Deputy City Engineer

Experience

Required:

Minimum of 5–10 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal engineering. Demonstrated experience in development review and the planning, design, and delivery of public infrastructure projects. Thorough knowledge of drainage systems, roadway design, utilities, and applicable regulatory standards.

Minimum

Education Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering required. Possession of a Professional Engineer (PE) license in the State of Oklahoma is preferred, or the ability to obtain licensure.

Direct Supervisor:
Chief Operations Officer / City Engineer

Supervisory Responsibility:
Responsible for oversight and management of departmental personnel.

Primary

Work Location:

Professional Office setting.

Physical requirements:

Stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination.

Certification:
Must possess a current valid Oklahoma driver's license.

Job Summary:

The Deputy City Engineer serves as the senior technical authority within the Engineering Department and provides leadership in the planning, design, review, and delivery of municipal infrastructure projects. This position supports the Chief Operations Officer / City Engineer by overseeing development review, capital project execution, and engineering standards while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational continuity.

The Deputy City Engineer acts on behalf of the City Engineer in their absence and serves as a primary decision-maker for routine technical and project matters. This position also supervises and manages departmental personnel and represents the City in meetings with developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders.

Oversees, directs, and evaluates the work of departmental staff, providing guidance, support, and performance feedback to ensure effective operations and achievement of organizational goals.

Oversee and perform technical review of subdivision plats, civil construction plans, drainage reports, traffic studies, and utility designs.

Ensure compliance with City codes, engineering standards, and applicable state/federal regulations.

Approve routine development submittals consistent with adopted criteria.

Identify risks, deficiencies, or deviations and recommend corrective actions.

Coordinate reviews with Planning, Public Works, Utilities, and external agencies.

Assist in planning and execution of the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

Manage assigned infrastructure projects from design through construction.

Review consultant deliverables for technical accuracy and compliance.

Knowledge of: principles and practices of technical judgement and public administration and municipal management; ethical standards, professional responsibility, and public sector accountability; budgeting, financial management, and capital planning; city operations, organizational structure, and procedures; exceptional organizational and leadership abilities; ODOT coordination and state/federal funding process; strong knowledge of drainage, roadway, utility, and regulatory standards.

• Approve development plans meeting adopted standards.
• Direct consultants and engineering staff.
• Recommend change orders within approved project parameters.
• Escalate variances, policy-level decisions, and politically sensitive matters to the COO.
• Manage stakeholder relationships, including developers, consultants, regulatory agencies, and internal departments.
• Communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Lead, mentor, and develop professional and technical staff.

• Provide daily oversight and guidance to engineering staff.
• Establish review timelines and performance standards.
• Develop and update engineering policies, procedures, and design criteria.
• Support budget preparation and capital forecasting.
• Prepare staff reports and technical briefings for City leadership.
• Balance technical rigor with practical delivery.
• Maintain high ethical standards and accountability in decision-making.
• Lead cross-functional teams and drive results.