*ENGINEERING CONTRACT ADMINISTRATOR
Pay Range GC23

INTRODUCTION

This classification is responsible for administering public works construction contracts and inspecting projects to assure compliance with specifications, standards and regulations. Incumbent supervises section support staff and has responsibility for work performed within the section.

EXAMPLES OF PRINCIPAL DUTIES

(Duties assigned to this classification include, but are not limited to, the following examples.)

1. Supervise and coordinate work activities of assigned technical staff in the inspection or roads, bridges and other public works projects; offer technical assistance as needed and determine best solution when problems arise. Ensure work is in compliance with appropriate regulations. Assume accountability for work performed within section. Is involved in selection, training and evaluating staff. Establish and interpret policy and procedure.

2. Administer contracted construction projects; prepare bid openings, cost estimates and bid review; interpret plans and prepare contract specifications and RFP's; evaluate construction alternatives; recommend change orders and negotiate price adjustments; mediate disputes between the County and contractors, suppliers and property owners; document contract performance; prepare progress payment estimates.

3. Organize and conduct planning meetings with contractors, other county departments and utility districts; exchange information and ideas prior to proposal development and start of construction; apprise property owners of the affect of planned construction on their properties and address their concerns.

4. Serve as department liaison with regulatory agencies and assist county operations and maintenance division as requested.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY REQUIRED BY THIS POSITION

Knowledge of: Thorough knowledge of civil engineering principles, practices and procedures; considerable knowledge of mathematics related to civil engineering; considerable knowledge of laws, rules, codes, regulations and ordinances related to engineering projects; considerable knowledge of materials, methods and equipment used in construction. Skill in: Estimating materials and labor costs; conducting research and technical report writing; the use of scientific calculators; processing information on a computer. Ability to: Communicate effectively in both oral and written forms; interpret engineering plans and develop contract specifications; make decisions independently in accordance with established policies and procedures, establish new policies when applicable, and use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities; establish and maintain record keeping systems and reports; conduct research and compile and analyze technical data; utilize problem identification and resolution techniques; remain calm and use good judgment during confrontational or high pressure situations; plan, organize, assign, coordinate and review work of staff; courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees and organizations, private engineers and consultants, regulatory agencies, utility districts and the public.

Education, experience and training: Bachelors degree in civil engineering or a related field and four years engineering experience, one of which involves lead or supervisory responsibility OR Associate degree in civil engineering or a related field and five years engineering experience, one of which involves lead or supervisory responsibility OR seven years engineering experience, one of which involves lead or supervisory responsibility OR a satisfactory equivalent combination of education, experience or training. At time of appointment, must possess a valid Oregon driver's license.

Must possess Engineer-In-Training or Land Surveyor-in-Training certification or be able to obtain certification within one year of employment.

Desirable qualifications: Construction and contract administration experience; Professional Engineer or Land Surveyor registration.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS OF THIS POSITION

Work is performed under the guidance of the county engineer. Recurring routine assignments are independently performed by employee on basis of past experience. Employee receives general instructions regarding scope of and approach to projects or assignments, but procedures and problem resolution are left to employee discretion and interpretation. Work is reviewed periodically to ensure determinations and decisions made are in accordance to department policy and procedures.

GUIDELINES

Work is performed within departmental policy and procedures, federal, state, county and local statutes, rules, regulations and ordinances; standards as applied to civil engineering and surveying; engineering manuals; construction specifications manuals; safety manuals and supplier specifications. Employee uses a considerable amount of judgment in interpreting and developing guidelines.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

Regular and consistent attendance is required.  Work is performed both in the office and the field. When in the office, work is sedentary; may involve hearing voice conversation, keyboarding, operating basic engineering equipment and blueprinting machinery with common exposure to chemicals and gasses. When outside in the field, work involves bending, color identification, hearing voice conversation, kneeling, lifting up to 60 pounds, operating survey equipment, pushing, stooping and walking rough terrain. Work is performed in an environment which involves everyday risks and discomforts, common exposure to pollens, dust, poison oak, traffic and fumes and sometime adverse weather conditions requiring safety precautions. A considerable amount of driving is required.