City Of Philadelphia Office Of Human Resources

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3B74

ENGINEERING SPECIALIST

Specialties

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General Definition

• This is advanced level engineering work, performing complex engineering assignments in the area of specialization. Work includes recommending, developing, planning and implementing engineering projects which are characterized by several components or phases with an appointed time frame for project completion, or identifying the department's engineering needs by initiating analytical studies to improve operating efficiency and meet federal and state regulatory mandates, or the responsibility for engineering quality control involving all components of the Department's complex engineering programs. The employee may provide technical direction to lower-level engineers and technicians or plant maintenance and operations staff. Monitoring, evaluating and modifying existing department engineering programs, systems and processes for optimum efficiency and changing objectives and participating in strategic planning activities are significant aspects of the work.
• Employees may serve as project engineer for design, construction, research, evaluation and planning projects. Work is performed under the general direction of an engineering supervisor.

Allocating Factors:

(The following conditions must be met for a position to be allocated to this class.)

1. Employees in this class regularly perform the most complex engineering assignments in their specialty.
2. Employees in this class must report to a higher-level engineer.

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Typical Examples Of Work (Illustrative Only)

• Receives engineering assignments from supervisor and/or determines what areas of the department's existing engineering programs need to be improved; performs evaluation of existing programs to determine cost effectiveness and whether program objectives are being met; conducts office and field studies and survey to acquire information; reviews and keeps abreast of material on new engineering developments in the field of specialization; makes recommendations for new equipment and engineering processes; performs structural inspection of existing facilities and the review and coordination of civil, structural, architectural, mechanical and electrical details.
• Recommends alternative engineering applications based upon changing conditions or new developments in the field of specialization; investigates the feasibility and cost of implementing updated engineering methods, techniques and processes in the area of specialization; prepares conclusions based on study results; recommends corrective actions based upon departmental policies and sound engineering principles; drafts plans, specifications and contracts and makes calculations for new and revised engineering programs, systems and processes; confers with manager and other engineering personnel to discuss current objectives and problems regarding existing engineering programs; identifies the existence and causes of inefficient engineering methods, practices and applications; makes recommendations for problem resolution and program improvements; may recommend automation of data collection and maintenance, computer-operated processes and systems, and new and modified software systems; performs analytical engineering studies at department managers' requests; performs analytical studies to determine what is required to achieve a comprehensive engineering operation.
• Plans, develops, changes and coordinates new engineering programs, projects and budgets; may recommend consultants, vendors and program staffing requirements; trains staff in the elements of assigned project plans, specification, program organization and objectives; works with other specialists of other engineering disciplines in the planning and implementation of engineering programs; monitors the progress of program implementation and makes revisions and modifications, accordingly; determines the department's current and projected engineering needs through participation in strategic planning programs; identifies engineering methods and techniques more appropriately addressed by alternative engineering applications.
• Prepares a variety of periodic and special reports pertaining to engineering operations and problems uncovered in operating divisions; may review and evaluate the department's federal and state engineering programs; recommends revisions to such programs to ensure continued compliance with state and federal regulations; makes presentations and represents the department on interdepartmental tasks forces, professional organizations and community groups; may testify at legal proceedings.
• May coordinate the work of consultant architects and engineers in design and construction management projects.
• May serve as project engineer on design, research, evaluation and construction projects.
• Performs related work as required.

• PERFORMS THE DUTIES DESCRIBED ABOVE FOR THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ENGINEERING PROJECTS:

  CIVIL SPECIALTY

  • Bridges, retaining walls, culverts and related structures, including all structural bridge elements such as superstructures, substructures, structural appurtenances and other structural work as required. Water and sewage facilities, water pumping stations, sections of the City's water distribution system, recreation, airport and park facilities and structures. Street, highway and other transportation facilities and related features. Water distribution lines and stormwater, sanitary and intercepting sewers and appurtenances. Traffic flow and traffic control device systems; performs traffic analysis studies.

  ELECTRICAL SPECIALTY

  • Communication, traffic control devices and traffic analysis studies; remote and stationary electronic monitoring, data collection and processing equipment through central processing units; the electrical phases of power, heating, and lighting systems, subway signal and interlocking systems; pumping stations and other electrical phases of public works projects.

  MECHANICAL SPECIALTY

  • Plumbing, heating and ventilating systems, incinerators, pumping equipment, water gates, valves and other appurtenances for water works facilities, and other phases of public works projects and programs. Refuse collection, street cleaning methods, equipment and sanitation practices, as required; refuse disposal facilities and methods, which include air pollution control equipment, grinding, compaction, composting, sanitary landfill, operation and maintenance of these systems for present and future installations.

  ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIALTY

  • Water pollution control and water treatment plants. The City's sewer system, water pumping stations, water distribution system, the Combined Sewer Overflow, Stormwater Management and Source Water Protection programs and all other water operations and water resources programs.
  • The facilities and processes at industrial plants and other businesses and establishments to determine the presence of environmental hazards, such as chemical and other air pollutants and occupational health hazards, such as radiation and noise.

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Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge Of:

• engineering theory, principles and practices as applied to the area of specialization
• engineering mathematics and mathematical tables used in the area of specialization
• modern engineering methods and techniques
• the sources of engineering information as applied to other engineering discipline
• the current developments in the field of engineering as applied to the area of specialization
• federal, state and local laws and regulations including environmental impact requirements as they relate to the construction, engineering program development, modification of engineering structures, equipment, systems and processes in the area of specialization
• the principles and proper usage of a variety of testing, measuring and control devices used in the area of specialization
• basic plumbing systems and plumbing technology, as it relates to backflow prevention, if required by work assignment
• backflow and cross connection control principles and practices, if required by assignment
• backflow prevention devices and equipment, if required by work assignment

Ability To:

• evaluate and analyze proposed in existing engineering projects, programs, systems and processes for technical and economic feasibility
• obtain information and data necessary for analytical engineering studies
• evaluate and analyze existing engineering programs, systems, and processes to determine if objectives are being met and federal, state and local regulations are being adhered to
• make sound engineering recommendations as a result of analytical studies
• interpret and apply federal, state and local engineering regulations applicable to the engineering area under review
• develop or modify engineering programs, systems and processes as alternatives or supplements to existing ones
• confer and work with engineering associates in other engineering disciplines, to investigate and resolve engineering problems and recommend and develop new programs
• lead and coordinate the activities of operation, technical and engineering personnel work in the required engineering specialty areas on a project basis
• jointly administer, with another City department, a city-wide compliance program to prevent water contamination, if required by work assignment
• analyze mechanical equipment and plant processes
• read and interpret engineering plans, specifications, schematics and processes.
• prepare technical forms, reports, schedules and other documents
• express ideas effectively, both orally and in writing
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, other engineering personnel and administrators

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Minimum Acceptable Training And Experience

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 2/90.)

Education

• Completion of a Bachelor's Degree program at an accredited college or university with major coursework in the area of specialization. AND

General Experience

• Two years of engineering experience in the area of specialization. AND

Specific Experience

• One year of engineering experience at the full performance level in the area of specialization.

OR

• Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources that has included a bachelor's degree in an acceptable area of engineering and the specific experience described above.

Physical And Medical Requirements

1. Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

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PAY RANGE:

EP22

• Class Established:

  • 2/90

• Spec. Revision:

  • CSC: 6/11, Ad Board: 7/11

MA/jl

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End Of Job Class Specification - 3B74