DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING

DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Director of Engineering for the Engineering Division within the Department of Public Works. Under the direction of the Assistant Commissioner of Engineering, the position is required to perform all related duties which may include acting in the temporary absence of the Division head. The position is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and inspection of public infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, utilities, and other engineering-related facilities. The Director of Engineering plays a crucial role in the development and execution of engineering solutions that meet community needs while ensuring efficient implementation and budgetary adherence.

Bilingual and multilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Oversee daily operations of the four operational groups of the Engineering Division (Construction, Design, Permitting, and Special Projects).
• Manage Engineering Division staff including assigning work, establishing schedules, reviewing performance, approving PTO, providing guidance and instruction on technical and policy matters, determining training needs, and other direct supervisory tasks.
• Convert long-range plans and strategic priorities from the Assistant Commissioner into detailed, actionable operational plans for the division. Monitor personnel and resource allocation and usage for projects and initiatives to ensure effective and efficient usage.
• Act as a liaison between private utility companies and DPW for large scale construction and improvement projects. Coordinate the proposed activities of private utility companies with DPW construction and resurfacing projects.
• Monitor program and project progress through site visits, technical reviews, status reports, progress meetings, and performance evaluations. Develop and implement process improvements as required.
• Supervise procurement processes for engineering services, construction contract bidding, and materials procurement to ensure timely bidding and adherence with relevant State procurement laws and City practices.
• Oversee the Permitting team to facilitate punctual reviews and approvals. Enforce City regulations by ensuring all permitted work is designed and performed in accordance with established City policies, specifications, and ordinances.
• Ensure Division activities, practices, policies, and projects adhere to local, state, and federal regulations and standards. Provide updates as required to remain in alignment with current external guidance, technical environment, and regulatory changes.
• Provide technical guidance and insight to Design team to promote cost-effective and technically sound solutions to complex public works projects such as roadway redesign, drainage and sewer system separation, and watershed analysis.
• Implement the City's pavement management program including conferring with consultants and other City departments, reviewing candidate streets, selecting pavement preservation and treatment methods, and coordinating construction activities.
• Represent the Engineering Division in meetings with other City Departments, state agencies and regulators, contractors, consultants, residents, business owners, and other stakeholders.
• Direct the Construction team in executing infrastructure capital projects such as roadway improvements, bridge repairs, and utility installations with a focus on keeping projects in line with specifications, on schedule, and within budget.
• Lead the Special Projects team (street lighting and guardrails) to develop and implement targeted solutions that enhance public safety and meet warrant analysis.
• Review existing Division policies and procedures and recommend updates and improvements. Develop, recommend, and implement standard operating procedures and best management practices for Division activities to improve operational efficiency.
• Regular on-site attendance is required.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of municipal operations, including engineering, zoning, issuance of permits, public purchasing, and consulting services in a municipality.
• Knowledge of public procurement processes, including bid preparation, vendor management, contract administration, and reviewing and approving extra work orders.
• Knowledge of the principles of hydraulics as applied to surface drainage, stormwater and sewer pipes and structures, and culverts.
• Knowledge of AutoCAD, HydroCAD, GIS, permitting software, and asset management programs.
• Knowledge of the types and applications of equipment and materials used in the construction of public infrastructure components such as sidewalks, bridges, tunnels, water systems, stormwater systems, or sewer systems.
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite to support daily administrative and operational tasks
• Ability to multi-task, manage multiple complex projects, prioritize work and resources, delegate to subordinates, coordinate work of multiple individuals and teams, and set and meet project deadlines in an organized, efficient, and detailed manner.
• Ability to gather, analyze, and determine the applicability of civil engineering data, draw conclusions, and develop appropriate recommendations.
• Ability to establish rapport with others, develop and maintain harmonious working relationships, resolve conflicts between opposing parties, and work with others in a tactful and respectful manner.
• Ability to work with the public in a respectful manner and maintain professionalism while resolving difficult situations.
• Ability to provide technical assistance and professional advice to other City departments and officials, boards, committees, etc.
• Ability to mentor, train, and develop staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, while ensuring that team members are equipped to meet departmental objectives.
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing in a concise fashion, express thoughts clearly and succinctly, and present ideas in a logical sequence.
• Ability to understand, interpret, apply, and explain local, state, and federal laws, policies, regulations, and guidelines as applicable to horizontal construction and civil engineering projects.
• Ability to represent the DPW&P during meetings with the public, City boards and commissions, City contracted construction firms, private utility contractors, developers, abutters, regulators, and other project stakeholders.
• Ability to identify construction and engineering deficiencies and complications, develop alternatives, exercise sound judgement, and implement solutions.
• Skilled in performing mathematical calculations and applying engineering formulas to solve civil engineering problems.
• Skilled in swift reasoning and solving problems discerningly, rationally, and expediently in stressful situations.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering
• Massachusetts Professional Engineering (PE) License in Civil Engineering
• Seven (7) years of relevant work experience in civil or environmental engineering
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience
• Advanced knowledge of civil engineering and public infrastructure construction
• Experience with right-of-way permitting and coordination of public projects with private utilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master's Degree in Civil Engineering or Environmental Engineering
• Massachusetts Soil Evaluator Licensure
• MCPPO designation
• Three (3) years of experience working closely with the public
• Ten (10) years of relevant work experience in civil or environmental engineering
• Seven (7) years of supervisory experience
• Three (3) years of experience working in municipal/government, including experience working with municipal boards, commissions, and/or advisory committees.
• Five (5) years of experience with GIS, AutoCAD, and hydraulic modeling software.

SALARY RANGE: $88,280 - $136,420 annually, full-time, exempt, with an excellent benefits package.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JULY 25, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.