Civil Engineer III

Overview & Benefits

Oakland County is more than just a workplace. It is a place where you can make a real difference. As one of Michigan’s leading public service organizations, we are committed to strengthening communities, delivering essential services, and improving the quality of life for nearly 1.3 million residents.

When you join our team, you become part of a mission-driven workforce guided by integrity, innovation, and a passion for public service. We offer competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to do meaningful work that matters. Apply today and help shape the future of Oakland County, where we are All Ways Moving Forward.

For more information about Oakland County benefits and employee perks, please visit:

https://www.oakgov.com/government/human-resources/benefits/new-hire

General Summary

Minimum Qualifications

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Be registered as a Professional Engineer by the Michigan State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Have had a minimum of six (6) years of full-time engineering or closely related work experience.

NOTE:   A Master's degree in Civil Engineering or related field from an accredited college, university may be substituted for one (1) year of the experience requirement above.

NOTE:   The Michigan State Board of Registration requires a Bachelor's degree and four years of engineering experience to qualify for registration.

NOTE:   Applicants possessing transcripts from a college or university outside of the United States will be required to provide documentation of degree equivalency from a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (http://naces.org/members.html). The degree evaluation will be required for application processing.

Possess a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license. Out of the Country driver’s license holders will be required to obtain the appropriate valid State of Michigan driver’s license before the hire date.

Pass the complete examination, including the employment medical, established for this classification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Must maintain a valid United States motor vehicle operator's or chauffeur's license.

Must maintain registration as a Professional Engineer by the State of Michigan Board of Registration for Professional Engineers.

Successfully complete the six month probationary period.

WHEN ASSIGNED TO THE MAINTENANCE OR OPERATION UNIT

Plans, coordinates, directs, and supervises         operations and programs related to sewer, water or drain infrastructure in compliance with the  State of Michigan, County standards, and municipality regulations. Directly works with or oversees field crew supervisors to determine and prioritize maintenance needs and handle complex problems with limited assistance.  Assists higher level engineers with the development of long-term capital plans and the management of system budgets.  Troubleshoots substantial field problems and issues, and coordinates with local municipalities regarding budgets and programs.  Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Oversees consultants in the preparation of engineering plans and specifications for revisions and additions at wastewater treatment plants, sewage lift stations, retention treatment basins, storm drainage facilities, water booster stations, water storage sites and community well sites. Work may include construction coordination and contract administration.

Conducts preliminary financial and cash flow studies based on the examination and interpretation of population projection statistics, municipal zoning maps, and master plans. Confers with planning consultants, municipal officials, and representatives of public utilities and regional planning bodies to anticipate future population and development trends.

Manages routine and emergency repair of water, sewer and drain infrastructure and equipment utilizing existing County contractors.

Responsible for asset management of water, sewer and drain systems, facilities, and components, including scheduled preventive maintenance, equipment replacement and life cycle planning. 

Evaluates proposed changes to determine impact to existing facility operating standards caused by the construction process. Confers with higher level County and consulting engineers, contractors, and operations staff regarding construction coordination internally and with the public.

Provides technical assistance to maintenance field staff with complex operational problems, initiating process studies  and carrying out the studies to resolve the issues as needed.

Regularly reviews the Safety Program of the assigned area for completeness, including assisting in safety education programs for the staff and preparing safety/accident reports.

Prepares Pollution Elimination Assessment System (PEAS) reports for submission to the State of Michigan.

Prepares and submits permit applications to all local and state agencies for sewer maintenance construction  projects, including Soil Erosion Permits, State of Michigan Construction Permits, Wetland Permits, and others.

Collects and analyzes sewage metering data, applying engineering formulas on a personal computer.

Compiles sewage system monitoring results from the collected data for the purpose of evaluating and administering purchased capacity in the sewer systems and enforcement of abatement orders.

Uses spreadsheets, database programs, and other computer applications to manipulate, analyze, and perform  statistical analysis of sewage flow, rainfall, and groundwater data.

Performs directed studies, including sump pump removal effectiveness, flume calibration, and hydraulic computer modeling. May participate in house-to-house surveys to determine the existence of sump pump connections and field review of existing conditions around houses and other buildings as it relates to sewer connections.

Negotiates sewage flow and sewer maintenance equipment siting agreements with local governments, universities, and businesses.

Reviews and approves sewage disposal invoices from the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA), verifying the accuracy of meters used to produce the bill, and establish a working relationship with GLWA billing and field metering staff that will allow for resolution of billing disputes.

May determine site or facility System Control and Data and Acquisition (SCADA) systems needs for a given maintenance or capital improvement project.

May coordinate sludge disposal for division wastewater treatment plants, including writing contract proposals, administering contracts, and tracking quantity and quality of sludge.

May provide technical assistance and backup for the Industrial Pretreatment Program and the wastewater treatment plant Groundwater Monitoring Well Program, including meeting with industrial customers and evaluating the impact of the industry on the wastewater treatment plant.

May directly use or otherwise oversee technical staff use of ESRI or AutoCAD software for specification standards development, metering site plans, and drainage district analysis.

May meet with consulting engineers and community representatives and officials explaining the need for the installation of sewage flow and sewer maintenance equipment.

Utilizes current Countywide and/or department specific software to complete assignments.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

When in the field, is alert to safety hazards.

ESSENTIAL MENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Ability to communicate to accurately convey information.

Ability to operate a motor vehicle and/or be a passenger.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in both a typical office environment and outdoor field conditions.

Participate in activities that require driving or being a passenger in an automobile or bus.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The primary purpose of this job description is to set a fair and equitable salary range for this job classification. Generally, only those key duties necessary for proper job evaluation and/or labor market analysis have been included. Other duties and responsibilities will be assigned by the supervisor.

ADDITIONAL DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of civil, electrical, or mechanical engineering.

Considerable knowledge of the provisions of the State Drain Code, Public Works Act, and building codes.

Considerable knowledge of the methods of survey, design, and construction.

Considerable knowledge of field and office procedures relating to civil engineering.

Considerable knowledge of administrative practices related to the civil engineering.

Considerable knowledge of the technical phases of estimates, contracts, specifications, and engineering reports. Considerable ability to plan, organize and supervise civil engineering work.

Considerable ability to determine compliance of structures with specifications.

Considerable ability to organize and evaluate information for special reports.

Considerable ability to make engineering cost estimates.

Considerable ability to prepare contracts and specifications.

Considerable knowledge of construction engineering and contract administration.

Reasonable ability to utilize current word processing, spreadsheet, database, e-mail, and internet software.

Additional Minimum Qualifications

Union*

*If applicable

EEO Statement

We are committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity and will not discriminate against an applicant or employee on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.

Inclusion Statement

Oakland County is committed to welcoming applicants from all backgrounds, including those with prior convictions, as we believe in providing equal opportunities for all. We value the unique perspectives and experiences each individual brings to our team and are dedicated to fostering an inclusive, supportive workplace. If you have the skills and qualifications for the position, we encourage you to apply. All candidates are evaluated based on their ability to meet the job requirements, legal obligations and thrive in our organization. All ways, MOVING FORWARD.