Neighborhood Programs Designer (Associate Civil Engineer)

Salary

$84,073.60 - $118,372.80 Annually

Location

Tacoma, WA

Job Type

Non-Classified

Job Number

T0060-23

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

10/24/2023

Closing Date

Continuous

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Position Description

This position is open until filled, applications received by November 29, 2023 will receive first consideration.

The City of Tacoma Public Works Department is recruiting for the Appointive position of Neighborhood Programs Designer in the Transportation Division. The person selected for this position will join a diverse team (of engineers and planners) and collaborative work environment conducive for engaging with the community, listening to concerns, and developing plans/designs to address transportation issues affecting our community.

The Neighborhood Programs Designer will have an active role in improving community livability and managing the City's transportation system in a safe, effective, and equitable manner. The Transportation Division is seeking an enthusiastic and people-oriented addition to our Traffic Engineering and Safety Section that preferably has base knowledge of street design/planning, traffic calming strategies, and general transportation engineering concepts in order to assess, devise, and help implement neighborhood-based improvements.

Tacoma is a sustainable community with many diverse residents, businesses, and visitors who have various transportation priorities. The City is strategic in how it plans its transportation system with an emphasis on safely carrying people and goods that foster Tacoma’s culture, character, and competitiveness. The City’s transportation system offers multimodal travel options from micromobility to high-capacity transit that provide safe access for all users and neighborhoods, encourages healthy living, and protects the environment.

The ideal candidate will exhibit the following:

• Strong customer service skills and the ability to organize and express ideas through excellent oral and written communication to a wide variety of audiences.

• Knowledge and ability to apply sound engineering, planning, and project management practices.

• Hard-working and approachable with the ability to work well with others in a collaborative team setting as well as and independently.

• Ability to work with diverse audiences and build mutually beneficial relationships with internal and external partners.

• Demonstrated ability to manage many demands simultaneously, and to oversee highly visible and sometimes controversial projects effectively and with sensitivity.

• Knowledge of innovative and current transportation engineering/planning best practices, and

• Conversant in AutoCAD or GIS, MS Office, and possess the ability to learn new applications.

Position Description:

The Neighborhood Programs Designer position is responsible for the development of designs and procedures to manage the City’s public right-of-way with respect to operational efficiencies and safety that require the application of professional judgment and collaborative operational relationships.

Under the general direction of the City’s Traffic Engineer, and in partnership with the other members of the Transportation and Engineering Divisions, the Neighborhood Programs Designer position will independently, and/or with direction/guidance from a licensed engineer/supervisor, perform engineering/planning task assignments which support its focal areas including the following: traffic calming solutions for design/coordination, temporary traffic control plan development/review, access point review/management for efficient and safe roadways, support for safety programs, community outreach, coordination, consensus-building, and customer service requests and interactions.

More specifically, this position will focus on providing comprehensive traffic engineering/planning services to neighborhoods and supporting programs, such as Vision Zero (http://www.cityoftacoma.org/visionzero) . Duties also include addressing citizen requests, attending/participating in public meetings, and traffic calming planning design, and implementation.

Other responsibilities include:

• Conducting and analyzing traffic calming and traffic safety evaluations for safe routes to schools and neighborhood greenways

• Supporting streets initiative projects (https://www.cityoftacoma.org/government/city_departments/public_works/tacoma_streets_initiative) and programs, residential street maintenance projects, and utility partnership projects, including elements related to implementation of the City’s Transportation Master Plan (http://www.cityoftacoma.org/tmp) , traffic calming, and residential development.

Ultimately, the position will be collaborating with internal city staff, agency partners, advocacy organizations, and with the community at-large to develop decisions that are effective and supportive of the City’s goal for a safe and equitable transportation system.

The Principles that Guide Us:

Tacoma, the City of Destiny, has a workforce of dedicated, talented employees with unique skills and perspectives. We embrace innovation and strive for excellence and community engagement. The Principles that Guide Us, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Equity, speak to the values that we embody as City of Tacoma employees, and represent the core of our work in public service.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, transportation planning, urban planning, or a directly related field.

Desirable Qualifications

• Experience (1 or more years in a professional setting) in supporting, planning, designing roadway/traffic calming features.

• Experience (1 or more years in a professional setting) in understanding/applying general traffic engineering fundamentals.

• Experience (1 or more years in a professional setting) in working with diverse groups and community members, neighborhoods, and businesses.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Engineer in Training Certificate is a desirable certification.

This position may require a valid Washington Driver's License at the time of appointment with maintenance thereafter.

Knowledge & Skills

ANALYTICAL

Develop methods of data collection and results interpretation. As necessary, implement results of research studies or programs with an appropriate and effective course of action based upon outcome or findings.

COMMUNICATIONS

Ability to communicate clearly and prepare effective oral and written communications for professional and general public use.

LEADERSHIP

Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, the general public, city, county, state and federal agencies while coordinating research in support of assigned department programs.

MANAGEMENT

Plan and organize work to meet schedules and timelines.

PROFESSIONALISM

Remain current on applicable laws, codes, regulations, policies and procedures within engineering field assigned.

TECHNICAL

Operate a personal computer and be self-reliant with operating system software to include peripheral office support equipment in order to accomplish assigned tasks. Database, CAD, and GIS experience desirable, but not required.

Selection Process & Supplemental Information

To be considered for this opportunity:

Interested individuals must complete the online application and attach a detailed resume and cover letter that includes major responsibilities and accomplishments related to (or supportive of) this position.

In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

This is a competitive selection process. Your application will be reviewed and evaluated on the basis of education, certifications, professional license and related experience. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications and who most closely correspond to the City of Tacoma's needs will be placed on a referral list for review and potential interview selection. Appointment is subject to passing a pre-employment background and references check.

