Principal Civil Engineer

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Principle Civil Engineer to fill one (1) current vacancy in our Public Works/Engineering Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION

Under general direction, plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and reviews the work of the Land Development section within the Engineering Division; assists with the Capital Improvement Program (CIP); coordinates assigned activities with other City departments and outside agencies; provides highly complex and responsible support to the City Engineer and Director of Public Works in areas of expertise; and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general direction from the City Engineer. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This is a professional program management classification responsible for planning, organizing, reviewing, and evaluating the activities of the Land Development and CIP sections within the Engineering Division. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities by exercising primary responsibility for engineering project activities. Incumbents serve as a professional-level resource for organizational, managerial, and operational analyses and studies. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Plan, supervise, and organize the work of engineering staff in a diverse range of professional engineering duties in an assigned program area which may include, but is not limited to, capital improvement projects, development services, and public works infrastructure.
• Participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for the division; recommends within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommends and administers policies and procedures
• Develops and standardizes procedures and methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of engineering projects and activities; assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement and makes recommendations
• Participates in the development and administration of and oversees the engineering division and CIP budgets; identifies and allocates available fund sources; determines funding needs for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies
• Recommends and administers policies and procedures such as procedure guidelines, design standards, and standard plans and specifications while ensuring that operation and maintenance, financial, regulatory, and legal requirements are met
• Oversees and/or prepares in the preparation and review of preliminary and final engineering plans, cost estimates, cost analysis studies, specifications and schedules for public works projects; plans include, but are not limited to, demolition, grading, street improvement, storm drains, traffic control, erosion control and irrigation
• Oversees contracts for engineering services; determines scope of projects; prepares requests for proposals; conducts pre-bid and pre-construction conferences; provides input into the selection process; and directs the work of contracted service providers
• Serves as project manager or directs other staff on assigned projects; analyzes and resolves design and engineering issues; settles disputes and issues with inspectors, engineers and contractors; conducts negotiations for change orders; prepares contract modifications for change orders; coordinates relocation/adjustments of existing utilities for projects
• Performs a variety of engineering calculations on assigned projects
• Oversees inspections of civil infrastructure such as roads, water and sewer and storm drains, subdivisions and grading; may direct and coordinate the work of inspection personnel
• Reviews subdivision and improvement plans, parcel maps, road and grading plans, and related maps and specifications for accuracy and conformance to established engineering practices and mandated regulations; approves legal descriptions and plats
• Reviews and conditions development applications; responds to enquiries and meets with applicants and consultants with respect to entitlement and design issues; coordinates application review and conditioning with other departments such as traffic engineering; participates in design review committee meetings with other departments to identify, consider and resolve issues
• Reviews Preliminary Water Quality Management Plans; meets with applicants and engineers to discuss water quality solutions
• Participates in Planning Commission, Traffic Commission, and/or Director’s Hearings; responds to questions from the Commissioners and public speakers as they relate to engineering issues and conditions
• Meets with contractors, engineers, developers, architects, a variety of outside agencies, and the general public in acquiring information and coordinating engineering matters; provides information regarding City development requirements
• Review operational procedures to ensure compliance with applicable policies and quality control standards as well as to ensure current techniques; recommend and initiate changes to departmental procedures, policies, and regulations including engineering design standards
• Participate in the selection of Engineering Division employees; develop and recommend work methods and standards; conduct or direct staff training and development; review and evaluate employee performance; recommend disciplinary action
• Direct the conduct of studies; the preparation and presentation of reports regarding engineering related issues and the activities of the Engineering Division; review, edit, and write Council agenda reports.
• Provides information to the public and resolves questions and complaints regarding the interpretation and application of relevant codes, rules and regulations relating to traffic and construction
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Represent the City, as assigned, in relations with the community, committees, local, state, and federal agencies, and professional organizations; provide technical assistance to the City Council, and various commissions/committees and higher level members of City management in matters related to a wide variety of engineering and capital improvement project activities and programs
• Performs other duties as assigned

• Participates in City Council, Planning Commission, Traffic Commission, and/or Director’s Hearings; responds to questions from the Commissioners and public speakers as they relate to engineering issues and conditions
  

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Equivalent to a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field, and
• Seven (7) years of increasingly responsible professional civil engineering program experience, two (2) of which should be in a supervisory capacity

