
Beyond Ribbon Cuttings; What Real Infrastructure Leadership Looks Like
A pothole doesn’t start as a crisis. It starts as a crack- easy to ignore, cheaper to fix, and almost always overlooked.
That quiet moment—when something small could have been handled- is where the real story of infrastructure lives. Not in ribbon-cuttings or press releases, but in the steady, often invisible work of maintenance. And whether you’re managing a city budget or just starting your career in public service, understanding this truth changes how you see everything.
Maintenance: The Work No One Applauds- But Everyone Relies On
New projects get headlines. Maintenance gets… scheduled.
Yet the American Society of Civil Engineers continues to warn that deferred maintenance is one of the biggest drivers of infrastructure failure in the U.S. When a road is resurfaced on time, most people don’t notice. When it isn’t, everyone does—usually while swerving around a crater or sitting in traffic caused by emergency repairs.
Think of infrastructure like your health. Skipping routine checkups might save time today, but it rarely ends well. The same goes for roads, bridges, water systems, and public facilities. A modest investment now can prevent massive disruption later.
Practical ways to embed this mindset:
Treat maintenance as a core service, not a leftover budget item.
Track asset conditions regularly, not reactively.
Celebrate “boring wins” internally—like reduced repair backlogs or extended asset life.
The Funding Problem (and the Smarter Way Around It)
Here’s the challenge: maintenance doesn’t photograph well. There’s no groundbreaking ceremony for fixing what already exists.
But funding is evolving—and leaders who recognize this are getting ahead.
Grants at the state and federal level are increasingly tied to asset management plans and performance metrics. In other words, you’re more likely to secure funding if you can prove you’re maintaining what you have.
At the same time, enterprise funding models—like tolls, utilities, and user fees—are gaining traction because they align cost with usage.
A practical example: A city that dedicates a small percentage of water utility fees to ongoing pipe maintenance avoids catastrophic (and expensive) main breaks. Residents barely notice the fee—but they definitely notice when water service fails.
Smart strategies:
Build maintenance plans into every funding request.
Use lifecycle cost analysis to show long-term savings.
Create dedicated revenue streams tied to infrastructure use.
Leadership Looks Like Stewardship
Leadership in infrastructure isn’t just about building—it’s about caring for what’s already built.
That requires a shift in mindset: from project delivery to asset stewardship.
Modern asset management systems now allow cities to:
Monitor infrastructure conditions in real time.
Predict when assets will fail.
Prioritize investments based on risk, not guesswork.
For early-career professionals, this is a huge opportunity. Data literacy and systems thinking are becoming just as important as engineering or planning skills.
For seasoned leaders, the challenge is cultural: making long-term decisions in environments that often reward short-term wins.
The best leaders do both.
Winning Public Support (Without Boring People to Death)
Let’s be honest—“maintenance funding initiative” isn’t exactly a crowd-pleaser.
But people do care about:
Safe roads.
Reliable transit.
Clean water.
Neighborhoods that feel cared for.
The key is translation.
Instead of talking about “asset lifecycle costs,” talk about what happens when maintenance is ignored: higher taxes later, more disruptions, and declining quality of life.
Better yet, show it. Before-and-after visuals, quick stories, even simple analogies (“fixing a leak vs. replacing the whole roof”) make the case real.
Engagement that works:
Use plain language and real examples.
Invite community input on priorities.
Show how maintenance decisions directly affect daily life.
Technology Is Changing the Game (Quietly)
Drones inspecting bridges. Sensors embedded in roads. AI predicting failures before they happen.
This isn’t future talk—it’s already happening.
These tools allow teams to:
Spot issues earlier.
Reduce manual inspection costs.
Target repairs precisely where they’re needed.
Imagine knowing which stretch of road will fail next winter—and fixing it this summer for a fraction of the cost. That’s the power of predictive maintenance.
The takeaway isn’t “buy more tech.” It’s “use better information.”
Maintenance in a Climate-Challenged World
Infrastructure built for yesterday’s climate is being tested by today’s reality.
More intense storms, heatwaves, and flooding mean maintenance isn’t just about preservation anymore—it’s about resilience.
