Principal Civil Engineer

Provides technical, functional and/or consultative civil/structural engineering expertise and direction to core responsibilities, including major and the most complex problem resolution/project oversight assignments, by applying professional engineering standards in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective manner, and that comply with regulatory requirements and restrictions.

There are four (4) levels in this job classification series that have similar job content but with progressively more challenging degrees and levels of skill, responsibility, knowledge, experience and qualification requirements:

Flex Classifications (that permit progression from lower-level classes to higher level classes without examination based upon assessment of an individual's experience and performance) within the series:

• Entry: Incumbent acquires knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the tasks associated within the series but are not yet demonstrating these at the Journey level.
• Journey: Incumbent is demonstrating the required skills and knowledge to independently perform the full scope of the job.

Non-Flex Classifications (that promote from lower-level classes to higher level classes and require an examination, such as an interview, based upon individual experience and performance) within the series:

• Senior: Advanced journey level resource who is responsible for advanced assignments, as dictated by the work needing to be performed; may serve in a lead capacity.
• Principal: Subject matter expert/lead level and is responsible for leading the most advanced work, as dictated by the work needing to be performed.

Entry to Journey: Incumbents at the entry level are required to successfully "progress" to the journey level within 60 months of appointment to remain within the job series.

Seniors and Principals must be hired through a promotional process and do not automatically progress from lower levels in the series.

• Coordinates, manages and participates in the preparations of civil construction drawings and mapping related to complex high voltage electrical transmission and distribution systems for both underground and overhead systems.
• Oversees and reviews Civil Engineering work completed by staff; assures compliance with all technical and legal requirements, adherence with codes, regulations and guidelines for governing agencies; coordinates with governmental agencies and various SMUD departments.
• Initiates, coordinates and acts as the SMUD Contract Manager for large projects; supports various projects throughout SMUD by acting as the Civil/Transmission Line Project Manager; interfaces with SMUD Procurement, evaluates proposals draft task authorizations for various contracts; manages large contracted outsourced work.
• Supports field crews and contractors to ensure construction is in accordance with SMUD requirements and plans.
• Completes project work using PLS CADD, PLS Pole, PLS Tower, and other industry specific tools as needed.
• Completes design tasks using ASCE, ACI, NESC, CPUC General Orders, and company standards.
• Inspects and assesses damaged or deteriorating transmission line assets; reviews developments and encroachments within the Transmission Line rights-of-way.
• Completes basic design assignments, draft plans, revise drawings and update maps using AutoCAD, and Civil 3D.
• Performs other related duties as needed to include working outside of typical business hours when necessary.
  

Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university.

At least seven (7+) years of progressively responsible relevant work experience in the design, construction or maintenance of civil or structural assets.

Advanced methods and techniques of project management, surveying, report preparation and writing; advanced fundamentals and practices of contract and budget administration, program evaluation and economic analysis; advanced fundamentals of electrical power generation, transmission and distribution, cost control and project scheduling; advanced techniques and practices for cost benefit analyses, problem research and resolution; advanced theory, fundamentals and regulations governing safety and construction of civil/structural systems and facilities; advanced fundamentals, procedures and practices related to construction/fabrication/installation methods, equipment and materials, engineering economics, engineering mathematics and statistical analysis techniques; advanced computer aided drafting and design software (such as AutoCAD); methods, equipment and materials related to construction of transmission, distribution and non-nuclear operating facilities; construction codes and applicable safety standards; pertinent federal, state, and local codes, laws, and regulations; procedures and practices for overseeing contractor's work activities; English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Direct, manage, coordinate and administer civil engineering projects; monitor the progress of advanced engineering projects and ensure adherence to established budget constraints; develop complex work plans, schedules and cost estimates; write advanced technical specifications; prepare complex bid packages and proposals; negotiate with external representatives on behalf of SMUD; plan, oversee and review the work of others; use state of the art computer software to design complex civil/structural/architectural systems and facilities; maintain computer databases for collection, interpretation and reporting of data; read and interpret advanced, technical engineering documents and drawings, plans, diagrams and specifications; use the full suite of Microsoft products and other applications such as Bluebeam or Adobe; assist in planning and implementing system protection enhancements and upgrades; analyze complex situations, documents and data for conformance to established policy and procedures; ensure adherence to established safety policies, practices and procedures; compile and prepare technical, statistical, analytical and/or oral reports and presentations; analyze complex, technical problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals; communicate effectively orally and in writing internally/externally; establish and maintain effective working relationships internally/externally.

• Professional registration in civil and/or structural engineering in the state of California.
• Transmission experience above 69kV.