional exposure to inclement weather, and varying temperatures, subject to driving a vehicle to conduct work.
• Subject to standing, walking over rough or uneven surfaces, sitting for extended periods of time, bending, reaching, kneeling, and occasional lifting of objects up to 50 pounds.

EOE

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