PRINCIPAL ENGINEER HIGHWAY

Code: 02797@ Local Competitive

Official job specification

The text below is the official specification published by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission. The plain-language summary and analysis above are derived from it by NJ Civil Service Navigator. Source: the official specification page at NJ CSC.

Definition

Under direction, takes the lead and/or performs the more complex engineering phases of surveys, studies, designs, investigation, construction, or inspection of highways, other roads, or streets and appurtenances; in some jurisdictions, may supervise a staff conducting field and office engineering work; does other related duties.

Examples of work

• Takes the lead and/or performs assignments on the more complex field and/or office engineering work.
• Provides guidance and assistance to subordinates in the performance of their work.
• Confers with state and municipal engineers concerning mutual engineering problems related to road systems, and recommends steps necessary for coordination.
• Analyzes and interprets plans and specifications.
• Maintains records and reports pertaining to administration and operations of assigned projects.
• Takes the lead in the inspection of contracts involving road construction, highway facilities, and associate utilities.
• Develops and/or takes the lead in the development of field engineering details involved in changes to plans, as built plans, as built quantities, and associates estimates.
• Takes the lead in field parties involved in various types of surveys and construction work.
• Prepares contract drawings, construction plans and specifications, and right of way, drainage, utility facilities, and geometric plans.
• Prepares and/or takes the lead in the preparation of preliminary design studies and calculations of alignment, grades, and plan quantities.
• Prepares and/or takes the lead in the preparation of as built plans and final estimates on completion of contracts, and performs the work involved in keeping the standard design sheet up to date.
• Plots field notes, prepares utility maps and deeds, and tile information for right of way plans.
• May supervise the work operations and/or functional programs and have responsibility for effectively recommending the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees.
• Prepares clear, sound, accurate and informative reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Drafts correspondence pertaining to engineering programs and activities
• Maintains essential records and files.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Education

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelors degree in Civil Engineering.

Experience

Three (3) years of engineering experience in the survey or design of highways, roads, and streets.

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Knowledge of the principles of civil engineering and the procedures involved in planning and designing civil engineering projects.
• Knowledge of the use of surveying instruments.
• Knowledge of engineering mathematics, including trigonometry and calculus.
• Knowledge of the organization and activities of a highway field Survey party.
• Knowledge of engineering problems which arise in the design, construction, and maintenance of highways and highway appurtenances.
• Knowledge of the form, content, and preparation of construction plans.
• Knowledge of techniques used to prepare detailed maps and charts.
• Knowledge of inspection techniques.
• Ability to take the lead and provide suitable assignments and guidance to subordinate employees.
• Ability to organize technical field and office engineering work.
• Ability to analyze engineering problems of varied types and develop appropriate work methods.
• Ability to apply basic engineering principles and techniques in plans, designs, charts, maps, specifications, and estimates and to reduce and plot field notes.
• Ability to prepare solutions for fairly complex engineering and design problems.
• Ability to interpret plans and specifications.
• Ability to check lines and grades.
• Ability to make complex engineering and mathematical computations.
• Ability to review and check calculations made by others.
• Ability to supervise field survey parties.
• Ability to perform and supervise inspections of work under construction and/or maintenance and to prepare detailed reports.
• Ability to work cooperatively with associates, superior officers, contractors, outside engineers, and others.
• Ability to give assignments, instructions, and guidance to staff in the office and in the field.
• Ability to supervise the work operations and/or functional programs and effectively recommend the hiring, firing, promoting, demoting and/or disciplining of employees may be required.
• Ability to prepare realistic, sound cost, materials, time, and other estimates and records.
• Ability to prepare and maintain records and files.
• Ability to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Ability to read, write, speak, understand, and communicate in English sufficiently to perform duties of this position. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
• Persons with mental or physical disabilities are eligible as long as they can perform the essential functions of the job with or without reasonable accommodation. If the accommodation cannot be made because it would cause the employer undue hardship, such persons may not be eligible.

Note

The examples of work for this title are for illustrative purposes only. A particular position using this title may not perform all duties listed in this job specification. Conversely, all duties performed on the job may not be listed.

Possession of Professional Engineers License issued by the NJ Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors may be substituted for the indicated education.

Possession of a Masters degree in Civil Engineering from an accredited college or university may be substituted for one (1) year of indicated experience.

Appointees may be required to possess a valid Professional Engineering (PE) license issued by the NJ State Board of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors, particularly for positions assuming 'responsible charge' over staff as defined by NJAC 13:40-1.3

Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle, rather than employee mobility, is necessary to perform essential duties of the position.