That might look like:
Using materials that withstand extreme heat.
Expanding drainage systems for heavier rainfall.
Incorporating green infrastructure like permeable pavements and rain gardens.
Maintenance teams are now on the front lines of climate adaptation—whether they signed up for it or not.
The Future Is Proactive- or It’s Expensive
The cities that thrive won’t necessarily be the ones that build the most. They’ll be the ones that take care of what they already have—consistently, intelligently, and transparently.
This is where everything comes together: funding, leadership, technology, and public trust.
And it all starts with a simple shift in thinking:
Maintenance isn’t a cost. It’s an investment that compounds.
So here’s the question that actually matters—whether you’re managing millions in assets or just stepping into your first role:
What’s one thing under your watch right now that’s quietly deteriorating—and what would it look like to take care of it before it becomes a problem?
Because the future of infrastructure isn’t built in grand moments.
It’s maintained in small, consistent ones.
References
American Society of Civil Engineers. 2021 Infrastructure Report Card. Accessed October 20, 2023. https://www.infrastructurereportcard.org/.
U.S. Department of Transportation. Federal Aid Essentials for Local Public Agencies. 2022. https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/federal-aidessentials/.
Municipal Research and Services Center (MRSC). Funding Public Infrastructure. 2023. https://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Public-Works/Funding-Public-Infrastructure.aspx.
National Asset Management Agency. Asset Management Best Practices. 2022. https://www.nama.ie/asset-management-best-practices.
International Infrastructure Management Manual. Advanced Asset Management. 2023. https://www.inframanual.com/.
Institute for Public Policy Research. Community Engagement in Infrastructure Projects. 2021. https://www.ippr.org/research/community-engagement-in-infrastructure.
Center for Urban Policy and the Environment. Lifecycle Cost Analysis for Public Infrastructure. 2022. https://www.urbanpolicy.org/lifecycle-cost-analysis.
Construction Industry Institute. Innovations in Infrastructure Maintenance. 2023. https://www.constructioninstitute.org/innovations-in-maintenance.
American Public Works Association. Predictive Maintenance in Public Works. 2022. https://www.apwa.net/Predictive-Maintenance.
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Climate Adaptation and Infrastructure. 2021. https://www.ipcc.ch/climate-adaptation-infrastructure.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Resilience for Infrastructure. 2022. https://www.epa.gov/climate-resilience-infrastructure.
World Bank Group. The Future of Infrastructure. 2023. https://www.worldbank.org/future-infrastructure.
More from 2 Topics
Explore related articles on similar topics
Top Paying Jobs in Infrastructure and Leadership Perspectives
Highest paying opportunities related to this article
ABOUT THE ROLE The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) for the City and County of Denver is seeking an experienced leader to serve as an Executive, reporting directly to the City Engineer. This senior leadership position provides strategic direction and executive oversight for multiple divisions responsible for delivering and supporting citywide infrastructure, engineering services, and operational programs. The Core Infrastructure Administration includes divisions such as Wastewater Operations and Maintenance, Wastewater Capital Implementation, Interagency, Procurement and Supply Services, Program Management, and Special Projects and Initiatives. The Executive will work closely with senior DOTI leadership and internal and external partners to advance complex infrastructure initiatives and ensure effective, sustainable delivery of critical city services. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Establish and advance a long-term vision and multi-year strategy for multiple engineering and operational divisions - Advise the City Engineer and senior DOTI leadership on complex infrastructure, operational, organizational, and policy matters - Provide executive oversight of planning, design, construction, operations, and maintenance services across complex business lines - Oversee significant operating and capital budgets, develop financial plans, and ensure strong financial controls - Lead and develop a high-performing organization of directors, managers, and staff through clear expectations, coaching, and accountability - Serve as a key representative of DOTI with elected officials, partner agencies, and community organizations - Translate strategic priorities into measurable outcomes by establishing and monitoring enterprise performance measures and key performance indicators - Drive organizational and operational transformation through modernization of processes, technology, systems, and service delivery models MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: Bachelor's Degree in Engineering or Architecture (no substitution of experience for education is permitted) - Experience: Five (5) years of engineering leadership experience, which must have included director-level management responsibilities - Experience: One (1) year of management experience that includes budget and fiscal oversight responsibility, evaluation of business processes, and policy and decision-making experience with planning and organizing multiple programs, projects, operations, or functions - License: Valid Driver's License at the time of application - Certification: Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the Colorado State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers, or registration as an Architect by the Colorado State Board of Registration at the time of application (out-of-state registration is accepted if Colorado registration is obtained by completion of probation) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment - Must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S. - Employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor - Remote work is permitted up to two days per week, but employees must work within the state of Colorado on remote workdays SELECTION PROCESS 1. Application review based on submitted materials and minimum qualifications 2. Evaluation of candidate experience, leadership capabilities, and alignment with DOTI principles 3. Potential interviews and further assessment by DOTI leadership and the City Engineer HOW TO APPLY 1. Submit an application through the City and County of Denver online portal 2. Upload a Cover Letter to the Resume/CV section on the My Experience tab 3. Upload a Resume to the Resume/CV section on the My Experience tab 4. Ensure all materials are submitted no later than Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM to ensure consideration EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) - Job Profile: CE2785 Engineer-Architect Executive - Job Requisition ID: R0081983 - Location: Greater Denver Area, Colorado - Work Model: Hybrid (3 days in office, 2 days remote within Colorado) - Job Type: Full time, Unlimited position type - Benefits: Guaranteed life-long monthly pension (vested after 5 years), 457B Retirement Plan, 140 hours of PTO in the first year, 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day, 1 volunteer day per year, and competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month of start date
ABOUT THE ROLE Responsible for overseeing groups in the division, including Water Reclamation, Commercial Pretreatment, Industrial Pretreatment, Sewer System Maintenance, and CMOM. Provides overall direction, develops policies and procedures, manages budgets, and oversees staff and assets to ensure operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Establish and implement the group's vision and direction. - Maintain industry knowledge through professional associations, publications, seminars, meetings, and conferences. - Develop and implement business plans consistent with department goals, objectives, and budgetary constraints. - Assure compliance with Federal and State Regulations and promote changes to County codes to resolve functional conflicts. - Prepare documents for presentation to the Board of County Commissioners for approval. - Resolve conflicts between operational concerns and policies, revising procedures to promote operational efficiency. - Coordinate with other departments and jurisdictions to ensure their interests are met. - Resolve customer, constituent, and general public concerns regarding various program issues. - Assure efficient utilization of program resources by writing and reviewing procurement specifications. - Establish procedures for evaluating proposals, bids, and quotes for recommendation to the Board of Commissioners. - Perform other related duties as required. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or Public Administration supplemented by five years of progressively responsible experience in the Water Reclamation field, including three years of supervisory experience in the Water Administration field. - OR any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience providing the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities. - Ability to demonstrate proficiency in performing essential functions and applying county or departmental policies, practices, and procedures effectively. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. - Must obtain a Professional Engineering Certification or Water/Sewer Operators License within 12 months of employment. - Applications must be completed in full before submission. No additional information will be accepted after applications are received by the Department of Human Resources Management. SELECTION PROCESS - Evaluation of education and experience through detailed analysis of the application to ensure minimum qualifications are met. - Qualifying veterans receive preference in the form of a guaranteed invitation to interview if minimum qualifications are met (hiring preference applies to initial appointment only). HOW TO APPLY - Submit a complete application through official Fulton County channels. - Review the application for accuracy and make all corrections before submittal, as errors can result in not meeting the minimum qualifications. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Fulton County - Department: Public Works - Job Type: Public Works - Location: Various Locations in Fulton County, GA (Recruitment based at 11575 Maxwell Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30009) - Address: 141 Pryor Street, Suite 3030, Atlanta, Georgia, 30303 - Opening Date: 08/05/2026 - Closing Date: 10/05/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern - Equal Opportunity Policy: Fulton County provides equal opportunity for every citizen, employee, and applicant based upon merit without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, genetics, disability, or sexual orientation.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI) Right-of-Way Services division is seeking a full-time Senior Engineer for the Engineering Plan Review Transportation team. This role ensures that private development, capital improvement, utility, and land use projects within the public right-of-way comply with City, State, and Federal transportation laws, regulations, policies, and standards. