Design Project Manager

Job Description

Primary purpose:

The Engineering Design Manager is responsible for engineering design management for a wide array of engineering division projects in the City. Includes all aspects of design projects including stakeholder interface, programming, design, cost estimates, schedule updates, bidding and construction. Project guidelines include a large body of policies, practices, Ordinances, and precedents, which may be complex and conflicting at times. The position requires routine meetings and presentations with elected officials, occasional night meetings, and hearings with official City organizations, committees and task forces, as well as community meetings at off-site locations. Some time spent observing project work in the field while at the same time requiring office work in the completion of designs, reports, preparation of presentations, and maintaining financial accounting documents. Performs all other related work as required and directed.

Supervision:

Supervision Received: Reporting to the City Engineer or their designee and working under their general direction, the Engineering Design Manager generally establishes their own work plan and completes work in accordance with established departmental and City policies, standards, and expectations.

Supervision Given: Employee is responsible for directing and assigning work to other design and office personnel, with time spent assigning and reviewing the work of subordinates and ensuring staff is adequately trained and performing to expectations. Supervisory responsibility includes direct accountability for work results.

Essential Functions:

(The essential functions or duties listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

Works from standard engineering criteria, functional specifications, sketches, basic drawings, parameters, ideas, concepts, instructions, survey data, and other computer-aided designs and drawings to prepare detailed drawings of construction designs, plans, technical and legal specifications, and other related data. Applies complex engineering technology principles to visualize and define construction design plans and specifications, taking into consideration interrelationships, appearances, topographical features, soil conditions, feasibility, costs, time elements and other factors. Said plans shall show such items as plan views, profiles, clearances, measurements, locations, cross sections, grades and other interrelationships. Makes required calculations and allowances for materials, ratios, weights, forces and other factors using various engineering charts and tables.

Employee exercises matrix-type supervision over engineering staff for the conduct of engineering design, survey and field work, and construction coordination.

Prepares engineering construction designs of utilities, playing fields, parking lots, roadways, drainage, culverts, conservation and other areas. Prepares initial and final plans and profiles, cost estimates, contract specifications, progress documents, bid documents, bills-of-materials; cooperates with other departments in formulating designs and specifications for construction projects.

Answers questions and provides technical assistance to other departments and the general public; performs related work as required; investigates and reports on complaints of a technical nature.

Prepares other engineering reports, documents and records as required.

Interface with executive staff and consultants.

Assists City Engineer with establishing and maintaining hard and digital copy records of improvements on computers within the Engineering Division for official map and data storage; participates, researches and makes recommendations toward expanding the capabilities and use of a Geographic Information System (GIS).

Makes engineering calculations for stresses, strains, ratios, clearances, tolerances and function.

Makes field or site observations and records observations as required to (re) design or modify plans.

Maintains required contacts to keep abreast of developments and trends in civil engineering field.

Assists with union negotiations when requested by City Engineer, Commissioner of Public Works, or Human Resources.

As required, directs and assigns work to other design and office personnel; checks work for conformances to standards, methods and procedures or other matters affecting their work.

Responsible to perform work, supervise and review work of personnel involved with calculations, preparation and recording of assessments for utility and roadway betterments; prepares and records legal descriptions and documentation for easement takings, and street acceptance.

Responsible for all items listed in the job descriptions of those employees that are subordinate to this position per the Engineering Division’s Organization Chart.

Maintains current knowledge of civil engineering profession through peer association, attendance at seminars, meetings, and other events.

Reviews and comments on subdivision, commercial and residential site plan, Conservation Commission, sewer and drain connection, road opening, grant of location, sewer extension, and scenic road applications to ensure compliance with applicable City, State, and Federal ordinances, rules, regulations, city specifications and approved engineering methods.

Assists City Engineer in calculating bond and surety amounts for subdivision release of lots, certificate of occupancy issuance, and other documents.

Ensures prescribed safety measures are followed, that established City and department policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to.

Prepares, reviews and disseminates a wide variety of reports, analyses documents, records as related to engineering projects.

Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situations dictate.

Qualifications:

(To perform successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential functions. We encourage all candidates who feel they are capable of successfully performing the responsibilities as outlined in this position description, regardless of the qualifications listed below to apply.)

Education, Training and Experience:

Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering with five (5) to ten (10) years of engineering design experience with an emphasis in the management of civil engineering projects, site design and construction oversight; three (3) to five (5) years of supervisory experience required; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering preferred. Massachusetts Professional Engineer (P.E.) required, or the ability to obtain the Massachusetts P.E. License within one year of employment if currently certified as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT). Must possess a valid Massachusetts Class D driver’s license. Experience with municipal government preferred. Proficiency with AutoCAD, Civil 3D, AutoTURN, HydroCAD, GIS and other engineering software required. Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

A strong commitment to public service is required.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill:

Knowledge: Knowledge and understanding of local, state and federal regulations such as safety standards, environmental regulations, and city ordinances. Knowledge of personal computer hardware and software, including AutoCAD, Civil 3D, AutoTURN, HydroCAD. GIS and other engineering software. An in-depth understanding of the principals and practice of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Familiarity with city infrastructure needs and an understanding of construction project management practices, construction techniques, cost estimation, and managing public funds.

