Engineer I-Community Development

Description

The Engineer I is an entry-level engineering position responsible for assisting with day-to-day operations within the Community Development Engineering Division, including the plan review and approval processes of residential subdivisions and commercial developments, which may include plats, easements, plans, traffic impact studies, and other associated reports. This role provides technical support for various engineering functions and ensures compliance with applicable regulations. The position requires strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills to effectively contribute to the city's engineering efforts. It provides technical assistance to city staff on basic technical issues using common engineering methods, practices, and principles to formulate possible solutions.

This position is classified as FLSA-exempt and therefore it is not eligible for overtime compensation under the learned professional exemption.

Examples of Duties

The following duties and responsibilities are typical for this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists with the facilitation of the private development review process; maintains timelines and ensures that they are met and that the process is a positive experience for city staff, customers and the broader public.

Provides support to the Floodplain Administrator and assists with the administration of the city floodplain ordinance including the review of permit applications for floodplain permits.

Attends preconstruction meetings for private development projects.

Assists with the coordination of public rights-of-way dedications and easements associated with private development and public works projects.

Performs on-site reviews of site conditions and situations and makes recommendations for remediation and/or improvements.

Assists with the review and issuance of engineering permits.

Verifies, compiles, and maintains as-built drawings for new and existing infrastructure.

Attends board and commission meetings, as needed.

Assists in the review and recommends approval for work hour variance applications.

Verify, assign and invoice the required fees associated with development permits and assist in the reimbursement of inspection deposits.

Assist with the verification of completion of work before infrastructure acceptance.

Review and ensure project submissions are compliant.

Assists with compliance with environmental protection regulations and the city’s stormwater management program.

Responds to citizen complaints, inquiries, and requests for service pertaining to division activities such as drainage issues, geotechnical problems, pavement problems, hydrological issues and flooding.

Provides support for the engineering inspection services of private development projects; responds to questions and requests for information from businesses and staff and addresses construction problems and concerns.

Assists in the coordination and implementation of special projects.

Assists with the preparation of reports, maps, and exhibits for presentation to city leadership, city council, and community organizations.

Regular and predictable attendance.

Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or closely related field from an ABET-accredited educational institution. Must maintain a valid Ohio driver license and insurability under the city’s insurance policy; must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check after conditional offer. The Engineer I is distinguished from the Engineer II, which may supervise or manage employees or a program and the degree to which oversight and decision making is reviewed. Must maintain a valid Ohio driver’s license and insurability under the city’s insurance policy. Must pass a drug screen and background check prior to employment.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Ability to: establish and maintain effective working relationships with residents, consultants, developers, owners, vendors, staff at all levels of the organization, and other governmental agencies in order to support a high level of organizational performance; understanding of civil engineering principles, construction methods, and municipal infrastructure; complete work in compliance with deadlines; assess and monitor workload, operational processes, and internal reporting relationships; receive, investigate, and respond to problems and complaints in a professional manner; identify and report findings and take necessary corrective action; work with frequent interruptions; handle stressful situations; handle confidential material in strict confidence; exercise initiative and judgment within established guidelines; organize work, set priorities, and follow-up on assignments; behave in a friendly, understanding, helpful and professional manner with co-workers, supervisors and the general public; analyze complex situations, problems, and deadlines, and use sound judgment in drawing conclusions and making decisions; accurately respond to routine and sensitive inquiries from public officials, other departments, coworkers, jurisdictions, and the general public; communicate well, in both verbal and written form; utilize independent judgment, common sense, and principals of influence and rational systems in the performance of tasks; apply logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks; understand, interpret, and communicate complicated policies, procedures, and protocols; effectively manage multiple priorities and efficiently organize and prioritize work assignments, projects and activities; apply time management and organizational principals; practice regular and predictable attendance; work irregular hours that include evenings, weekends or holidays; operate in the absence of clear expectations, precedence, or procedures; operate a motor vehicle.

Skill in: applicable software (e.g. Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, governmental software); use of modern business equipment; providing excellent customer service; communication orally or in writing to a variety of audiences to clearly convey information; developing and standardizing procedures and methods to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of engineering services, projects and activities; explaining complicated concepts in a way that is understood; public presentations.

Knowledge of: basic principles and practices of engineering; geometry; land use and development principles, practices, concepts procedures and methods; city policies and procedures; city/department mission and goals; city government structure, operations, and processes.

Summary

The Engineer I is an entry-level engineering professional committed to delivering high-quality public service. This role demands strong problem-solving skills, integrity, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. The Engineer I supports the private development process. The ideal candidate exhibits creative problem-solving, strong analytical ability, attention to detail, and a proactive approach to learning and professional development. As a representative of the city, the Engineer I engages with internal and external stakeholders, including residents, contractors, and other government agencies, providing clear communication and responsiveness. This position necessitates excellent verbal and written communication skills, active listening abilities, and a foundational understanding of civil engineering principles, design, construction, building and planning industries.