Supplemental questions regarding an applicant's experience and training are also included in the application form. These questions will be used to assess candidate minimum qualifications and to provide additional information to the hiring managers regarding candidate experience.

Applications received by November 29, 2023, will receive first consideration.

City of Tacoma Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Tacoma's diversity is its greatest asset. Tacoma embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. Communities of color and immigrant communities are fundamental to Tacoma's entrepreneurial spirit, workforce, and long-term success. In Tacoma, equity and empowerment are top priorities, meaning that all Tacoma residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. One of our goals is for the City of Tacoma workforce to reflect the community it serves. We actively work to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Our goal is for Tacoma to be an inclusive and equitable place to live, work, and play.

The City of Tacoma is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workplace. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital or veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, and local laws.

Our City:

With a population over 210,000, Tacoma is the second largest city in the Puget Sound region, gracing the shores of Commencement Bay. We are a diverse, progressive, international city that serves as a gateway to the Pacific Rim and the rest of the world. Named one of the most livable areas in the country by Livability.com, Tacoma and the surrounding area is a playground for outdoor and maritime enthusiasts. Our businesses are vibrant, our parks are beautiful, and our schools are exceptional.

When you work for the City of Tacoma, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a healthy work/life balance, the potential for flexible work schedules (with some job classifications), continuing education programs, leadership pathways, wellness incentives and a total rewards benefits program. We welcome you to take a look at our website and discover how the City of Tacoma can make your next career move part of our combined destiny.

http://www.cityoftacoma.org/

http://www.traveltacoma.com/

The City of Tacoma believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to our success. This job description is designed to outline primary duties, qualifications and job scope. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

Communication from the City of Tacoma:

We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.

The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.

For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 before 4:00 pm of the closing date of the job announcement.

The City of Tacoma provides excellent medical, dental and vision plans for the whole family; paid holidays and paid leave; participation in the Tacoma Public Employees' Retirement System (alternate plan for Police/Fire); continuing education and advancement opportunities and a growing variety of City-sponsored health and wellness opportunities and incentives.

Medical Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Dental Coverage: For eligible employees and their families, including domestic partners and dependent children age 26 or younger.

Vision Coverage: For eligible employees and their eligible dependents.

Paid Leave: City employees are entitled to received paid holidays, sick/vacation leave or personal time off (PTO), depending upon union affiliation and appointment type.

Insurance Plans: Employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance plans are also available to employees. The State Industrial Insurance Act also covers employees.

Deferred Compensation: Income can be set aside on a pretax basis and invested for supplementation of normal retirement income.

Retirement: All employees of the City, except members of the Police and Fire services, Tacoma Rail and certain project employees, are included in the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacoma.org or by calling (253) 502-8200.

Other Employment Information

Direct Deposit: Employees are paid on a bi-weekly schedule by direct deposit.

Salary Increases: Based on satisfactory job performance, the City provides for a regular progression of salary increases for most classifications according to the salary schedule.

Union Affiliation: Many job classifications are covered by union security provisions which require union membership, dues, or payment of equivalent service fees.

Note: The provisions of this job announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained herein may be modified and/or revoked without notice.

01

These questions will be used to determine whether you meet the minimum qualifications for this position and as a tool to screen applications prior to an in depth look at your application materials. They should be completed thoroughly and honestly. Your responses to these questions may be assessed through the interview and reference check process. Any sign of deliberate misinformation or intentional exaggeration will result in disqualification from the examination process and possible bar from future employment opportunities with the City of Tacoma.

I certify that the information provided is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any falsification may cancel any terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.

• Yes

• No

  02

  Do you have a four (4) year degree from an accredited college or university in civil engineering, transportation planning, urban planning, or a related field?

• Yes

• No

  03

  Do you have one or more years of experience (in a professional setting) for any (select all that apply) of the following (not required experience, but desirable)?

• Supporting, planning, designing roadway/traffic calming features

• Understanding/applying general traffic engineering fundamentals

• Working with diverse groups and community members, neighborhoods, and businesses

  04

  In 300 words or less, please highlight how your education, work experience, and/or training support the work expectations for this position.

  05

  In 300 words or less, please describe an engineering project you had in school or a past position that makes you excited about the prospect of working in the traffic engineering and transportation planning field. Please elaborate on why you chose the project to reference, what your role was, and what you enjoyed about the project or process.

  06

  The City of Tacoma values diversity, equity, and inclusion when implementing progressive transportation policies. In 300 words or less, please give an example of an issue or project you worked on related to diversity, equity, and/or inclusion. Please describe the strategies you used, or you think could have been used, to expand the group/community's understanding of the project or issue? If you have no relevant experience in this area, respond with "N/A" but then please describe (in 300 words or less) what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean to you.

  07

  Addressing traffic safety concerns requires sound problem-solving skills. In 300 words or less, please describe a task or project that you were responsible for which best demonstrates your ability to analyze information. If you have no relevant experience in this area, respond with N/A.

  08

  Traffic engineering can be very demanding. In 300 words or less, provide an example of a time when you had multiple demands on your time. How did you ensure that you were able to meet the needs of your customers, as well as those of your team members and management?

  09

  How did you learn about this job opportunity?

• City of Tacoma website

• City of Tacoma job interest card

• Web/internet search

• Association of Washington Cities website

• Professional organization

• Community organization

• City of Tacoma employee

• Other

  10

  Please provide specific information regarding how you learned about this job opening. Your feedback will be used to evaluate our success reaching the public and refine our methods for future job postings. Thank you.

  11

  Did you remember to upload a cover letter and resume?

• Yes

• No

  Required Question

Agency

City of Tacoma

Address

Human Resources Department 747 Market Street Tacoma, Washington, 98402-3764

Phone

253-591-5400

Website

http://www.cityoftacoma.org

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