Ability: Effective written, oral communication skills with ability to present ideas to a group. Excellent problem-solving and research skills. Good listening skills; strong organizational and record-keeping skills; personnel management skills. Skilled in constructing and maintaining excel spreadsheets and using other general and profession-related software and technology; experience working with various computer and database programs. Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills required. Ability to manage interactions with the public in a tactful manner. Ability to interpret applicable federal and state regulations and maintain compliance.

Skill: Effective written, oral communication skills with ability to present ideas to a group. Excellent analytical, problem-solving, research and analytical skills. Good listening skills; strong organizational and record-keeping skills; personnel management skills. Skilled in constructing and maintaining excel spreadsheets and using other general and profession-related software and technology; experience working with various computer and database programs. Strong analytical, problem solving and troubleshooting skills required. Advanced mathematical concepts, like statistics, probability, geometry and trigonometry.

Work Environment

Work is performed under typical office conditions as well as other settings, such as in the field on construction sites or other outside locations in a variety of seasons and weather conditions; requires maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting, or driving a vehicle for prolonged periods of time.

Operates computers, computer software such as Microsoft Suite systems, AutoCAD, GIS, and engineering software and other programs, printers, facsimile machine, copier, calculator, and standard office equipment. Has frequent contact with other City departments, current employees, members of the Executive Office, City Council members, and vendors/service providers. Has access to all department-level confidential information, which requires the application of appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional office protocols.

Physical skills and effort

(The physical demands described here represent those requirements 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.)

Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials up to 20 pounds. Tasks require field visits to evaluate construction sites. Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation. Tasks may involve maintaining physical condition necessary for walking, standing, sitting, or driving a vehicle for prolonged periods of time. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing. Requires the ability to operate, maneuver and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/or materials used in performing essential functions.

Performance Standard

Employees at all levels are expected to effectively work together to meet the needs of the community and the City through work behaviors demonstrating the City’s values. Employees are also expected to lead by example and demonstrate the highest level of ethics.

(This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change, subject to collective bargaining obligations, where applicable.)

Company Description

THE CITY:

The City of Newton is a wonderful place to live and work. Newton has safe and attractive neighborhoods, an excellent public school system, an active community life, multiple transportation systems, proximity to Boston and a well-managed and financially strong City government. The City of Newton has a population of approximately 88,900, with 32,600 housing units and occupies a land area of 18.3 square miles. Newton is principally suburban-residential in character. Unlike many other communities that are established around a single Main Street or downtown, Newton is comprised of thirteen distinctive villages. Newton has a diversified economic base with approximately 4,700 establishments employing approximately 79,500 people. Newton is special in many ways. It is home to a variety of private secondary and post-secondary schools including a portion of Boston College, Lasell University, William James College, Hebrew College, and the UMass Amherst – Mount Ida Campus. The longest stretch of the Boston Marathon runs through the City, including the well-known Heartbreak Hill. Newton-Wellesley Hospital, part of the Mass General Brigham health care system, serves as an important partner to the City. In September 2018, Newton was again ranked #1 in Massachusetts as the best place to live and #12 in the U.S.

OUR GOVERNMENT:

Newton has what is known as a “strong Mayor” form of government with the Mayor having the executive and administrative powers of the City. The legislative branch is comprised of 24 City Councilors. Mayor Ruthanne Fuller was sworn in on January 1, 2018 after serving on the City Council. She ran on a platform of providing Newton’s children with a top-notch education in an inclusive environment where empty nesters, seniors, young families, and people of diverse incomes can live together in vibrant villages and neighborhoods. Mayor Fuller is committed to keeping Newton safe, improving the city’s infrastructure, addressing climate change, providing excellent and responsive city services, and fostering art, culture and community life. The first female Mayor of Newton, she is a tireless advocate for all the city’s residents and is committed to making sure the city is welcoming, inclusive and diverse. The City of Newton was evaluated by Moody’s Investors Services in February 2020 and assigned its highest rating of AAA. Newton was thus well-positioned to weather the pandemic and economic downturn.

AS AN EMPLOYER:

The City of Newton believes that its employees are its greatest asset. To that end, we are committed to supporting our employees by providing competitive wages and growth, a comprehensive benefits package which includes a defined municipal pension plan, quality health and dental insurance plans, generous paid leave benefits, paid holidays, and access to supplemental benefits such as deferred compensation, short term disability plans, flexible spending accounts, and other employee benefits. We also provide access to an Employee Assistance Program and access to employee training and professional development opportunities. We continuously work to review and expand upon our benefit offerings. We encourage you to visit our Human Resources Department website to learn more about our organization and benefits which are available to our employees. And as always, you are encouraged to reach out to our dynamic HR Team by emailing hr@newtonma.gov.

Human Resources Diversity Statement

We recognize our workforce is a source of strength that is vital to our ability to effectively serve the City of Newton’s diverse community. We will:

• Actively recruit, develop, and retain a diverse and talented workforce.
• Proactively address discrimination through education and in partnership with other departments and leaders.
• Serve as a role model to celebrate and nurture diversity.
• Foster inclusion by staying curious and clarifying assumptions.
• Evaluate and develop policies and practices that reflect the diverse nature of our workforce.
• Build and strengthen accountability at all levels to support diversity efforts.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• 457 Deferred Compensation plans
• Metro Credit Union
• Verizon Wireless discount
• Employee Assistance Program
• Generous paid leave time benefits and paid holidays.
• City Retirement (Mandatory)
• Weekly Direct Deposit
• Opportunity to serve the public and join a dynamic team of dedicated employees