The City of Red Deer Exempt Job Description

JOB TITLE: MUNICIPAL ENGINEER

JOB CODE: MENG

DIVISION: Development Services JOB REPORTS TO: BAND

ASSIGNMENT:
DEPARTMENT: Engineering Services Utilities Engineer

SECTION: Utilities

FUNCTION/PURPOSE:
The position is responsible for preparing utility designs and cost estimates that will be used for
construction, budget, or planning purposes. This position is also responsible for preparing,
advertising, and administering individual construction contracts prepared either in-house or by
engineering consultants for a variety of municipal projects. This position will develop, maintain, and
operate computer models to determine effects of new developments on the existing City sanitary,
storm, and water infrastructure, to identify bottlenecks and to develop improvement programs.

# KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Freq.

with associated Decisions and Recommendations dwmqa

1 Computer Modeling Daily

Develop, and maintain several computer modeling and design packages related to Weekly
storm drainage, sanitary sewer collection, and water distribution. Accept
responsibility for the computer analysis and recommendations by stamping the
report/study (use of the APEGGA professional stamp).

• Use computer models to solve problems for City wide and site specific areas.
• Address “what if” questions such as the impact of a new development being
added to the existing infrastructure, or the affects of various optional
improvements.
• Initiate and update serviceability studies with respect to the utility networks.
• Evaluate and confirm the accuracy of other models produced by consultants.

Decisions: Evaluate and decide key hydraulic and physical parameters for each
modeling scenario. Interpret the initial model results and evaluate the effectiveness
of each design modification and solution with respect to the problem. Recognize if
the proposed upgrade approach will be efficient and cost effective or should other
design solutions be introduced. Evaluate computer models developed by consultants.
Evaluate new software packages prior to purchase.

Recommendations: Develop and compile constructive recommendations to solve

engineering problems. Prepare modeling results in a summary report recommending
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# KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Freq.
with associated Decisions and Recommendations dwmqa
the most effective solution. Prepare supporting material to this decision outlining the
pros and cons of each alternative. Present the results and recommendations to the
Utilities Engineer. Inform the consultant of modeling errors. Establish standardized
model protocols and submission formats.

2 Project Engineering Daily

Prepare detailed design drawings for various assigned utility construction projects. Weekly
Accept professional responsibility for designs by affixing Professional Engineering
stamp to construction drawings. Supervise and guide the entire project from an initial
conceptual stage to the constructed finished product. Ensure that the project
remains on budget and on schedule.

• Direct and monitor the actions of in-house staff with respect to these projects.
• Coordinate field surveys of existing utilities.
• Solicit comments from relevant agencies and departments and apply for
construction approvals if necessary.
• Prepare cost estimates and coordinate project activities affecting Public Works,
other City Departments, outside agencies, or interest groups.
• Perform liaison duties with various interest groups to minimize potential
disruptions.
• Ensure that sufficient materials testing and inspections are undertaken so that the
construction quality meets The City’s requirements.
• Prepare and submit progress reports to the Utilities Engineer.

Decisions: Make technical decisions with regard to the engineering design so that
the design project is practical, functional, and cost effective. Anticipate problem
areas, modify or guide the design to minimize possible conflicts. Provide solutions to
unexpected construction problems. Interpret inspection and testing results and take
the necessary action with City Forces, consultant forces, or contracted forces to
ensure high quality work.

Recommendations: Recommend to contracted forces, specific engineering

construction techniques for specialized situations. Review construction conflict
situations, recommend the appropriate solution to the contractor, and coordinate the
required personnel.

3 Project Management Daily

Manage assigned engineering projects slated for consulting services. Coordinate, Weekly
develop, and prepare engineering terms of reference and construction tenders.
Monitor tendering processes and respond to the contractor’s questions. Identify key
items or concerns with regard to the project, such as approvals, budget, schedule, or
expected construction difficulties. Monitor and direct the construction process and
ensure completion of the project.

Decisions: Confirm the accuracy and appropriateness of the consultant engineering

design and make recommendations for changes if necessary. Approve solutions or
assist the consultant in determining solutions to problems that occur during
construction. Monitor the progress of the consultant.
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# KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Freq.
with associated Decisions and Recommendations dwmqa

Recommendations: Review and recommend design and construction procedures

to contractors and consultants. Analyze and recommend award of engineering and
construction assignments to the Utilities Engineer.

4 Data Collection Programs Weekly

Initiate and maintain data collection programs (sanitary and storm flow monitoring,
rainfall data, and hydrant flow tests). Use the collected data as initial boundary
conditions or to calibrate and verify the accuracy of the department’s hydraulic and
hydrologic computer models. Use specialized computer software to process field
data.

• Analyze the collected data to confirm or redefine design guideline standards.

Decisions: Evaluate and decide the most effective installation location for each data
collection program. Implement long-range data collection programs for the entire
city, as well as initiate, plan, and budget each yearly collection program.

Recommendations: Provide reports to the Utilities Engineer listing

recommendations to upgrade existing or future sanitary, storm, and water main,
infrastructure based on flow monitoring, manual calculations, and/or computer
simulated models. Recommendations are to be forwarded to the Utilities Engineer.

5 Cost Estimates Quarterly

Prepare detailed construction cost estimates for minor and major municipal Annually
improvement projects, as well as updating estimating guidelines.

Decisions: Decide the appropriate construction process and develop required

materials, equipment, and labour force list.

Recommendations: Provide recommendations to the Utilities Engineer with respect

to the design or construction techniques to minimize construction conflicts and
maximize the efficiency of the project.

6 Engineering Specifications Annually

Use the various computer models and data collection programs to evaluate and
determine ranges or values for design guidelines. Evaluate and update City Design
Guidelines and Construction Specifications.

Decisions: Evaluate engineering data (e.g. hydrological IDF curves, sewer flow
data, water pressures and flows) and decide appropriate design and construction
parameters for modeling, standards, and design.

Recommendations: Provide recommendations to the Utilities Engineer to update

the City Design Guidelines and Construction Specifications.

REQUIREMENTS, RESOURCES, CONDITIONS

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MINIMUM ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
• Graduate from University with a Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Eligible for membership in the Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and
Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA).
• Two years direct related experience in the design and construction of municipal projects, after
graduation.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of Civil Engineering.
• Knowledge of the principles of surveying and computer aided drafting and design.
• Knowledge of microcomputer engineering applications and operation in conjunction with normal
duties.
• Knowledge of the current methods and techniques as applied to design and construction of
various municipal works; including water, sanitary sewage, and storm drainage.
• Ability to work with contractors, consultants, City staff, property owners, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

DIRECTLY REPORTING TO THIS JOB ARE:

None

RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROXIMATE ANNUAL BUDGET OF:

Typical project budgets of $50,000 to $2,000,000, as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
• There will be some exposure to risk, due to on-site inspections and coordination of various
projects.
• Must be prepared to work extended hours on occasion, which may infringe on personal time
outside normal working hours.
• May be required to attend meetings and/or assume the duties of the Utilities Engineer, on
occasion.

Incumbent Signature: Department Head Signature

Date: Date:

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