This is engineering and supervisory work directing the city-wide bridge inspection, maintenance and repair program and the operation of drawbridges. The employee in this class is responsible for planning the overall inspection, maintenance and repair program for City-owned bridges, the operation and mechanical and electrical maintenance of two drawbridges, and recommending priorities for contracted repair work. Acts as assistant to the Assistant Chief Highway Engineer Maintenance and serves in this capacity as required by absence. Responsibility for directing subordinate supervisors, contact with other agencies and the provision of engineering interpretations to resolve bridge maintenance and repair problems are of major significance to the work. Work is performed under the direction of an engineering superior.

• Plans, directs and reviews the inspection, maintenance and repair of city-owned bridges and division facilities; reviews work orders to determine the most efficient method of completing assignments; reviews blueprints and sketches of wood, concrete, masonry and metal bridges; recommends more complex repair projects for performance by contractors.
• Analyzes bridge structural, mechanical and electrical problems; develops feasible solutions; assesses cost effectiveness of projected repairs; performs structural and design analysis; reviews contractors' final designs and proposals; designs or makes recommendations concerning construction sequence, materials to be used, traffic control schemes, construction operation, and modifications to existing plans.
• Makes on-site inspections to determine that the work is being done in conformance to directives, trade standards or contracts; interprets plans and specifications for work crews or contractors; inspects materials, construction sequence, traffic control operations and shop drawings; reviews contractor estimates for partial or full payment; contacts other agencies to coordinate activities, such as utility shutdowns and traffic control.
• Directs and reviews the work of the City's drawbridge operations; assesses cause of malfunctions; develops modifications to prevent recurrence of problems; reviews overall repair work to develop repair schedules; writes requisitions and specifications for drawbridge specialty parts; visits sites during breakdown to insure that mechanical and electrical repairs are completed swiftly to minimize traffic interruptions.
• Reviews plans and specifications for contractual maintenance work; recommends modifications; prepares specifications for minor modifications to existing plans.
• Plans, directs and supervises special street repair and modification projects; reviews project plans and blueprints; determines most efficient work methods; insures that work is completed according to plan.
• Acts as assistant to the engineer in charge of bridge and highway maintenance and serves in this capacity as required by absence; assists in ice and snow removal activities.
• Reviews activity reports prepared by subordinate supervisors; prepares periodic activity reports and reports concerning emergency situations.
• Reviews and approves requisitions for materials and supplies.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• engineering theory and of the principles and practices of civil engineering as applied to the inspection, maintenance and repair of bridges and related structures.
• the methods and techniques of civil engineering as applied to the structural details and materials commonly used in bridge construction and repair.
• the methods and techniques involved in the inspection of bridges and related structures.
• the strength and use of bridge repair construction materials and equipment.
• the principles, practices, materials and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of mechanical and electrical equipment commonly found in drawbridges.
• the occupational hazards and safety precautions of bridge inspection, maintenance and repair work including federal occupational safety standards for contractor work.
• supervisory methods and techniques.
• engineering mathematics as applied to bridge maintenance and operations.

ABILITY TO:

• supervise, and to provide training through subordinate supervisors for, a large group of employees engaged in a city-wide program of bridge inspection, maintenance and repair and special street repair projects.
• evaluate repair or construction modifications for soundness of engineering features and economic feasibility.
• analyze bridge repair, maintenance and specification interpretation problems and to exercise sound judgment in their resolution.
• analyze data and explain contract deviations to contractors and to resolve disputes firmly and tactfully.
• supervise, through a subordinate supervisor, the operation and mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair of drawbridges.
• determine, through the review of inspection reports, the need for and the degree of bridge maintenance and/or repair required.
• become familiar with federal, state and local funding requirements to provide well-ordered bridge maintenance programming recommendations.
• climb on bridge structures under hazardous conditions.
• interpret technical blueprints and sketches of structural, mechanical and electrical bridge designs.
• make estimates of time and materials.
• review and prepare reports related to bridge inspection, maintenance, repair and operations.
• understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, contractors and others.

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering.
• Four years of civil engineering experience, two years of which have involved bridge design, construction or maintenance, including one year in a supervisory capacity.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS AND/OR CERTIFICATES

• Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of appointment as Bridge Maintenance and Operations Engineer.

PAY RANGE: EP24
Class Established: 4/1986

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