Deputy City Engineer
CITY OF MADERA
DEPUTY CITY ENGINEER
Class specifications are only intended to present a descriptive summary of the range of duties and responsibilities associated with specified positions. Therefore, specifications may not include all duties performed by individuals within a classification. In addition, specifications are intended to outline the minimum qualifications necessary for entry into the class and do not necessarily convey the qualifications of incumbents within the position.
DEFINITION:
Under general direction, plans, supervises, evaluates and participates in professional and technical civil
engineering work in the design, investigation, inspection, and construction of street, storm drainage
facilities, sanitary sewer facilities, parks, park irrigation systems, water production and distribution
facilities, buildings, and other projects; ensures safe work practices, work quality and accuracy; maintains
appropriate work records; serves as a technical resource for assigned work staff; performs other related
duties as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
The Deputy City Engineer is a division manager within the Community Development Department and
exercises full responsibility for planning, organizing and directing the work activities of the Engineering
Division staff. The incumbent performs the more complex design and construction of capital
improvement projects, reviews private development projects for design conformance and accuracy and
performs complex professional engineering assignments requiring considerable knowledge of various
aspects of civil engineering including land development, planning, design standards and regulations,
construction and maintenance. This classification is distinguished from the next lower classification of
Associate Civil Engineer by the performance of more complex and difficult assignments, and the
performance of supervisory responsibilities. This classification is distinguished from higher level
classification of Director of Community Development/City Engineer in that the Director is responsible for
the Engineering, Planning, and Building Divisions.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED/EXERCISED:
Receives direction from the Director of Community Development/City Engineer. Exercises direct
supervision over professional, technical and office support staff.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (include but are not limited to the following)
• Assigns work to subordinate staff; monitors work activities to ensure safe work practices, work
quality and accuracy; ensures compliance to applicable rules, policies and procedures; participates in
the development of policies and procedures; recommends and administers programs, projects and
work assignments; participates in the selection and training of engineering, personnel; assumes
responsibility for motivating and evaluating assigned personnel; provides necessary training; initiates
discipline procedures as is appropriate.
• Acts as Engineer-in-Charge as required; performs a broad range of design activities on a variety of
public works projects including street, storm drainage facilities, sanitary sewer facilities, parks, park
irrigation systems, water production and distribution facilities, buildings; performs field inspections;
develops design procedures; prepares plans, specifications, project budget and cost estimates;
interprets the application of design criteria; checks plans and specifications for accuracy of design and
completeness; makes recommendations for the engineering division budget and monitors the
approved budget.
• Coordinates capital improvement projects with contractors, utility companies and other agencies;
administers construction contracts; supervises staff on construction sites; performs field inspections;
plans, coordinates, prioritizes, monitors and participates in the work of staff responsible for reviewing
design conformance and accuracy of public and private development projects.
• Prepares and provides complex engineering reports, correspondence, staff reports, ordinances, and
resolutions to the City Administrator, City Council, committees, City departments, outside agencies
and the public; develops and reports statistics; participates in division budget development; makes
oral presentations and participates in organizational and community group meetings; responds to
questions and inquiries, and investigates complaints concerning engineering problems.
• Accepts responsibility for the design and development of public works and utility structures and the
preparation of project specifications; consults with contractors; reviews plans submitted by
consultants and developers to ensure conformity with established standards and regulations; provides
advice and instruction to subordinates on design standards and problems from the construction phase
to completion of the project; provides supervision of field work; prepares, reviews and recommends
change orders.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations,
state/local agencies, City management and staff, and the public.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Position requires sitting, standing, walking on level and slippery surfaces, reaching, twisting, turning,
kneeling, bending, stooping, squatting, crouching, grasping, crawling and making repetitive hand
movement in the performance of daily duties. The position also requires both near and far vision when
inspecting work and operating assigned equipment, and acute hearing is required when providing phone
and face-to-face service. The need to lift, carry, pull and push tools, supplies and other equipment
weighing up to 25 pounds is also required. Additionally, the incumbent in this position works outdoors in
all weather conditions including wet, hot and cold. The position entails working in situations that may
expose the employee to fumes or airborne particles, electrical shock or mechanical hazards. The nature of
the work also requires the incumbent to climb ladders and drive motorized vehicles.
QUALIFICATIONS: (The following are minimal qualifications necessary for entry into the
classification)
Education and/or Experience:
Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills and
abilities necessary for a Deputy City Engineer may be considered qualifying. A typical way of
obtaining the required qualifications is to possess the equivalent of four years of increasingly
responsible Civil Engineering experience, including two years at a supervisory level, and a
Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.
License/Certificate:
Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver’s license and possession of a
valid certificate of registration as a Civil Engineer, issued by the California State Board of
Registration for Civil and Professional Engineers. For all Civil Engineers registered after 1982
Land Surveyor Certificate is desirable.
KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS: (The following are a representative sample of the KAS’s
necessary to perform essential duties of the position)
Knowledge of:
Principles, procedures, practices and standards of municipal civil engineering; surveying methods
and techniques; strength of materials and stress analysis; methods and techniques of supervision,
training and motivation; municipal engineering laws, ordinances, codes, specifications and plans;
applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, and regulations including Madera Municipal Code,
ordinances, and codes related to building construction; engineering project inspection methods;
working knowledge of contract administration; modern office practices, methods and equipment,
including a computer and applicable software; operational characteristics and use of standard
equipment used in the engineering profession; occupational hazards and standard safety
procedures.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, direct and evaluate the work of subordinate staff; make adjustments to standard
operation procedures as necessary to improve organizational effectiveness; effectively exercise
supervisory control over complex professional and technical tasks; interpret and apply applicable
laws, codes and regulations; negotiate and manage construction contracts; exercise sound
independent judgment; prepare and administer a budget; promote and enforce safe work
practices; communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; establish and maintain
effective working relationships.
Skill to:
Operate an office computer and a variety of word processing and software applications; safely
and effectively operate engineering tools and equipment.
Revised: 2/19/04 by Acting H.R. Director Mr. Robert Brown