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Perform professional engineering work on large, complex private development projects from inception to completion - Review construction plans, designs, specifications, and technical reports for conformance with applicable requirements - Apply City and DOTI rules to capital improvement projects, encroachment permits, right-of-way vacations, and wireless small-cell site applications - Provide technical engineering expertise and guidance to DOTI and other City departments - Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including design consultants, contractors, utility providers, and elected officials - Meet regularly with applicants and project managers to resolve plan review comments and provide technical guidance - Monitor the review process and provide responsive customer service with timely follow-up - Perform field reviews and occasional construction site inspections to verify compliance - Research, develop, and recommend policies, procedures, and engineering details supporting regulatory objectives - Utilize asset management and permitting software to track projects, compile metrics, and issue permits - Lead, mentor, and support engineers, technicians, and other team members MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's Degree in Engineering (no substitution of experience for education is permitted) - Three (3) years of professional engineering work experience after obtaining a Professional Engineering (PE) license SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Valid Driver's License at the time of application - Registration as a Professional Engineer (PE) by the Colorado State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers at the time of application (out-of-state registration accepted if Colorado registration is obtained by completion of probation) - Valid work authorization that does not require visa sponsorship in the U.S. - Preferred skills include knowledge of GIS applications, AutoCAD, Bluebeam Revu, and Accela Civic Solutions SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be screened based on relevant engineering and project experience detailed in the job history - Additional appropriate education may be substituted for experience requirements beyond the mandatory bachelor's degree HOW TO APPLY - Apply online through the City and County of Denver application portal - Application Deadline: Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM - Ensure all relevant engineering and project experience is explicitly detailed in the job history section of the application - For disability or language accommodation requests, contact Jobs@Denvergov.org with three business days' notice EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Agency: Department of Transportation & Infrastructure, City and County of Denver - Location: Downtown Denver (Hybrid model: at least 3 days per week in office or site location; off-site days must be within Colorado) - Job Type: Full-time, Unlimited position - Benefits: Guaranteed life-long monthly pension (vested after 5 years), 457B Retirement Plan, 140 hours of PTO in the first year, 12 paid holidays, 1 personal holiday, 1 Wellness Day, 1 volunteer day per year, and competitive medical, dental, and vision plans effective within 1 month - Note: Employees may be redeployed to support core city functions during a citywide emergency
ABOUT THE ROLE The City of Alexandria's Transportation and Environmental Services Department, Project Implementation branch, is seeking a Technical Project Manager to manage projects throughout the design and construction phases. This role involves overseeing a wide variety of municipal infrastructure projects, including flood mitigation, stormwater and water quality improvements, sanitary sewer infrastructure, roadway improvements, transit projects, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and park enhancements. The successful candidate will work in a multi-disciplinary team environment, providing creative insight into the design and implementation of public spaces and civil infrastructure. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage Capital Improvement projects through the Design and Construction phases. - Deliver capital projects following project management best practices and City standards to meet goals and objectives. - Manage construction project teams, ensuring contract compliance and delivery to City expectations. - Seek stakeholder input, gain consensus, and make recommendations in the best interest of the City and its residents. - Provide stewardship of capital funds through budget development, procurement document drafting, and disciplined contractor management. - Oversee consultants and design professionals responsible for preparing project plans, specifications, cost estimates, and other required documents. - Manage projects within scope, schedule, and budget baselines, monitoring progress and mitigating risks. - Maintain technical knowledge in the design of multiple infrastructure projects and stay abreast of advancements in project delivery and regulatory requirements. - Coach and train associate project managers and continually work to improve project management skills and knowledge. - Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or Landscape Architecture. - Eight (8) years of related experience in a position as a Professional Engineer or Landscape Architect, of which three (3) years must be as a project manager. - Alternatively, any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. - Professional Engineer or Landscape Architect licensure is required. