EXECUTIVE ENGINEER (CITY OF SYRACUSE)

11550

Competitive

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS

Under general direction, the Executive Engineer is responsible to the Commissioner of Water for evaluating, planning, directing, and supervising the construction and design of the City of Syracuse Water Systems. The work involves significant independent judgment in developing policy and implementing the City’s objectives. Assignments are received through the Commissioner of Water, and work is reviewed through periodic meetings and status reports. Does related work as required.

TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES

Plans, directs, supervises and manages the evaluation, construction, planning and design of the City of Syracuse Department of Water.

Assists with operation, management and administration of the water system and personnel.

Plans for the future needs of the City of Syracuse Department of Water as they relate to the expansion of services and acquisition of smaller water systems; formulates comprehensive preventative maintenance and replacement programs to ensure the most economic use of Departments monies.

Advises the Commissioner of Water and Senior Staff on present systems, design work, construction, operation and maintenance; acts as technical advisor of the Water Department on new expansion to the system.

Acts as liaison with state and local offices in areas of easements, health and sanitary code requirements.

Maintains effective controls with private contractors and consulting engineers to insure the Water Department’s best interest in new construction and contracted repair to the system.

Develops long-term plans in conjunction with the Commissioner of Water, and Chief Financial Officer for capital projects including budgeting, prioritizing and financing.

Acts as representative of the Water Department when explaining programs to potential service areas, government officials and the general public interested in the services of the City of Syracuse Water Systems.

Participates in the preparation of contract proposals and positions and may act as a member of the management team in collective bargaining and arbitration hearings.

Causes the drawing of bid specifications for construction work, equipment and materials needed by the Water Department and reviews proposed contracts for private contractors on City of Syracuse Water Systems work.

Approves, manages and administers modifications and construction directly related to treatment facilities and distribution systems.

May attend meetings as required by the Commissioner of Water.

FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS

Thorough knowledge of modern principles and practices of hydraulic engineering as applied to the design and construction of water supply and distribution systems.

Thorough knowledge of the operation and maintenance principles for water distribution systems, large-scale water treatment plants, and pumping stations.

Thorough knowledge of construction practices, materials, and equipment used in large-scale water treatment and pumping operations.

Ability to analyze bids and make informed recommendations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with public officials, contractors, and the general public.

Ability to supervise, motivate, and direct staff to achieve high performance and morale.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Graduation from regionally accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in Civil, Sanitary, Environmental, or Water Resources Engineering, and ten (10) years of waterworks engineering experience including operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of water treatment plants and pumping stations, two (2) of which must have involved supervision, administration, and management of construction projects for a water distribution system.

SPECIAL NECESSARY REQUIREMENT

Must possess a valid Professional Engineer (P.E.) license issued by the State of New York or ability to obtain through comity or reciprocity.

Original date of composition: 11/2025