Consulting Engineer (Planning & Project Development)
Description
About This Position
Austin Energy’s Corporate Support Services Division, Planning and Project Development Section has an opening for a full-time Consulting Engineer to manage a portfolio of vertical and horizontal construction projects and space reconfigurations in support of Austin Energy mission‑critical operations.
Job Description
Consulting Engineer
Purpose
Under nominal direction, this position is accountable for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments. This position plans and develops engineering projects concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on major City programs or projects. This position serves as technical expert in a related area.
Duties, Functions and Responsibilities
Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.
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Develops or oversees development of technical specifications and standards by applying knowledge of the principles and practices of discipline engineering including the methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets plans, specifications, contracts, and other related documents.
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Manages and coordinates programs or projects by reviewing and monitoring projects or programs, including the review of plans and development proposals for impacts related to project or program.
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Plans, research, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects or program areas by applying advanced technical knowledge of engineering discipline.
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Manages and negotiates contracts by reviewing monthly progress reports, verifying final quantities and costs, compiling requisite documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records. Acts as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, or suppliers and the City. Negotiates problems of changes, errors, or deficiencies and ensures compliance with project specifications and requirements.
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Interacts with internal and external customers to ensure requirements and needs are satisfied.
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Reviews plans and provides recommendation changes, solutions, or implementation.
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Monitors projects for regulatory compliance by providing consultation and determinations in matters involving application and interpretation of regulations and policies.
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Manages or leads teams of technical personnel including assigning and monitoring tasks. Provides advanced technical training to staff and field personnel by reviewing business needs, evaluating personnel, creating and applying training documentation, and presenting and analyzing training.
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Develops and monitors budget of projects. Assists in developing, managing, and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term City planning.
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Provides a high level of engineering and technical advice and direction. Possesses ability to troubleshoot advanced technical problems. Possesses ability to perform advanced engineering design.
Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised
May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
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Knowledge of diversified, fundamental scientific and civil engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships and utilize such changes in solution of theoretical or practical civil engineering problems.
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Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.
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Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of assigned discipline.
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Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques.
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Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures.
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Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods and solutions.
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Knowledge of phases of the plans review and inspections processes.
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Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.
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Knowledge of regulatory requirements within Local and State ordinances and laws.
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Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports.
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Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution.
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Ability to perform more complex engineering computations, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry rapidly and accurately.
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Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.
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Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.
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Ability to observe, compare, or monitor objects and data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.
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Ability to use graphic instructions such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to engineering, plus eight (8) years of engineering experience acquired before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer.
Licenses and Certifications Required
Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, must have the ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six (6) months of employment.
Preferred Qualifications
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Extensive professional experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in the field.
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Licensed Engineer with specialization in Electrical Engineering; experience in Mechanical and Plumbing disciplines is also considered
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Ability to sign Electrical (or Mechanical/Plumbing) drawings for permitting Austin Energy projects;
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LEEP AP w/ specialty and/or WELL AP credential.
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Project Management Professional Certification (PMP) or Certified associate in project management (PMI-CAPM), or ability to obtain one of these or other acceptable designation within six (6) months of employment.
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Strong proficiency in industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, the Microsoft Office and Teams suite, Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, and similar tools.
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Recent experience applying AutoCAD or Revit in the creation of permit and construction drawings and specifications
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Excellent organizational skills to manage and monitor multiple assignments simultaneously.
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Previous experience in new construction, interior design, and renovation projects, or equivalent experience in related fields
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Previous experience with building & site planning, schematic design, design development, contract documents (drawings & specifications), construction administration, and post-construction services
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Ability to travel to one or more locations.
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Ability bending, walking, carrying and lifting up to fifty (50) pounds with or without accommodations.
Notes to Candidate
Project management responsibilities include, but are not limited to, collaborating with engineers, architects, and other professionals to determine project specifications; coordinating with the Capital Contract Office and City of Austin Purchasing to negotiate and execute contracts; facilitating permits and licenses from all regulating authorities; and determining needed resources such as manpower, equipment, and materials with attention to budget limitations.
Additional responsibilities include planning all construction operations and scheduling intermediate phases to ensure deadlines are met; acquiring and monitoring equipment and materials; overseeing consultants and contractors in accordance with contract terms; evaluating pro