Assistant City Engineer

CITY OF ELKHART

- JOB DESCRIPTION

DEPARTMENT

Public Works

POSITION

Assistant City Engineer/ City Engineer

DIVISION

Engineering

STATUS

Full-time

CATEGORY

Salaried, Up to $114,000

FLSA

Exempt

REPORTS TO

Director of Public Works

DATE

2026

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for overseeing, directing, and coordinating the work of the Engineering Team within the Department of Public Works Utilities, which includes:
Records and GIS Manager, Engineering Project Managers Asset Manager, Engineering Technicians, GIS Technicians, and Televising Technician.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Depending on qualifications and Mayoral appointment, may serve as either "City Engineer" or "Assistant City Engineer".
• Provides positive leadership and organizational directives that result in efficient services performed by colleagues, and superior services provided to internal and external customers.
• Supervises and manages assigned staff, including analyzing staff workload, reviewing position documentation, interviewing candidates, making hiring decisions, planning, delegating, and controlling work assignments, establishing specific work goals, training/developing/motivating assigned staff, determining significant changes in responsibilities, evaluating performance, reviewing salaries, recommending personnel actions, maintaining discipline and recommending corrective action, and communicating and administering personnel programs.
• Oversees, directs, and coordinates the following tasks of the Engineering team:
  • Manages all aspects of the conception, design, engineering, permitting, and construction of a wide-range of public works projects, including streets, sidewalks, drainage, stormwater quality, water utility, and wastewater utility.
  • Assists in the selection of qualified design and engineering consultants.
  • Manages and coordinates the bidding and other procurement processes according to state and local regulations for public works projects.
  • Leads the Engineering team review of development plan applications, including commercial sites, industrial sites, and residential subdivisions.
• Collaborate with the Elkhart Board of Public Works, and on occasion other boards and commissions, to direct the functions necessary to efficiently and creatively provide internal customers and the citizenry with clean water, effective wastewater management, efficient transportation systems and right-of-way management.
• Oversees and, if appointed as City Engineer, gives final approval to all in-house engineering work complete by the Engineering Team.
• Assists in the development and implementation of infrastructure plans, including master planning and multi-year capital improvement programming.
• Serves on various boards, commissions, and specified committees as required. Periodically prepares and presents presentations to public groups.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

The incumbent will have attained the following levels of education and experience:

• Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering or a closely related field.
• Four (4) or more years of progressively responsible engineering experience, preferably in a municipal or public works environment.
• Experience in project management, infrastructure design, or construction oversight preferred.
• Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Indiana required (or ability to obtain within one year).
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

The incumbent must possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Knowledge of municipal engineering principles, including transportation, stormwater, water, and wastewater systems.
• Understanding of applicable federal and state regulations, including environmental and permitting requirements.
• Ability to review technical plans and ensure compliance with engineering standards.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work effectively with staff, elected officials, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Working knowledge of budgeting, procurement, and project administration in a public sector environment.
• Ability to use technology and data to support decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL SKILLS

• Ability to logically think and reason.
• Ability to read, write, interpret, and verbally give or demonstrate work instructions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in a 40 plus hours per week standard office environment. Frequent trips to off-site office locations may be necessary, often in inclement weather. Night meetings are frequent, and therefore the length of the workday and work week may substantially exceed 8 hours and 40 hours, respectively.

POST OFFER TESTING REQUIREMENTS

• The City of Elkhart is a Drug-Free Workplace; successful completion of a post-offer drug screen is required.…