Consulting Engineer (Planning & Project Development)

Job 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. 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. 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. Plans, research, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects or program areas by applying advanced technical knowledge of engineering discipline. 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. Interacts with internal and external customers to ensure requirements and needs are satisfied. Reviews plans and provides recommendation changes, solutions, or implementation. Monitors projects for regulatory compliance by providing consultation and determinations in matters involving application and interpretation of regulations and policies. 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. Develops and monitors budget of projects. Assists in developing, managing, and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term City planning. 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. 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. Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry. Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of assigned discipline. Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques. Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures. Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods and solutions. Knowledge of phases of the plans review and inspections processes. Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports. Knowledge of regulatory requirements within Local and State ordinances and laws. Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports. Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution. Ability to perform more complex engineering computations, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry rapidly and accurately. Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel. Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions. Ability to observe, compare, or monitor objects and data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards. 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: Extensive professional experience demonstrating progressive responsibility in the field. Licensed Engineer with specialization in Electrical Engineering; experience in Mechanical and Plumbing disciplines is also considered Ability to sign Electrical (or Mechanical/Plumbing) drawings for permitting Austin Energy projects; LEEP AP w/ specialty and/or WELL AP credential. 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. Strong proficiency in industry-standard software, including AutoCAD, Revit, Bluebeam, the Microsoft Office and Teams suite, Adobe Photoshop, SketchUp, and similar tools. Recent experience applying AutoCAD or Revit in the creation of permit and construction drawings and specifications Excellent organizational skills to manage and monitor multiple assignments simultaneously. Previous experience in new construction, interior design, and renovation projects, or equivalent experience in related fields Previous experience with building & site planning, schematic design, design development, contract documents (drawings & specifications), construction administration, and post-construction services Ability to travel to one or more locations. 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 project and construction progress and preparing detailed reports; ensuring adherence to health and safety standards; space planning, interior renovations, and furniture procurement; preliminary project planning and documentation; preparing contract documents, permitting, construction administration, and post‑construction services; and creating scoping documents and related exhibits to convey design intent for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and other work. This position, under limited supervision, applies the City of Austin Building Technical Codes, International Building Codes, and Land Development Code to interpret and apply design standards to Austin Energy projects. The preferred candidate will assist with inquiries by the Mayor and City Council, the City Manager’s Office, and other agencies regarding Austin Energy facility‑related issues, and will represent Austin Energy at public meetings with neighborhood groups, community stakeholders, Commissions, Boards, and other regional or local agencies.This position requires regular interaction with vendors, and the ability to travel to multiple work locations for site visits, meetings, and field assessments is important and preferred . Physical activities such as walking, lifting, and bending are necessary to perform the duties of this position. Physical activities such as walking, lifting, and bending are necessary to perform the duties of this role. Pay Range: Salary is commensurate with experience and the approved salary range. Location: 4815 Mueller Blvd, Austin Texas 78723 Schedule: Flexible schedule, mandatory 40% in office, additional time depends on business needs. Employment Application: The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered. The Employment Record should be complete with job titles, employment dates, job duties, functions, and responsibilities for each position held. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience from your application. Responses to supplemental questions regarding experience should also be clearly documented in the ‘Experience’ section of the main application. Please be sure to detail on the application all current and previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications. Résumés will not be accepted and statements such as “see résumé” will not be accepted. You may use “N/A” for fields that are not applicable. Please note that Austin Energy may close the job posting at any time after 7 days from the date of the initial advertisement. Once the job posting has closed, applications cannot be changed. To ensure a thorough evaluation of your qualifications, please answer all applicable questions in the questionnaire section completely. Incomplete, brief, or one-line responses may not provide enough detail and could impact your eligibility to move forward in the selection process. Current City of Austin employees must submit their application through ‘Job Hubs’ in Workday to be considered. If you are selected as a top candidate: Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution This position may require a criminal background investigation. Good Standing Employees Employees, in Good Standing, who are candidates within the department/division that the position resides in and who meet the minimum and all of the preferred qualifications (if any) of the position will be included in the initial interview. Department/division employee must remain in Good Standing through the Top Candidate Selection phase at which time the Good Standing status will be re-verified. Travel: If you are selected for this position, and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program, you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations. Critical: This position has been designated as a Critical Employee position. Critical Employees are considered necessary and vital and supports activities that impact City or department operations. This work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees who are able to work at an alternative work location are required to do so. Schedules may be modified, and employees may be reassigned to another area during extraordinary situations or emergency conditions to provide essential services. Assessments: Your skill level in some of the competency areas for this job may be assessed through skills testing. Candidates selected for interview(s) may be required to complete an assessment(s) approved by Municipal Civil Service process, Rule 4. Fair Labor Standards Act: This position is considered FLSA Exempt. Exempt employees are salaried and, except as provided, are not eligible for overtime compensation. Important Note to Applicants: Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time. We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system" at the end. . JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee. What Makes the City of Austin Special? Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives. Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits. Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System. Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure. Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support. Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities. Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration. By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country. . EEO Statement for City of Austin: The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk. City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.