Director of Engineering

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Metro, has retained DeSanti in seeking a Director, Engineering (Geotechnical) to assist in executing Metro's mission to provide a world-class transportation system that enhances quality of life for all who live, work and play within LA County.Job SummaryOversees technical staff and consultants performing engineering and architectural design services related to large scale transportation projects. This position requires extensive experience in geotechnical engineering design, including knowledge of design criteria of transportation agencies such as Metro or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications with Caltrans Amendments. The ideal candidate will review geotechnical engineering reports, plans, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable design standards and requirements.Duties & ResponsibilitiesOversees and manages large-scale engineering and architectural activities for major rail and bus projects to ensure compliance with Metro, federal, state, and local regulatory requirementsOversees and administers the design, procurement, construction, and installation of major bus and rail facilitiesOversees the management of consultant contracts for design, construction, or procurement of facilities and systems equipmentNegotiates consultant and equipment contracts, including contract changes; oversees change control processParticipates in the preparation of contract front-end documentsDirects preparation of feasibility and trade-off studies, engineering reports, and economic analysesAdministers and monitors work and contracts for compliance with budget, schedule, standards, and objectivesReviews consultants plans and specifications for technical adequacy and completenessFacilitates resolution of design, construction, third party, and operations problemsRecommends design activity improvements for efficiency, compliance, and cost-effectivenessInterfaces with the various divisions of MetroPlans budget and staffing needs and assists in preparing department and project budgetsRepresents Metro before outside agenciesPrepares and presents reports to management, staff, the Board of Directors, community groups, and government officialsServes as chairperson for design reviews and other technical meetingsDirects, supervises, trains, mentors, and motivates assigned staffCommunicates and implements safety rules, policies, and procedures in support of the agency's safety vision and goals; and maintains accountability for the safety performance of all assigned employeesMay be required to perform other related job dutiesKnowledgeTheories, principles, and practices of applicable disciplines in architectural, civil, mechanical, structural, electrical, or environmental engineering, hazardous waste regulations, and environmental lawsApplicable local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations governing environmental, engineering, equipment, construction standards, and rail transit operationsProject management and control practicesFinancial, analytical, and statistical research and mathematical processes and proceduresMetro policies and proceduresPrinciples of supervisionApplicable business software applicationsSkillsPlanning, organizing, and managing large-scale design and construction projectsReading, analyzing, and interpreting engineering plans and specifications for large-scale engineering projectsPreparing complex comprehensive reports and correspondenceAnalyzing data and situations, identifying problems, developing and recommending solutions, and evaluating outcomes; exercising sound judgment and creativity in making decisionsCommunicating effectively orally and in writingInteracting professionally with various levels of Metro employees and outside representativesNegotiatingAbilitiesManage projects from start-up to completionThink and act independentlyPrioritize and multi-taskMake financial decisions within a budgetUnderstand, interpret, and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies, procedures, budgets, contractsSupervise, train, mentor, and motivate assigned staffRead, write, speak, and understand EnglishSpecial ConditionsThis job specification is not to be construed as an exhaustive list of duties, responsibilities, or requirementsThe physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this jobMetro provides reasonable accommodation to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsThis classification is at-will and the incumbent serves at the pleasure of the hiring authorityContributes to ensuring that the Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) policies and programs of Metro are carried outWorking ConditionsTypical office situationClose exposure to computer monitors and video screenPhysical Effort RequiredSitting at a desk or tableOperate a telephone or other telecommunications device and communicate through the mediumType and use a keyboard and mouse to perform necessary computer-based functionsCommunicating through speech in the English language requiredMinimum QualificationsA combination of education and/or experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position. Additional experience, as outlined below, may be substituted for required education on a year-for-year basis. A typical combination includes:EducationBachelor's Degree in Engineering or ArchitectureExperienceFive years of relevant management-level experience as an engineer, architect or Project Manager on major transit or public works projects with at least two years of experience in a specialized area of assignmentPreferred QualificationsThis position requires extensive experience in geotechnical engineering design, including knowledge of design criteria of transportation agencies such as Metro or the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Bridge Design Specifications with Caltrans Amendments. The ideal candidate will review geotechnical engineering reports, plans, calculations, and specifications to ensure compliance with applicable design standards and requirements.Experience in California geotechnical engineering design, with a strong understanding of regional standards and practicesExperience planning, designing, constructing, and reviewing transportation-related structures, including bridges, tunnels and retaining wallsExperience managing staff and providing highly technical direction to ensure successful project executionExperience solving complex geotechnical engineering issues and effectively communicating solutions verbally, via email, and through memoranda and technical reportsExperience working as a registered Geotechnical Engineer or Civil Engineer in the State of CaliforniaCertifications/Licenses/Special RequirementsA valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functionsCalifornia license as a Professional Engineer (PE) or Architect is preferredJ-18808-Ljbffr