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver’s License
• Possess and maintain a valid certificate or registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of California

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• • Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of land development and capital improvement projects.
  • Methods, materials, and techniques used in the construction of land development and public works projects, including water, storm water, street, and traffic systems design.
  • Methods and techniques of conducting comprehensive inspections on infrastructure projects.
  • Principles and practices of capital improvement program budgeting, cost estimation, funding, project management, and contract administration.
  • Principles and practices of checking engineering plan designs, and conditioning applications for compliance with permitting requirements.
  • Principles of advanced mathematics and their application to engineering work.
  • Recent and on-going developments, current literature, and sources of information related to the engineering, development and construction fields
  • Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, evaluation, and project management
  • Principles and practices of budget development and administration
  • Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment review and evaluation, discipline, and the training of staff in work procedures
  • Principles and practices of leadership
  • Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction to ensure teamwork is conducted smoothly
  • Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulatory codes, and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility
  • Organization and management practices as applied to the development, analysis, and evaluation of programs, policies, and operational needs of the assigned functional area
  • Principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the planning, design, cost estimating, construction, installation, and inspection of a wide variety of capital improvement projects
  • Civil and transportation engineering principles, concepts, standards, and practices associated with public works programs and private development projects
  • Principles and practices of environmental impact assessment and related regulatory processes
  • Contract management practices in a public agency setting
  • Practices of researching engineering and design issues, evaluating alternatives, making sound recommendations, and preparing and presenting effective staff reports
  • General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area
  • Record-keeping principles and procedures
  • City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocol
  • Techniques for effectively representing the City in contact with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, and regulatory organizations
  • Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed
  • The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
  • Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff

ABILITY TO

• Perform a variety of professional engineering duties in support of the City’s land development and capital improvement programs.
• Oversee and coordinate the work of contracted service providers.
• Prepare and/or review a diverse range of documents including engineering and construction plans, specifications, legal descriptions, and related materials.
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, practices, policies, procedures, and work standards
• Administer complex, technical, and sensitive engineering, development, and related programs in an independent and cooperative manner
• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development opportunities, ensure work is performed effectively, and evaluate performance in an objective and positive manner
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the Capital Improvement Program
• Evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, or methods
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials
• Analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative and technical information and data in an effective manner
• Understand, interpret, and apply all pertinent laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures, and standards relevant to the work performed
• Conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, make sound recommendations, and prepare effective technical staff reports
• Effectively represent the department and the City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and various businesses, professional and regulatory organizations, and in meetings with individuals
• Establish and maintain a variety of filing, record-keeping, and tracking systems
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Independently organize work, set priorities, meet critical deadlines, and follow up on assignments
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

When working within an office environment, must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer, and to operate a motor vehicle to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing in work areas and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 25 pounds.

When working in the field environment, must possess mobility to work in changing site conditions; possess the strength, stamina, and mobility to perform light to medium physical work; to sit, stand, and walk on level, uneven, or slippery surfaces; to reach, twist, turn, kneel, and bend, to climb and descend ladders; and to operate a motor vehicle and visit various sites; vision to inspect site conditions and work in progress. The job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking in operational areas to identify problems or hazards, with exposure to hazardous materials in some site locations. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects averaginga weight of 40 pounds.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous physical substances. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL & CONFIDENTIAL

The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Agreement .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the MPC Compensation Plan for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for a life insurance policy equal to one time an employee's base salary. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City contributes a matching amount to the employee's account on a dollar-for-dollar basis, not to exceed the following amounts.
  • $3,400 per year for Department Heads toward 401a plan.
  • $3,000 per year for Managers towards the 457 plan.
  • $2,000 per year for Confidential towards the 457 plan.
• ANNUAL LEAVE AND HOLIDAYS : 192 hours of annual leave and 117 hours of holiday leave.
• ADMIN LEAVE ACCRUAL : Department Heads and Management staff.
  • Department Heads - 120 hrs per year.
  • Management - 80 hrs per year.
• AUTO ALLOWANCE : $300 per month Department Heads only (Exception Fire & Police Chief)
• FLEX SCHEDULE : Administrative staff currently works a 9/80 alternative work schedule. Other schedule options (5/8, 4/10) may be available based on the City’s operational needs.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic revisions to the MPC Compensation Plan and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 4/7/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

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• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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