Engineering Program Manager – Utilities Capital Projects, City of McMinnville

City of McMinnville

Position Summary

City of McMinnville | Engineering Division

Are you ready to make a lasting impact on a growing community? The City of McMinnville is looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Civil Engineer to join our dynamic Engineering Division as an Engineering Program Manager – Utility Capital Projects.

As our community expands, so does the scale and importance of our infrastructure. With the recent expansion of McMinnville’s Urban Growth Boundary and comprehensive updates to our Utility Master Plans, we’re embarking on an ambitious 20-year pipeline of capital improvement projects—with a strong emphasis on wastewater and stormwater systems.

This is not your average public sector role. We’re offering a unique opportunity to take a leadership position in shaping McMinnville’s future through vital infrastructure improvements. You’ll be at the helm of our Utility Capital Projects program, managing complex, high-impact projects from concept through construction. We’re seeking a self-driven leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and brings deep experience in public sector project delivery.

Why You’ll Love This Role:

• Autonomy & Impact: Work directly with the City Engineer but with substantial independence to manage and deliver your program.
• A Long-Term Vision: Be a foundational part of a 20-year infrastructure transformation that improves quality of life for thousands.
• Innovation & Growth: Help build a modernized capital project delivery program as we scale for the future.
• Collaboration Without Red Tape: Minimal bureaucracy, maximum opportunity to lead, innovate, and make a difference.

While your primary focus will be on utility projects, your expertise may occasionally support development alignment efforts—ensuring that private projects complement our public investments.

Bring your expertise. Lead critical projects. Shape McMinnville’s future.
Apply now and be part of something big.

Interested in more development-focused work? Check out our other open position: Engineering Program Manager – Development Services.

This posting will remain open until filled.

Essential Job Functions

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Private Development Review and Administration
1. Attend pre-application meetings to inform developers of the City’s requirements pertaining to their project(s).
2. Coordinate review of plans and specifications to ensure compliance with City, State, and Federal Requirements. Coordinate reviews with City Engineer.
3. Provide support to staff inspecting sites.
4. Review and comment on land use decisions, providing conditions of approval for new development.
5. Calculate System Development Charges (SDC) and Engineering fees.
6. Monitor applicable budget items and assist with annual budget preparation.
7. Provide inspection of projects pertaining to the requirements made by the Engineering department.
8. Prepare Staff Reports and memorandums.
9. Assist with maintaining City Municipal Code applicable to Public Works.
10. Maintain Engineering Design Standards.

Preparation and Oversight of Plans and Contract Documents
1. Draft plans and specifications or review plans and specifications provided by consultants to ensure compliance with City, State, and or Federal Requirements.
2. Perform field surveying for project data collection.
3. Prepare documents for council approval of procurement to execute projects in design and construction.
4. Attend City Council and or other committee meetings when necessary.
5. Manage invoicing and project budgets.
6. Conduct site visits and inspections to ensure project is on track and the contractor is building to specifications.
7. Perform project closeouts and as-builts.

Supervision
1. Manage, coordinate, and supervise the work of direct reports.
2. Interview and recommend hiring, disciplinary, and termination actions.
3. Establish department goals, priorities, and metrics in alignment with the city’s goals and objectives.
4. Establish individual performance expectations and objectives for direct reports.
5. Select, support, and motivate staff.
6. Provide and coordinate staff training and supports professional development goals.
7. Oversee workplace safety programs and policies.
8. Conduct performance review meetings and produces written performance evaluation documents.
9. Provide coaching for performance improvement and takes appropriate disciplinary action, up to and including termination, to address performance deficiencies.

Customer Service
1. Serve as a liaison for other departments within the City, outside agencies and intergovernmental agencies.
2. Provide support to contractors in need of guidance on City requirements on infrastructure construction.
3. Answer phones and email for general engineering related questions.

Inspections
1. Perform Technical inspection work (projects, materials, certifications) to ensure compliance with plans and specifications.
2. Review compaction tests of trench backfill, subgrade and base course.
3. Witness various testing of sewer lines, manholes, pipes, and internal television of pipes.

GENERAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, other agencies, and the public.
• Perform other duties as assigned within the scope of the classification.
• Participate in committees when requested.
• Maintain proficiency in job requirements which may include attending training and meetings, reading materials, and meeting with others in areas of responsibility, which may require travel.
• Maintain work areas in a clean and orderly manner.
• Maintain confidentiality, data integrity, and comply with all related city, state, and federal standards related to confidentiality.

Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the duties as described. A typical way to qualify would be an advanced degree in a related field and at least 5 years of related experience. This position also requires:

Knowledge of:

• Civil engineering principles and methods.
• Computers and software related to drafting and engineering design.
• Survey principles and practices.
• Inspection and design principles and practices.
• Local, state, and federal codes, requirements and design standards.
• Property descriptions
• Public budget administration

Skill and Ability to:

• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Operate a variety of computer software programs including AutoCAD software, asset management software, permitting software, and ArcGIS.
• Prepare documentation and write clear and concise reports.
• Interpret and review engineering plans and specifications.
• Gather and correlate data from a variety of sources.
• Develop program goals, objectives, and strategies.
• Develop policies and procedures.
• Identify problems, research and analyze relevant information, and develop and present recommendations and justifications for solutions.
• Exemplify traits that reflect the City’s culture, including integrity, a customer service orientation, cultural competency, trustworthiness, flexibility and a willingness to change.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSES:

• Professional Oregon Engineering License or the ability to obtain one within 1 year of hire.
• Driver license valid in the State of Oregon.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position requires regular (80%+) ability to use dexterity and fine motor skills. Continuous (81% of the time) use of office equipment. The position requires minimal (5-20%) physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or movement, etc. Movements required to complete work are not difficult, and only require some degree of agility and hand eye coordination. The work environment is usually well-protected, with minimal hazards or obstacles (5-20%). There is little or minimal element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with minimal (5-20%) issues of confinement, temperature change, incident of noise, or interactions of a disagreeable nature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, exposure to contagious disease, etc. Position may have minimal responsibility for driving. Driving is a regular responsibility for this position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the direct supervision of approximately 3 FTE employees.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED:

Works under the general direction of the City Engineer.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Required documents must be provided at the time of application. Please remove any personal information such as photographs, date of birth, gender, social security number, and other protected information from your documents. Documents containing protected information will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Finalists for this position will be subject to a computerized criminal history check, driving record check (if required for position), and education and certification verification. Adverse background information will be reviewed and could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer or termination of employment.
• The City of McMinnville does not offer visa sponsorship. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security’s I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.
• Positions are subject to budget consideration and approval. For the candidate who is hired into this position, salary placement will be based on guidelines in the handbook or association agreement (as applicable) to assess education and experience. For this reason, please be sure to include everything in your application that you want considered towards placement.

The City of McMinnville only accepts applications through our online application system at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/Mcminnville. We want you to be successful in applying with us. We highly encourage you to complete and submit your application in advance of the deadline. For technical assistance, please call (855) 524-5627.

The City of McMinnville is an equal opportunity employer.
Applicants with disabilities who need a reasonable accommodation (e.g., assistive listening devices)
to participate in the recruitment and/or selection process should contact Vicki Hedges, Human Resources Manager.

The City of McMinnville is proud to hire veterans.
Applicants are eligible to use Veteran’s Preference in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230 and 408.235; and OAR 105-040-0010 and 105-040-0015. Military personnel who expect to be honorably discharged from the military within 120 days of certifying veteran status on this job application, may also request preference. Preference will only be given if the applicant meets the minimum qualifications and any special qualifications for the position and they electronically attach the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED:

• MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215) – OR – Letter from the US Dept. of Veterans Affairs indicating a non-service connected pension. If you need to request a copy of your DD-214, click here.
• Disabled Veterans must also submit a copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
For information regarding Veteran’s Preference qualifications, visit the following website: https://www.oregon.gov/boli/workers/Pages/veterans-preference.aspx

The City of McMinnville prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. We are committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at the City of McMinnville are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, age, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, ability, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state and federal law. We do not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.

The City of McMinnville is dedicated to fostering a fair and inclusive environment in all aspects of our employment practices, including recruitment, hiring, retention, promotion, and training. We are also committed to supporting leadership development in the broader McMinnville community and working toward a welcoming and respectful atmosphere for everyone. We encourage candidates who align with these principles to join us in contributing to a stronger and more unified McMinnville.