Pittsburgh, PA
THE POSITION
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the Chief Engineering Officer will interface with and provide updates to the Board of Directors, which is the governing body of the Authority nominated by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. Under the broad supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Chief Engineering Officer oversees the short- and long-term strategic planning and implementation of all engineering and design work performed either in-house or contracted, relating to water, sewer, and storm water systems.
Duties
In alignment with the requirements of the position, the Chief Engineering Officer will:
Serve as an internal leader and provide effective directional leadership for the Engineering and Construction Planning of the organization.
Serve as a trusted advisor and strategic business partner to the senior leadership team regarding key management and development of capital improvement and construction planning and projects.
Advise Executive Leadership on all engineering and construction matters that impact business objectives.
Identify opportunities to leverage strengths to take advantage of new opportunities, and/or to address organizational challenges.
Act as project manager on all mission-critical organization initiatives and projects.
Promptly update and inform the Chief Executive Officer of all necessary engineering and construction business matters.
Plan, develop, direct, and control the materials, equipment and personnel to ensure the effective, efficient and economical attainment of program goals, including maximum optimization and convenience to the public and safety of employees.
In collaboration with Engineering department leadership, oversee the development and management of department operating budgets; direct the development of annual capital improvement project budgets.
Coordinate with and respond to requests from the Board of Directors; provide formal and informal summaries, financial reports, and additional explanation of actions for consideration to pertinent Board committees.
Partner with applicable stakeholders to ensure we meet and exceed construction goals and/or contract performance related to established guidelines or regulations, and supplier diversity program goals and objectives.
Manage area of responsibility in strict accordance with applicable laws, consent orders, administrative/union agreements, regulations and established policies to ensure ethical, compliant, and fair/standardized operations and treatment of employees.
Provide support and development to staff through performance management, culture coaching, training, motivation, and discipline.
Perform other related tasks as assigned or required.
Qualifications
The minimum requirements for the Chief Engineering Officer position include a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in water, wastewater, storm water and/or utility management or related civil engineering field along with 15 years of engineering management experience with at least five (8) years of senior level experience. A Master’s Degree and water/wastewater/storm water experience are preferred. Utility experience is a plus.
The ideal candidate will possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Extensive knowledge of strategic planning approaches, methods, and integration with business and strategic plans.
Ability to understand and engage stakeholders, particularly contractors and consultants, the customers, Board Members, community leaders, and industry professionals, to influence outcomes that drive the vision, mission, strategic plan.
Ability to develop and implement long-term (5-year) vision through cross- functional plans that execute against the vision on-time and on budget.
Extensive knowledge of the policies, practices and techniques associated with the proper construction policies and procedures, as well as applicable licenses and laws.
Considerable knowledge of the forecasting of construction/maintenance needs and of how to integrate and schedule the various functional areas supervised.
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with numerous variables in situations where limited standardization exists.
Ability to function independently and exercise considerable judgement in the resolution of problems and/or coordination of emergency incidents.
Demonstrates teamwork and effective and efficient operations within senior team by promoting collaboration first versus providing specific direction (i.e., deciding the issue in conflict); facilitates discussions among leaders to help them develop solutions between themselves.
Special requirements
Professional Engineering registration at time of filing an application and, if current registration is in another state, obtain a Commonwealth of Pennsylvania registration within six months of appointment to this position.
A current PA Professional Engineering registration must be maintained throughout employment.
Up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination prior to commencement of work (subject to applicable law including the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 reasonable accommodation requirements).
Current, valid Class C (Class 1) Motor Vehicle Operator’s License prior to appointment. A valid driver’s license must be maintained throughout employment.
Permanent residency within one of the following Pennsylvania counties at the time of appointment and throughout employment with the Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Indiana, Washington, or Westmoreland.
