County of Alameda

Under general direction, plans, administers, manages, reviews, and evaluates the work of an engineering section with major program responsibilities related to water resources, flood control, water supply and/or water treatment and distribution engineering in Zone 7 Water Agency; supervises professional engineers/geologists and support staff; and performs other related work as required.  

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The class of Principal Engineer/Geologist, Zone 7, is distinguished from the Senior Engineer/Geologist, Zone 7, in that the latter class is a first-line supervisory class having responsibility for project(s) or program(s), while the former class has responsibility for a major engineering section involving several programs.  This class is further distinguished from the next higher class of Manager of Engineering, Zone 7, in that the latter class has responsibility for several engineering sections.

NOTE:   The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed.   

1. Plans, organizes, manages, supervises, and reviews the work of an engineering section; develops and implements goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and standards. 
2. Manages major projects and programs related to flood control, water resources, water supply, water quality and treatment, or the planning, design, construction, maintenance and operation of water treatment and distribution systems; conceptualizes and recommends program objectives, priorities, strategies, and resource allocations.
3. Directs and reviews the preparation of drawings, plans, specifications and estimates for complex engineering projects; directs and participates in engineering/geological, economic, hydraulic, hydrogeologic, feasibility and environmental assessment studies.
4. Provides professional engineering/geologist review and consultation to Zone 7 management and Board of Directors on a variety of matters, which impact Zone 7 operations; prepares and presents reports and recommendations regarding section programs and activities to agency management, Board of Directors, outside agencies and the public.
5. Selects and trains staff and provides for their professional development; appraises employee performance; administers a variety of personnel actions.
6. Recommends acceptance or rejection of bids for contracts; negotiates, administers, and monitors professional services and consultant contracts; administers change orders, investigates claims, and resolves problems or disputes; ensures that work meets standards and specifications.
7. Coordinates the work of the section with other engineering/geologist and administrative sections within Zone 7, and with outside agencies and organizations; represents Zone 7 in contacts with other water agencies, regulatory and planning agencies, governmental bodies, private organizations, consultants, developers, the public, and other groups.
8. Prepares and administers section budget; researches, recommends, reviews, and approves expenditures.
9. Prepares and/or supervises the preparation of a variety of engineering/geological and administrative reports, correspondence, and records.  
10. Monitors new developments, legislation, regulations, resources, tools, and methods related to the work of the assigned section; recommends modifications to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

EITHER I  

Experience:  

The equivalent of two (2) years’ full-time experience in the class of Senior Engineer/Geologist, Zone 7.  

OR II  

Experience:  

The equivalent of four (4) years’ full-time experience in the class of Associate Civil Engineer/Professional Geologist, Zone 7 or an equivalent or higher classification in Zone 7 Water Agency.  

OR III  

Education:  

Possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Civil Engineering, Geology, or a closely related field.    

AND

Experience:  

The equivalent of five (5) years’ full-time, progressively responsible professional engineering/geologist experience subsequent to becoming a Registered Professional Engineer or Professional Geologist that included two (2) years of supervisory or administrative experience.  

License:  

Possession of a valid Certificate of Registration as a Professional Engineer OR a Professional Geologist issued by the California Board for Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors; Possession of a valid California State Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.    

NOTE:    The Civil Service Commission may modify the Minimum Qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:   The level and scope of the following knowledge and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.  

Knowledge of:

• Advanced engineering and/or water resources principles, practices and methods related to the area of assignment.
• Engineering mathematics, economics, and statistical analysis.
• Principles and techniques of supervision and personnel management.
• Principles and methods of program management, including planning and resource allocation, administration and budgeting, and program development and evaluation.
• Principles and practices of contract negotiation and administration in a public agency.
• Computer software applications related to the areas of assignment.
• Laws, codes, and regulations applicable to the areas of assignment.  

Ability to:  

• Plan, assign supervise, and evaluate the work of others.
• Plan, organize, develop, and manage engineering/geological programs.
• Select, train, supervise and appraise the performance of subordinate professional and support staff.
• Direct the preparation of complex engineering/geological plans, specifications, and studies.
• Analyze complex data and information and reach sound solutions and conclusions.
• Prepare or direct the preparation of comprehensive reports, budgets, contracts, and specialized documents.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing; and make effective presentations to a variety of audiences.
• Coordinate section activities with others within and outside the agency.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with individuals, groups, organizations, and agencies contacted in the course of the work.

JG-S:lfm

4/17/81

HC:pb

Revised: 2/1/93

Revised: 6/1/94

TT:jc

Revised: 10/98

Old document:  0316h

New document:  Jobspecs/4970

ys/6/01

CSC Date:  11/18/98

MH:cs  Revised 12/09

MH:cs Revised/Retitled  3.10.10

Old Title:  Principal Engineer, Zone 7

CSC Date:  3/24/10

DR:sa Revised 01/20/2022

CSC Date: 03/23/2022

Alameda County offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that affords wide-ranging health care options to meet the different needs of a diverse workforce and their families. We also sponsor many different employee discount, fitness and health screening programs focused on overall well being.  These benefits include but are not limited to*:

For your Health & Well-Being

• Medical – HMO & PPO Plans
• Dental – HMO & PPO Plans
• Vision or Vision Reimbursement
• Share the Savings
• Basic Life Insurance 
• Supplemental Life Insurance (with optional dependent coverage for eligible employees)
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance 
• County Allowance Credit
• Flexible Spending Accounts - Health FSA, Dependent Care and Adoption Assistance
• Short-Term Disability Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits - Accident Insurance, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity and Legal Services
• Employee Assistance Program

For your Financial Future

• Retirement Plan - (Defined Benefit Pension Plan)
• Deferred Compensation Plan (457 Plan or Roth Plan)

For your Work/Life Balance

• 12 paid holidays
• Floating Holidays
• Vacation and sick leave accrual
• Vacation purchase program
• Management Paid Leave**
• Catastrophic Sick Leave
• Pet Insurance
• Commuter Benefits Program
• Guaranteed Ride Home
• Employee Wellness Program (e.g. At Work Fitness, Incentive Based Programs, Gym Membership Discounts)
• Employee Discount Program (e.g. theme parks, cell phone, etc.)
• Child Care Resources
• 1^st United Services Credit Union 

*Eligibility is determined by Alameda County and offerings may vary by collective bargaining agreement.  This provides a brief summary of the benefits offered and can be subject to change.

** Non-exempt management employees are entitled to up to three days of management paid leave. Exempt management employees are entitled to up to seven days of management paid leave.