Director of Engineering/Chief Engineer

Job Description

Definition and Examples of Work

Conceptualize and prioritize all construction projects in alignment with long-term organizational needs.

Supervise the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimating in the design and construction phases of KTA projects.

Provide engineering support services for other KTA departments.

Provide leadership and supervision to engineering department staff.

Manage and administer construction contracts.

Coordinate with state, county and local governments and related agencies.

Resolve conflicts related to people, drawings, specifications, pay estimates within projects.

Analyze engineering problems, providing coaching and feedback to engineering staff in resolution.

Represent KTA at meetings and communicate regularly with stakeholders and vendors, including contractors, consultants, regulatory officials, governing bodies, internal KTA staff, and the public.

Assign project personnel to specific phases or aspects of projects, such as technical studies, preparation of specifications and technical plans.

Responsible for development of department staffing including hiring, training, coaching and development, performance management, and corrective feedback processes.

Prepares budget estimates of departmental project and staffing needs, prepares reports of operations, and maintains related records.

Assists finance department with long-term project expenditures estimates.

Additional duties may be assigned as business needs require.

Latitude and Impact of Position

This position works independently and as part of a team, including providing input and problem solving with others to complete tasks. The position delegates to others, provides coaching and training in both a formal and informal manner, and is responsible for providing performance feedback. Negotiation and persuasion is used with both internal and external customers and vendors. Decision making is typically done independently in regard to decisions affecting the department, including hiring, firing, promotions and salaries, and collaboratively makes decisions with other departments regarding organizational policy. Purchasing decisions may be made involving commitments up to $25,000. Successful completion of job tasks impacts operating costs, customer satisfaction, external company image, and internal policies and procedures.

Work Environment

The work environment described here is representative of the general work environment for the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Primarily works in office environment while using computers and related peripherals and other office equipment.

Occasional work outdoors with exposure to all weather elements (i.e. high heat, cold)

Occasional exposure to moderate noise levels

Occasional personal protective equipment required

QUALIFICATION

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of civil engineering practices, methods and materials used in design and construction of projects, including highway, bridge and road design.

Knowledge of environmental and other regulatory requirements.

Strong project management skills.

Ability to manage and de-escalate conflicts.

Ability to administer engineering projects from conception through the design and construction.

Understanding of theory and design of structures and highways.

Ability to prepare and read plans and specifications.

Ability to use engineering tools and drafting equipment and programs.

Excellent communication and public speaking skills (verbal and written)

Ability to negotiate with and persuade others.

Ability to use small hand tools, shovel, level, tape, wheel, rod and other surveying / measuring equipment.

Proficient in use of computers with Microsoft Windows and Office Suite and bridge and road design software and project management and inspection software.

Familiar with GIS and mapping software.

Familiar with general office equipment, telephones, printers, etc.

Understanding of theory and design of structures, highway design and highway materials.

Ability to work with all types of people both within and out of the organization.

Ability to manage a team.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Experience with CAD software (Microstation)

Survey equipment

Understanding of a tolling road system

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or related degree (required)

10 years’ experience in construction and design of civil engineering projects.

Two years supervisory experience.

3-5 years project management experience, including managing contractors, maintenance and structural crews.

Certification, License, Registration

State of Kansas Professional Engineering license (required)

Required continuing education to maintain licensure in good standing

Valid driver license and good driving record.

Physical requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those 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.

Continuous sitting, bending, twisting, and turning.

Continuous use of hands to touch, handle or feel (i.e. repetitive gripping, grasping, pinching, squeezing)

Frequent standing or walking.

Occasionally required to lift or carry up to 50 pounds.

Must have good close (20 inches or less) and distance (20 feet or more) vision.

Must have the ability to identify and distinguish colors and/or shapes.

Other Requirements

Frequent daily travel (occasional overnight)

Occasional out-of-state travel to attend conferences and meetings

Occasional non-standard work hours to accommodate work meetings, construction in non-peak travel times, and to respond to incidents involving KTA infrastructure damage.

Varied work schedule (on call 24/7)

Work on holidays

Full-time