5.4. SR 08-04-2008REQUEST FOR ACTION
To Item Number
Ci Council 5.4.
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
Administration Au st 4, 2008 Lori ohnson, Ci Administrator
Item Description Reviewed by
Consider Civil Engineer Position
Reviewed by
Action Requested
The Council is asked to approve the position description and pay range for a civil engineer and authorize
initiating the process to fill this position.
Background/Discussion
During budget meetings for the 2009 engineering division budget, several rearganization and cost saving
strategies were discussed. One was to hire a staff civil engineer instead of using a consulting engineer for
improvement projects and other routine engineering functions currently done by the consulting engineer.
The Council agreed and directed staff to develop a position description in preparation for advertising the
position.
Public Works Director Terry Maurer worked with Human Resource Representative Lauren Wipper and
me to prepare a position description. The personnel committee has reviewed the description and placed
this position at pay grade nine ($56,820 to $66,847) which is consistent with the 60`'' percentile of our
comparable cities.
A majority of the duties of the civil engineer will be related to improvement projects and development
activities. Therefore, the funding for this position would come from improvement project funds and
developers with only a small part coming out of the general fund budget. This is consistent with the
allocation of costs for the consulting engineer except there will be a cost savings because the hourly rate
for a staff engineer is much lower than the consulting engineer. The civil engineer would utilize the
vehicle and equipment purchased for the engineering technician position that was recently vacated.
If the Council authorizes the filling of this position, staff will proceed with advertising and interviewing
for the position after which a recommendation will be brought back to the City Council fox authorization
to hire.
Financial Impact
Based on the current number of hours of contracted engineering services for project engineering, hiring a
civil engineer will result in a cost savings while providing more hours of service.
Attachments
^ Civil Engineer position description
S:\Council\Lori\2008\Civil Engineex.doc
QCtloll Motion by Second by Vote
Follow Up
S:\Council\Lori\2008\Civil Engineer.doc
`'~' City of Elk River
Civil Engineer
'~'" Position Description
ver
Department: Immediate Supervisor:
Public Works/En ineerin Public Works Director/Ci En ineer
Pay Grade: FLSA Status: Last Updated: (date)
9 Exem t 06/08
Positions Supervised:
N/A
Position Summary
The Civil Engineer provides assistance and support to the City Engineer by providing project
management and plan review of public improvement projects; approval and oversight of developer
installed private improvement projects; performing engineering calculations; designing and creating
project plans; and other studies as assigned.
Essential Functions
Develops and/or reviews plans for municipal, development and residential projects.
A. Designs plans, conducts feasibility studies, and prepares bid specifications for
municipal projects.
B. Reviews plans to assure conformance to federal, state, and city guidelines, policies,
ordinances and engineering standards.
C. Coordinates with appropriate city staff in reviewing new construction plans.
D. Performs storm water modeling and storm sewer design and related reports.
E. Prepares written reports and recommendations to city departments, committees,
commissions and the City Council.
2. Performs project management/coordination activities.
A. Communicates with residents, businesses and property owners to explain projects,
provide information, and resolve concerns and conflicts.
B. Consults with engineers, government agencies, developers and others to assure
coordination of development activities within the community as planned.
C. Provides staff support for council meetings and hearings.
D. Administers project contracts and maintains project files.
E. Performs inspections to assure desired outcomes are achieved.
F. Assists Environmental Division to assure project maintains all applicable
environmental requirements.
3. Functions as a liaison and advisor for the City.
A. Assist in establishing priorities fox street maintenance program projects.
B. Serves as city representative on committees as assigned.
C. Participates in establishing priorities for short- and long-range projects and
coordinates implementation as required.
D. Attend meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, and other meetings as
required.
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E. Directs special studies as necessary and takes appropriate action to improve various
services to the City.
F. Assists Environmental Division in the administration of the Wetland Conservation
Act and NPDES requirements.
4. Performs other essential job duties.
A. Regular and timely work attendance.
B. Follows all safety procedures.
C. Participates in safety training.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
^ Working knowledge of federal, state, regional and local laws, rules and regulations applicable
to municipal engineering.
^ Working knowledge of civil engineering computer software programs and pavement
management programs.
^ Working knowledge of current civil engineering principles and practices.
^ Working knowledge of MN Statute 429 regarding the special assessment process and public
improvements.
^ Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems.
^ Ability to analyze and interpret complex engineering data.
^ Ability to keep detailed records.
^ Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with elected officials,
developers, contractors, government agencies, staff and the public.
^ Ability to prepare written complex engineering reports and memorandums.
^ Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and
supervisors.
^ Ability or oversee and manage public improvement projects.
^ Ability to research and prepare reports.
^ Ability to deal effectively with adverse situations with a high degree of tact, courtesy and
sound judgment.
^ Ability to move about on construction work sites and under adverse field conditions.
Minimum Qualifications
^ Bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
^ 3 years of government engineering experience.
^ Current professional engineering license. Must be registered in Minnesota or have the ability
to register within 6 months.
^ Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC).
^ Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications
^ Registered professional engineer in the state of Minnesota.
^ Additional related experience.
"Phis Position Description is-not intended to be all-inchisiti~e: It is within the Cite ofF,ll~ River's discretion
to assign additional duties and responsibilities. of remove duties <md responsibilities at anv dine.
This Position Descriptiondoes not constitute a Contract of Employment.
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