Public Works Division Manager - Utility Engineering

Definition

The City of Milpitas is home to family-centered communities that embrace cultural diversity, quality schooling, and conveniently located neighborhood parks and shopping centers. Milpitas has an ethnically diverse array of retail and restaurants, and major regional retail destinations that attract shoppers from beyond the city. With over 40,800 jobs and 39,600 employed residents, Milpitas is a jobs rich community and is often called the “Crossroads of Silicon Valley”. Once a small agricultural town and later a stopover point for travelers between Oakland and San Jose, Milpitas has blossomed into one of the world’s premier computer and semiconductor producers.
To learn more, visit This Is Milpitas .

The City of Milpitas is looking for an experienced Engineer to join our team as a Public Works Division Manager - Engineering. The selected candidate will report directly to the City Engineer and have oversight of approximately 6 staff in the Utility section of the Engineering Division within the Public Works Department. The Manager work closely with the City’s Engineering and Utility Maintenance Divisions to deliver utility capital improvements, comply with regulatory requirements, and review private development projects.

The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding and experience of regulatory compliance, asset management, reviews of private development projects, and managing capital improvement projects related to the storm drain, sanitary sewer and recycle and potable systems. This position requires someone who has excellent communication, writing, technical engineering, and financial analytical skills to be successful in the role. They will also have a strong background in managing and developing staff, creating systems of accountability, and fostering a positive and inclusive work culture.

For the full job description, please visit: Public Works Division Manager- Engineering

Examples of Duties

The current vacancy is in the Utility Engineering Section. Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Supervises subordinate management, supervisory and professional staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
  
• Directs, plans, implements, and evaluates department programs; prepares and implements work plans for assigned division.
  
• Project management responsibilities include preparing Requests for Proposals, evaluating proposals, and managing contractors and consultants.
  
• Participates in and advises on the development of department policy; develops and implements departmental goals, objectives, and guidelines as part of the department executive management team.
  
• Prepares and implements capital improvement and/or operations budgets for assigned division.
  
• Applies for and directs allocation of grant funds; negotiates contracts, agreements, and leases.
  
• Resolves problems and contract interpretation disputes regarding issues such as scope, criteria, and regulatory requirements.
  
• Presents reports and information to the City Council, boards, committees, and other divisions or departments.
  
• Ensures the divisional compliance with federal and state laws, rules, and regulations and local codes and standards.
  

When focused on Utility Engineering:

• Oversees and approves engineering development and preparation of plans, standards, specification, maps, and technical requirements for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
  
• Responsible for technical needs and requirements for the development of plans and designs; construction, equipment, and material specifications.
  
• May assist with utility rate studies.
  
• Responsible for related capital improvement programs and projects related to water, wastewater, and stormwater, including development of budgets.
  
• Prepares long-range plans for the water, wastewater and stormwater systems to meet the City’s future demands.
  
• Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with representatives of Federal, State, County and other agencies, private contractors, utility users, and the general public.
  
• Ensures compliance with all Division of Drinking Water (DDW) and State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) regulatory requirements.
  
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.
  

Typical Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of engineering as applied to assigned section.
• Principles of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management.
• Principles and practices of modern office management.
• Pertinent Federal, State, and local codes, laws, and regulations.
• Conflict resolution skills.

Ability to:

• Prepare clear and comprehensive reports.
• Deal tactfully and effectively with the general public, civic and community groups and public officials.
• Supervise, train, and evaluate professional and technical staff as assigned.
• Provide written reports, technical memoranda, and provide presentations to the City Council, Planning Commission, Council committees, and the public.
• Attend work-related meetings outside of normal business hours.
• Make field visits and inspections of sites.
• Communicate effectively in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other City staff, organizations and their representatives, and the general public, exhibiting exceptional customer service and communication skills.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Education :
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in engineering ; AND
Experience :
Six (6) years of progressively responsible directly related experience, including three (3) years of supervisory experience

License or Certificat e:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s License is required.
• Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer in the State of California is required.
• When focused on Utility Engineering: State Water Resources Control Board -Water Distribution Grade D3 preferred.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Essential duties require the following physical abilities and work environment.

