Job Description:
MANAGING ENGINEER
Description
POSITION OVERVIEWApplications accepted from: All Persons Interested
Service Line/Section: HPW Engineering/Geotechnical-Environmental
Reporting Location: 611 Walker Street, 23rd Floor
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 5:00 pm *
*Subject to change
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Houston Public Works is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Managing Engineer to lead multidisciplinary engineering teams responsible for geotechnical, environmental compliance, construction materials testing (CMT), and utility coordination in support of citywide capital improvement and infrastructure programs.
This position plays a key leadership role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and sustainability of Houston’s infrastructure by providing technical direction, quality assurance oversight, and coordination across multiple Public Works service lines and external partners. More specifically, the responsibilities of the Managing Engineer will encompass, but are not limited to:
- Provides strategic leadership and technical direction for geotechnical, environmental, and materials testing programs, ensuring effective coordination across Public Works service lines, consultants, and regulatory agencies.
- Serves as the primary technical authority and subject-matter expert on complex geotechnical and environmental engineering projects, offering guidance on design, investigation methods, and regulatory compliance.
- Guides, mentors, and develop professional staff, promoting technical excellence, accountability, and career growth within geotechnical, environmental, and CMT disciplines.
- Oversees construction quality control operations, including the management of engineering testing service contracts, verification of field and laboratory performance, and review of contractor and consultant invoices for compliance and accuracy.
- Ensures adherence to industry standards and safety regulations, maintaining compliance with local, state, and federal environmental and engineering codes.
- Reviews and approves critical engineering documentation, including Geotechnical Reports, Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments, and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reports to verify technical accuracy and completeness.
- Conducts technical reviews of specialized geological studies, including Phase I, II, and III Fault Assessments, and evaluates lead and asbestos investigation proposals and reports for conformance with regulatory standards.
- Coordinates with public and private utilities to mitigate potential conflicts during design and construction, ensuring clear documentation and timely conflict resolution.
- Resolves high-risk or complex engineering issues encountered during project planning, design, or construction, ensuring timely and effective solutions.
- Responds to technical inquiries, complaints, and requests for information from internal stakeholders, consultants, and the public regarding geotechnical, environmental, and CMT-related concerns.
- Fosters cross-departmental collaboration to advance Houston Public Works’ mission of delivering safe, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure.
- Performs other related duties as assigned to support departmental objectives and project delivery goals.
WORKING CONDITIONS The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. May require walking on rough surfaces during on-site inspections and investigations. There are occasional minor discomforts from exposure to less-than-optimal temperature and air conditions. The position may involve dealing with modestly unpleasant situations, as with occasional exposure to office chemicals and/or extensive use of a video display terminal.
This is a Houston Public Works Emergency Management position at the Tier II Level. MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires graduation from an approved curriculum in engineering by the State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers with satisfactory standing;
OR
Requires graduation from an engineering or related science curriculum at a recognized institution of higher education, other than a curriculum approved by the Board, and passage of the eight-hour fundaments of engineering examination prescribed by the Board.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Eight years of active practice in engineering work after graduation from an approved curriculum in engineering, with four of the years as a licensed Professional Engineer, are required.
Substitution: A Master's degree in Engineering may be substituted for up to two years of the above experience requirement.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS Requires registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas. A specific branch of engineering (such as civil, mechanical, structural, etc.) may be required.
May require a valid Texas driver's license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving.
Engineers from out-of-state must be hired in a position directly under the supervision of a Professional Engineer licensed by the State of Texas;
AND
obtain their license as a Professional Engineer in the State of Texas within six months from date of hire for continued employment with the City of Houston.
PREFERENCESPreference will be given to applicants who have experience in municipal or public works engineering management. Familiarity with TCEQ, TXDOT, and EPA regulations.
Demonstrated expertise in geotechnical investigation methods, environmental compliance, and construction materials testing (ASTM/AASHTO standards).
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.** GENERAL INFORMATION SELECTION/SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED: None
However, the department may administer a skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
SALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
Pay Grade 31 APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during posting opening and closing dates shown.
Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov .
To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-6015.
If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-6015. (TTY 7-1-1)
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE Equal Opportunity EmployerThe City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.
The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
Closing Date/Time: 11/4/2026 11:59 PM Central
Salary:
$5,248.62 - $5,641.08 Biweekly