Job Description
SALARY: $87.4452 - $109.0002, Exempt (DOE&Q)
OPENING DATE : 04/22/2025
CLOSING DATE: Open until Filled JOB SUMMARY This position exercises broad and significant discretion in the oversight and direction of the Departments of Public Works, Utility Operations and Engineering. This position functions, and is appointed as, the City Engineer with the duties and authorities provided by the City Charter and is the department head for the Department of Engineering. This position will provide complex assistance to the City Manager, Assistant City Manager(s), City Attorney, and department directors. This position will provide guidance, direction and supervision to Public Services department directors and staff of the Department of Engineering. Further, the incumbent will be responsible for the mentoring, development, and evaluation of departmental staff. A key task of this position is the coordination of projects and planning for the composite departments and facilitating clear intra- and inter-departmental communication. This position will interface with, and represent the City to, various engineering agencies/firms, regulatory, appointed, and financial boards/commissions including the City Council. The incumbent will be responsible for the short- and long-range planning as well as development/maintenance of comprehensive and master planning for the City’s infrastructure and capital improvement to include, but not limited to streets, drainage, water, sewer, facilities, water/sewer plants, etc. The incumbent is responsible for direct/indirect budget development and fiscal management of assigned departments. Under general administrative direction, to direct and coordinate the City’s public services programs and allied activities; and to direct the planning, operations, maintenance, installation and improvement of water and sewage treatment systems; to direct City engineering activities to coordinate and implement the Comprehensive Plan for Port Arthur and to participate with the City Manager, Directors of Public Works and Utility Operations in initiating and executing long-range planning, strategies and course of action, and to do related work as required for each division od said departments.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Oversee and manage the daily operations of the Department of Engineering.
Coordinate and oversee the operations and management of the Departments of Public Works and Utility Operations.
Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve departmental goals and objectives.
Lead and motivate a team of public services professionals to deliver high-quality services to the community.
Reports directly to and receives minimal direction from the Assistant City Manager(s).
Exercises direct and indirect supervision over professional, technical, and clerical staff.
EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES – Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Manage, supervise, and coordinate goals and objectives as well as policies and procedures necessary to provide Public Works Department Services; develop new or modified systems, policies, and procedures.
Manage, supervise, and participate in the preparation, development and evaluation of highly technical studies, reports and analyses related to Public Works maintenance and construction services and activities; develop and implement technical methods and systems and analyze and evaluate results.
Develop and administer the Department's budget; direct the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures.
Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of street maintenance and repair work including such things as street resurfacing, repairing, patching, and cleaning, and sidewalk and curb and gutter removal and replacement.
Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of street maintenance and repair work including such things as street resurfacing, repairing, patching, and cleaning, and sidewalk and curb and gutter removal and replacement.
Plan, organize and direct drainage maintenance and repair work including such things as storm drain and culvert maintenance, and storm pump operations and maintenance. Also included in this area is the construction of water and sewer lines.
Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of engineering services to include surveying, drafting, plan preparation, inspection, right-of-way work and other related tasks.
Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of traffic system, electrical, paint and street lighting construction and maintenance including such things as traffic signals and signs, streetlights, street and curb painting, electrical and mechanical systems.
Plan, organize and direct, through subordinate personnel, a program of building, parks and grounds maintenance including such things as roof surveys, ADA compliance, right-of-way mowing, ball field setups and golf course management.
Oversee the maintenance of time, material and equipment use records; ensure proper requisition of supplies and materials.
Collaborate with other departments, stakeholders, and community organizations to identify and address public service needs.
Develop and manage departmental budgets, ensure fiscal responsibility, and maximize resources.
Represent the City and the organization at public meetings and events.
Maintain currency with industry trends and best practices to continuously improve department operations.
Approve and assist in the purchase of equipment and assist with materials of purchase or rentals.
Approve progress payments to contractors providing services to the city.
Monitor and supervise the investigation and response to citizen complaints.
Ensure the adherence to safe work practices by Public Works and Utility Operations personnel.
Coordinate the preparation of cost estimates and plans for street, traffic control and drainage system maintenance and repair activities.
Coordinate street, storm drainage system, and water and sewer construction and maintenance activities with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies.
Inspect fieldwork, ongoing projects, and contractor’s work.
Oversee the development and implementation of short term, mid- and long-range preventative maintenance schedules for water/sewer transmission, distribution, facilities, and infrastructure.
Assist with, and oversee aspects of, the City’s Street Maintenance Program. Provide guidance and feedback in the development of the City’s Street Maintenance Program.
Oversee, and coordinate, with department personnel maintenance and updating of signal and traffic signs city-wide. Coordinate with other departments to develop street signage aligned with specially designated city areas (e.g., Historic District, etc.)
Assumes full responsibility for the Department of Engineering to include personnel and activities, planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining public streets, parks, and City open spaces, assisting with facilities maintenance and design.