Work is performed in an office environment, as well as outdoor environment during all weather conditions, such as providing field reviews/observations. Duties and typical tasks also include performing site visits to construction sites; extensive use of the telephone, radios, and computers with repetitive keyboarding; ability to walk on uneven ground; and drive to various locations daily. Ability to work safely in a hard-hat and construction zone is essential. Some exposure to Municipal public works related chemicals and products.

Supplemental Information

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

• Receives direction from the Director, Deputy Director and City Engineer.
• Exercises general supervision over professional, technical, inspection, and field personnel as assigned and in-direct supervision over subordinate staff within the Division.

SELECTION PROCESS :
The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to the Supplemental Questionnaire. Only the candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. Additional phases of the selection process will consist of one or more interviews.

Oral Board is tentatively scheduled for the week of July 14, 2025.

Please note : The examination process (including dates) may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Department. Meeting the minimum requirements listed in this job description does not guarantee advancement in subsequent phases of the selection process.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST
Incumbents in this position are required to file a Conflict of Interest Statement upon assuming office, annually, and upon leaving office, in accordance with Resolution No. 8833.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Milpitas will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the Human Resources Department. The City of Milpitas is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

RETIREMENT
Miscellaneous Unrepresented:
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before October 9, 2011): 2.7% at 55 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 8% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after October 9, 2011 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 2% @ 60 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee pays 7% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2% @ 62 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee contribution rate as stated in annual CalPERS actuarial report)
City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security,but do contribute to Medicare.
Police Unrepresented:
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before April 8, 2012): 3% @ 50 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after April 8, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 3% @ 55 Retirement Plan including highest final compensation (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2.7 % @ 57 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee pays half of normal cost, July 2018 at 10% contribution rate)
Fire Unrepresented
1. Classic Tier 1 employees (Employees hired before April 8, 2012): 3% @ 50 Retirement Plan including the highest final compensation amendment. (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
2. Classic Tier 2 employees (Employees hired on or after April 8, 2012 and before January 1, 2013, or who qualify for CalPERS pension reciprocity): 3% @ 55 Retirement Plan including highest final compensation (Employee pays 9% contribution rate)
3. Public Employee Pension Reform Act (PEPRA) employees hired on or after January 1, 2013: 2.7 % @ 57 Retirement Plan including three year final average compensation period (Employee contribution rate as stated in CalPERS actuarial report.)
City of Milpitas employees do not participate in Social Security, but do contribute to Medicare.

MEDICAL INSURANCE
Choice of CalPERS Medical Plans. City pays coverage up to the Kaiser rate (currently $2,228.36/mo. for family). Employees who waive health coverage are eligible to receive $125 per month in lieu of medical plan coverage with proof of other coverage.

RETIREE MEDICAL
Employees are eligible upon CalPERS retirement from the City to receive up to 100% retiree medical coverage (currently based on the Kaiser health rate), based on years of service.

DENTAL & VISION
City provides full family coverage for dental and vision at no cost to the employee.

LIFE INSURANCE
City provides $50,000 term policy. Supplemental employee-paid life insurance is available up to $500,000, based on carrier acceptance.

DISABILITY INSURANCE
City provides a Short-Term Disability plan similar to State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage. Employees do not participate in SDI. Long-Term Disability coverage of 60% of base salary up to $1,500 per month is available after a 60-day waiting period. Additional buy-up options for LTD are available.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION
City contributes $75 per month on the employee's behalf.

VACATION
Employees earn 16-36 days of vacation based on years of service.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE
Employees earn40 hours of Management Leave per year.

HOLIDAYS
Employees receive 12 paid holidays and one (1) floating holiday per year.

SICK LEAVE
Employees earn 12 days annually.

TUITION REIMBURSEMENT
Employees are eligible to receive up to $3,000 per fiscal year in tuition reimbursement.

FITNESS PROGRAM
Employees are offered free access to City-sponsored sports and fitness programs.

The City also offers a flexible spending benefits plan, employee assistance program, and other voluntary insurance. Contact Human Resources (HR) at 408-586-3090 or visit https://www.milpitas.gov/245/Benefits for more information on employee benefits.

Closing Date/Time: 6/18/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Milpitas

• 408-586-3090

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