Director of Engineering and Transportation

About the role

The Department of Public Works is seeking an experienced public works and capital-project leader to direct its Engineering and Transportation Divisions. The position is senior managerial, with substantial professional independence under the general supervision of the Superintendent of Public Works. It covers planning, design, consultant selection, budget development, grant coordination, construction administration, financial recovery, closeout and long-term infrastructure planning, and includes stabilizing and developing a relatively new engineering department.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Engineering and Transportation Divisions, set priorities, timelines and performance expectations, and supervise, coach and evaluate engineering staff.
• Manage capital-improvement projects from planning through closeout, including scope, budget, schedule, design, bidding, construction and inspection.
• Oversee capital budgets, expenditures, financial controls and fund recovery, working with the Controller's and Chamberlain's Offices.
• Support state, federal and other infrastructure grants, permit coordination, eligibility compliance and reimbursement of eligible costs.
• Prepare or supervise engineering plans, specifications, cost estimates, schedules and construction documents, and monitor construction quality, schedule, budget, safety and contract performance.
• Provide leadership for water and sewer, stormwater, traffic-control, streets, sidewalks, bridges, retaining walls, flood-control and municipal building projects.
• Develop long-term transportation planning strategies, traffic databases and simulations, and coordinate with other public works functions.
• Plan bridge inspection, maintenance and repair, and integrate bridge needs into capital planning.
• Prepare or supervise consultant contracts, solicit proposals, recommend consultant selection and manage consultant performance.

Required profile

• Experience leading public works, engineering and capital projects.
• Ability to guide less-experienced staff and align their work with operational and capital needs.
• Knowledge of applicable laws, codes, funding requirements and professional standards.

The role is in the competitive jurisdictional class and is initially filled provisionally; a permanent appointment requires passing the New York State civil service exam and ranking among the top three eligible candidates. No residency requirement applies.