Principal Engineer

Job Description

SUMMARY

Positions allocated to this classification report to a designated supervisor and work under general supervision. Work in this class is distinguished from higher classes by its lack of managerial responsibility and from lower classes by its emphasis on the application of intensive and diversified knowledge and advanced engineering skills and coordination of engineering staff to complex and novel projects.

Provides technical guidance on unusual, non-typical, complex problems and projects requiring a high degree of creativity, foresight, mature judgment in anticipating and solving unprecedented engineering problems.

Note : It should be understood that the job competencies, duties, and requirements of the Engineer IV are inherently included in this position.

EXAMPLES OF WORK

• This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of a specific job function does not prevent an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the job. Performance of lower-level duties may be required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Depending on area of assignment :

Coordinates the preparation, review, and approval of engineering analyses, specifications, and reports for complex projects.

Plans, organizes, and supervises the work of engineer(s) and / or engineering technician(s) and / or consultants. Evaluates progress and performance of the staff and results obtained and recommends major changes to achieve overall objectives. May involve performance management responsibilities.

Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and officials of other organizations, requiring skill in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues. Requires guidance by management in addressing customer requirements.

The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.

Represents the organization in conferences to resolve important questions and to plan and coordinate work.

Develops and modifies engineering theories, precepts, practices, and procedures. Makes recommendations for change prompted by new technological developments. Formulates operating policies.

Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities to be carried out by others.

Serves as the technical expert for the organization in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes. Devises and develops new approaches to problems encountered.

Provides guidance, assistance, and interpretation to others. Guidance relating largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters.

Designs and evaluates engineering projects and activities with internal departments, outside consultants, and contractors on complex projects.

Interprets, organizes, executes, and coordinates assignments.

Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with key engineers and officials in other organizations requiring skills in persuasion and negotiation.

Writes effective letters and complex reports.

Develops and makes technical presentations.

Develops, implements, and maintains an annual work plan and annual budget.

Attends work on a continuous and regular basis.

NON-ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

May coordinate major areas of engineering activities.

May act in absence of supervisor.

May be responsible for enforcing the drug policy, based on physical location and organizational structure.

May be required to supervise employees for purposes of the Drug Free Workplace Program, depending on job assignment and work location.

Will be required to respond under emergency conditions.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job function satisfactorily. Below are the required education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Bachelor of Science in Engineering degree from an Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited educational institution.

Typically, eight (8) years or more of experience in the area of assigned engineering responsibility. Appropriate co-op time and / or an advanced degree in engineering, business or other relevant courses of study may be recognized for up to one (1) year of experience.

CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES

Licenses

Valid State of Florida Professional Engineer license may be required.

Meet the Florida Board of Professional Engineers (FBPE) requirements as defined in Chapter 471 of the Florida Statute and obtain and maintain “Professional Engineer” Licensing.

Valid Florida Driver’s License required.

Certifications

None.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Depending on area of assignment :

Computer Skills

Demonstrate proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite or equivalent and possess a proficient knowledge of software utilized in the engineering discipline as required by the individual department.

Proficiency in specialized software may be required.

Level of Professional and Industry Competency

Make decisions and recommendations that are recognized as authoritative and have an important impact on engineering and other activities. Receive supervision and guidance that relate largely to overall objectives, critical issues, new concepts, and policy matters. Devise new approaches to problems encountered. Exercise sufficient professional experience and subject matter expertise to assure competence in the specific engineering discipline. Assume full technical responsibility for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments. Plan and develop engineering projects concerned with unique or controversial problems, which have an important effect on major programs.

Ability to apply complex and most current industry engineering theories, practices, and techniques to atypical challenges encountered in the organization.

Decision Making / Level of Independence / Direction received.

Work as an individual contributor, carry out complex or novel assignments requiring the development of new or improved techniques and procedures or carry out projects that involve a number of engineering disciplines. Work typically results in the development of new or refined equipment, materials, processes, products, and / or scientific methods. Develops and evaluates plans and criteria for a variety of projects and activities to be carried out by others. Serves as the technical specialist for the organization in the application of advanced theories, concepts, principles, and processes for an assigned area of responsibility (i.e., subject matter, function, type of facility or equipment, or product). Keep abreast of new scientific methods and developments affecting the organization for the purpose of recommending changes in emphasis of programs or new programs warranted by such developments.

Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness, and creativity to a variety of measurable and subjective criteria.

Complexity and Magnitude of Assignments

Exercise the judgment, sensitivity, decisiveness, and creativity required in situations involving the evaluation of information against sensory, judgmental and / or subjective criteria, as opposed to criteria that are clearly measurable or verifiable. Assume responsibility for his / her own work including output, quality, and timeliness. Tasks assigned are of the highest level of complexity.

Ability to resolve a variety of complex problems such as conflicting design requirements, unsuitability of standard materials, and coordination of personnel.

Supervision / Team Leadership / Project Direction

Perform in a high-level individual contributor position that may provide limited supervision or coordination of work among one or more engineer I, II, III or IVs, engineering technicians, consultants and other support personnel who assist in specific assignments.

Ability to guide and coach engineers / utility designers and other engineering personnel.

Relationship Building and Maintenance (Internal and External)

Initiates and maintains extensive contacts with Key engineers and officials of other organizations, requiring skill in persuasion and negotiation of critical issues, including the initiation and maintenance of extensive contacts with these parties. The incumbent typically is able to unilaterally address customer requirements.

Ability to work effectively with elected officials, charter officers, department heads, and representatives of other agencies, other city employees, and the general public.

Written and Verbal Communication Skills

Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills including persuasion, consensus building and negotiation of critical issues.

Continuing Education and Development

Keep abreast of latest engineering advancements in respective disciplines; distribute new information throughout organization to both lower and upper-level personnel. Maintain professional certification. Remain current with technical / regulatory developments. Possibly explain work processes and train others, such as new employees. The individual contributor may serve as a resource or guide by advising others on how to use processes within a system or as a member of a collaborative problem-solving team.

Engineering Data Collection and Economic & Statistical Analysis

Apply knowledge of engineering economic analysis to projects or systems. Compare alternatives using appropriate economic analysis. Review and approve the economic analysis and engineering recommendations prepared by others. Interprets results to support policy, ratemaking or budgeting. Determine appropriate data required as well as analyze and present complex data. Direct the data gathering tasks of Engineer I, II, III and IV.

Ability to perform involved mathematical and engineering computations.

PHYSICAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must possess certain physical abilities and be able to withstand work related environmental conditions.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

May work at heights of over 100 feet on open grating or from aerial device.

Work may require physical strength and agility sufficient to safely perform all essential functions.

Work may require use of personal protection equipment including hearing protection, eye protection, foot protection, hand protection, and head protection.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work may require performance of tasks outdoors under varying climatic conditions.

Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

Work may require performance of tasks in extreme heat and confined areas.

Note :

May Require Assessment(s).

May fill multiple positions.

May establish an eligibility list.

Come join our team! The City of Gainesville offers a competitive benefits package and opportunities to grow both professionally and personally.

All ‘regular’ employees are eligible for traditional benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, paid leave, 11 paid a holidays a year, a pension plan and a deferred compensation plan, but we also o ff er great things like on-site fi tness centers, tuition reimbursement, on-site medical sta ff and a wellness program to keep you healthy and happy. Please note; benefits are not available for temporary employees.

Equal Opportunity

The City of Gainesville is an equal opportunity / affirmative action employer and does not discriminate in hiring. Minorities, women and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Individuals with a disability, who require special accommodations during the selection process, should notify the Human Resources Department at 352-334-5077 or TDD / TTY at 352-334-2292.

Veterans' Preference

Veterans are encouraged to apply. Veterans’ Preference ensures that veterans and eligible persons are given consideration at each step of the selection process. However, preference does not guarantee that a veteran or other eligible person will be the candidate selected to fill the position. Section 295.07, Florida Statutes (F.S.) specifies who is eligible for Veterans’ Preference. State of Florida residency is not required for Veterans’ Preference.

If you are unable to apply online due to a disability, contact recruiting at or by calling 352-334-5077.