Principal Engineer

Job Summary

The employee in this class is responsible for designing and managing Water Resources Department projects and programs. Work includes oversight of engineering consultants, coordination of the Computer-Aided Design and Drafting (CADD) and Geographical Information System (GIS) programs, and plan review and approval including cost accounting and control. The employee must exercise good judgment, independent analysis, and thinking within the limits of guidelines, policies, standards, and precedents. The department's General Engineering Manager assigns work in terms of general goals and policies. Work is reviewed for accuracy and the nature and propriety of the final results.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions: These are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position.

Manages engineering projects; prepares and delegates team assignments; monitors project status; manages and implements applicable contracts; supervises staff; trains new staff; recruits and hires employees; takes disciplinary actions when necessary.

Maintains accurate cost accounting, control, and reporting of all assigned programs in electronic format.

Coordinates and implements projects and reports to the Board of Commissioners. Prepares documents for and manages the contract and bid processes.

Coordinates and implements appropriate responses to customer complaints arising from capital projects; Manages all fiscal aspects of capital projects.

Designs water and sewer pump stations; conducts field investigations; performs physical site inspections; researches existing files; reviews built drawings and plans submitted by consultants. Oversees civil engineering position.

Maintains accurate cost accounting, control, and reporting of all programs in electronic format.

Oversees work of consultants; administers all aspects of contracts; writes specifications and justifications; reviews designs and calculations; explains county policies and procedures; completes permit applications.

Researches new federal and state regulations; evaluates their effect on County and communicates with Deputy Director.

Troubleshoots engineering issues for other County departments and agencies including engineering support for clients and stakeholders.

Coordinates the section's CADD/GIS program; sets goals, objectives, and timetables; determines hardware/software capabilities; develops criteria and parameter tables; writes and develops application programs.

Prepares Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and advertisements for bids; attends bid openings; conducts bid analysis and presents proposals to Board of Commissioner

Additional Duties; Employees in this classification may be expected to perform any related duties as required by proper authority.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge of principles and practices of engineering as they relate to the design and operation of water and sewer systems and other engineering systems.

Knowledge of mechanical and electrical equipment used in water and wastewater systems.

Knowledge of laws and regulations regarding the Safe Drinking Act, Clean Water Act, Georgia Safe Dams Program, River Basin Management Act, and County Ordinances.

Knowledge of materials, equipment, procedures, and methods used in water and wastewater-related activities.

Knowledge of management, planning, fiscal, and organizational performance concepts, principles, and techniques.

Knowledge of principles and practices of supervision. Knowledge of principles and practices of financial oversight. Knowledge of quality improvement processes.

Knowledge of project management practices.

Skill in using independent judgment and discretion. Skill in developing organizational goals and objectives. Skill in prioritizing and scheduling assignments.

Skill in operating modern office equipment. Skill in cost accounting. Skill in analyzing, interpreting, and preparing reports.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Ability to plan, organize, and supervise others.

Ability to prepare and deliver meaningful public presentations. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to give and carry out written and verbal instructions.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret journals, financial reports, and legal documents. Ability to coordinate and manage the work of contractors and consultants.

Working Conditions

Most work is performed in an office; however, some fieldwork is also performed. The employee is required to move around construction sites and over rough terrain. The employee must have a high degree of personal safety consciousness.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
2. Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in the design and construction of water or wastewater, or other public works projects.
3. OR have a combination of education, training, and work experience that is equivalent to #1and #2 above that provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.