Assistant Chief - (Engineering/Architecture Specialist III) - Planning, Design & Construction - DGS

Duties

CAPITAL PROGRAM AND BUDGET MANAGEMENT:

• Assists in managing administrative functions of the Bureau, including capital budget preparation, expenditure tracking, and resource planning for staffing, materials, and equipment.
• Assist the Chief to develop program information for capital and operating budgets; supervises, coordinates and manages budgeted operations.
• Initiates and reviews major expenditure requisitions.
• Develops and supervises development of new programs and expansion of existing programs; supervises, coordinates and manages budgeted operations.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT (PLANNING, DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION):

• Serves as project manager for major capital projects, overseeing planning, design, procurement, and construction phases to ensure projects are delivered on schedule, within budget, and in accordance with quality standards.
• Conducts periodic site visits to monitor construction progress, verify compliance with contract documents, and support project closeout activities.
• Provides support in prioritizing and managing multiple projects and assignments in alignment with Bureau goals and County objectives.
• Manage project documentation, reports, and database systems related to capital program management.

TECHNICAL REVIEW AND COMPLIANCE:

• Reviews engineering and architectural plans, drawings, and specifications for completeness, constructability, and compliance with codes, standards, and County requirements.
• Supports evaluation and resolution of complex design, technical, and coordination issues with consultants, contractors, and internal stakeholders.
• Participates in meetings with stakeholders to interpret codes, standards, and project requirements, and to support resolution of design and construction-related issues.
• Manage the County’s Standard Specifications and Details, including public review of changes through approval by County Council.

CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION:

• Assists in contract administration activities, including review of change orders, cost proposals, and project schedules.
• Provides recommendations to the Bureau Chief regarding contract-related actions.

INTERDEPARTMENTAL AND EXTERNAL COORDINATION:

• Coordinates with County departments, external agencies, consultants, and contractors to facilitate project execution and resolve technical or administrative challenges.
• Serves as liaison between the Bureau and County departments such as Finance, DILP, DPW, DPZ, the Bureau of Engineering, and Real Estate Services.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PUBLIC INTERFACE:

• Provides customer service and information to the general public on construction complaints and construction schedules.

ADMINISTRATIVE AND PROGRAM SUPPORT:

• Manages the administrative details of special programs such as Performance Appraisal Review Training, and Computer Hardware & Software selection, implementation, training, and publishing related manuals.
• Enforces documentation, filing, and retention standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Entry level management role with managing ten (10) project managers in planning, design and construction bureau in department of general services.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering or a closely related field and a minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Registered Architect (State of Maryland)/Registered Professional Engineer (State of Maryland).
• Possession of a valid driver's license.

PREFERRED EDUCATION, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Certification as a Project Management Professional. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of planning, design, and construction for public infrastructure and building projects, including but not limited to site development, utilities (water, sewer, stormwater management), transportation systems, and vertical building construction.
• Strong knowledge of applicable codes, regulations, and standards, with the ability to interpret and enforce requirements in a consistent, professional, and impartial manner.
• Proven ability to manage complex capital projects, including budget development and control, consultant coordination, contract administration, and construction oversight.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with multiple stakeholders, including County departments, regulatory agencies, consultants, contractors, and the public.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver projects within established schedules and budgets.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and customer service.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell for field investigation. 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

LANGUAGE SKILLS, MATHEMATICAL SKILLS, AND REASONING ABILITY:
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret common scientific and technical journals, financial reports, and legal documents related to building projects. Ability to respond to common inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to write speeches and articles for publication that conform to prescribed style and format. Ability to effectively present information to top management, public groups, and/or boards of directors.

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret scientific and technical journals, financial reports, legal documents, and complex architectural and engineering drawings. Ability to provide clear, concise, and professional review comments to consultants in the role of senior project manager. Ability to respond effectively to inquiries or complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, or members of the business community. Ability to prepare written reports, presentations, and materials that conform to prescribed standards and formats. Ability to effectively present information to executive leadership, public groups, and boards or commissions.