Coordinates the development and administration of specifications and contracts for capital improvement projects, reviews, and approves the analysis of bids, recommends approval, and develops procedures to monitor contract compliance.
Mentors and develops engineering staff. Assists engineering professionals in obtaining advanced credentials and professional engineers’ license.
Assists departments in oversight, review, monitoring, and evaluation of contract compliance relative to engineering standards. Reviews pay applications to ensure accuracy.
Stays abreast of current trends, and advances, in the fields of engineering, public works, utility operations, municipal operations and management.
Exercise duties and functions required under Section 94-526 of the City of Port Arthur Code of Ordinances.
Provide excellent customer service and establish effective partnerships, with a problem-solving and consensus-building attitude, with interior and exterior clients.
Serves as project engineering (manager) and prepares or oversees outsourced plans, specifications, and bid documents for assigned major and special projects of a complex and critical nature. Assists in the inspection and acceptance of completed projects.
Prepares technical requirements and develops scopes of work for professional services contracts for consultants / engineering firms.
Prioritizing the implementation of plans and developing funding strategies using a variety of funding sources to leverage City funding.
Formulates and prioritizes projects and project requirements.
Contract administration of consultants and contractors including negotiation of fees and change orders.
Other assignments may include performing engineering, calculations, selecting equipment components, preparing specifications, plan preparation, design and review of in-house projects, project management of capital improvements projects, report preparation related to water/wastewater, drainage, and transportation projects.
Maintain mental capacity which allows the capabilities to:
- Exercise sound judgment and rational thinking under stressful circumstances.
- Evaluate various options and alternatives and choose an appropriate and reasonable course of action.
- Prepare complex policies and recommendations.
- Effectively supervise personnel.
- Operate effectively in an economically and culturally diverse environment.
Maintain physical condition which will allow the capability to perform the following:
- Walking or standing for extended periods of time.
- Climbing stairs or ladders
- Inspecting projects on varying terrain and with inherent obstacles
Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception for:
- Making observations
- Reading and writing
- Operating necessary and assigned equipment (non-construction)
- Communicating orally and verbally with others.
Recommend appointments of, train, motivate and evaluate staff, monitor employee performance, prepare, and present employee performance reviews and coordinate or provide staff training.
Perform related duties as assigned by the City Manager.
QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Modern and complex principles and practices of Public Works and Utility Operations administration and civil engineering.
Principles of personnel administration, supervision, and training.
Materials, methods, practices, and equipment used in the Public Works and Utility Operations Departments activities.
Types and level of maintenance and repair activities generally performed in street, drainage water and sewer, traffic, electrical and paint, building maintenance and parks and grounds maintenance.
Occupational hazards of the activities supervised, and standard safety precautions necessary in the work.
Principles or organizations, administration, and budget management.
Demonstrated knowledge and experience in design and construction of areas, drainage, water, sewer, parking lots and roadways and other engineering disciplines associated with Municipal facilities.
Skilled in reading and interpreting a variety of highly technical or specialized materials.
Skilled in reading and interpreting a variety of engineering documents including blueprints and schematics.
Skilled in interpreting and applying applicable laws, codes, rules, regulations, and design standards.
Ability to: Plan, organize, and implement a comprehensive program of maintenance and repair work for Public Works and Utility Operations facilities.
Conduct studies, prepare comprehensive reports and determine cost-effective ways for providing Public Works and Utility Operations services.
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing with individuals and groups internal and external to the organization.
Interpret applicable laws, rules, and regulations.
Prepare and analyze Public Works and Utility Operations maintenance and services reports, statements, and correspondence.
Ability to manage multiple projects while organizing and prioritizing projects.
Ability to gather and analyze information and make recommendations based upon findings in support of organizational goals and objectives.
Ability to complete recommended emergency management training courses.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING GUIDELINES Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way would be:
EXPERIENCE: Seven years of increasingly responsible Public Service administration experience
TRAINING :
Bachelor of Science/Arts degree from a nationally accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering, or a related field, from an ABET or equivalently accredited program and additional training in public administration and related areas through college courses or continuing education courses.
LICENSE OR CERTIFICATES Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate Texas driver’s license.
Possession of a Texas Registered Professional Engineer’s license, or one from another state which is recognized by Texas and can be made reciprocal within six (6) months of employment or the ability to obtain within twelve (12) months of employment.
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT This position is deemed essential pursuant to the City of Port Arthur Emergency Management Plan.
Public Services - Posting #25-028 Director of Public Services/City Engineer CITY OF PORT ARTHUR
Attn: Hiring Manager
P.O. Box 1089
Port Arthur, Texas 77641-1089
(EEO/AA/V/F/RC/H)
The City of Port Arthur is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Job Tags
Full time, Contract work, Temporary work, For contractors,