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must successfully complete a pre-employment criminal background check. - May be required to work extended or nontraditional hours during severe weather events or emergency situations to support critical City operations. - Preferred qualifications include fifteen (15) years of experience as a Civil Engineer or Landscape Architect, with at least five (5) years as a project manager for design and construction of capital projects. - Preferred certifications include PMP (PMI) and/or CCM (CMAA). - Preferred experience includes managing multi-discipline teams, design consultants, and construction contractors, as well as working with elected representatives, appointed officials, and citizen stakeholder groups. SELECTION PROCESS - Comprehensive review of the application to verify required education, licensure, and experience. - Evaluation of project management experience and technical knowledge. - Mandatory pre-employment criminal background check for selected candidates. HOW TO APPLY - Submit a complete application through the City of Alexandria's official employment portal. - Ensure all required information regarding education, licensure, and experience is clearly detailed to demonstrate qualifications. - Applications are reviewed on a continuous basis as the posting is open until filled. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Number: 2026-00428 - Department: Transportation & Environmental Services, Project Implementation branch - Job Type: Full-Time - Location: City Hall, 421 King Street, Alexandria, Virginia, 22314 - Opening Date: 06/18/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous (Open until filled) - The City of Alexandria is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity in its workforce, providing consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, military status, or disability.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) is seeking an experienced land development professional to provide management functions and oversight within the Transportation Planning team. Located in one of the fastest-growing counties in the United States, this role operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The position supports long-range transportation planning, policy development, and complex land development application reviews to enhance safety and the quality of life for the evolving community. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Supervising staff members and managing staff performance and workload - Ensuring the integrity of land development application referral responses and the timeliness of submissions to assigned project managers - Assisting the Program Manager with long-range transportation planning and transportation policy development - Managing complex land development application review, including preparing written referral responses and developing transportation planning documents for the Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors, and other committees - Representing the Department at internal and external meetings - Overseeing division records, documents, and file maintenance MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Master's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architecture, or a related field - Four (4) years of related work experience in professional planning or a related field - One (1) year of supervisory experience is strongly preferred - Or an equivalent combination of education and experience SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - A valid driver's license is required - Must be available to occasionally attend meetings outside normal business hours - Employment is contingent upon successful completion of criminal, credit, and DMV background checks SELECTION PROCESS - Applications are reviewed for completeness; resumes are considered supplemental information only - Candidates must pass comprehensive pre-employment background checks (criminal, credit, and DMV) before employment is finalized HOW TO APPLY - All sections of the official application must be completed in their entirety - Applications that are incomplete or indicate "see resume" will not be taken into consideration - For reasonable accommodation requests during the recruitment process, contact Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or email Human Resources EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Location: Leesburg, VA - Job Type: Full-Time Salary - Department: Transportation and Capital Infrastructure - Job Number: 26-00556 - FLSA Status: Exempt - Grade: 133 - Schedule: Flexible scheduling is available to address attendance at required meetings outside of normal business hours; eligible for partial telework in accordance with County and Department Policies - Additional Compensation: Eligible for a $6,000 hiring bonus in accordance with the County's Hiring and Retention Bonus Program - Opening Date: 05/21/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Employer: Loudoun County Government
ABOUT THE ROLE The Loudoun County Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure (DTCI) is seeking an experienced, highly motivated, and detail-oriented Design Manager to manage the design process for County projects. This role is part of the Capital Facilities team and reports to the Program Manager - Facility Design. The position involves managing RFPs and IFBs, overseeing the design process, selecting consulting design teams, reviewing schedules and budgets, and ensuring design goals are met for facility projects in the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage multiple public facility projects dedicated to design phase development. - Develop and evaluate RFPs, participate in design consultant selection, develop contracts and scopes of work, negotiate design contracts, and process related financial transactions. - Support project design, development, and implementation by providing technical support to the Program Manager, stakeholders, and agencies. - Manage the design process and teams, including schedule development, budget maintenance, and ensuring design goals are met. - Coordinate activities and maintain contact with all project stakeholders, facilitating project team meetings. - Assist in preparing action items for Board Committee or Business meetings (open and closed sessions) and Public Hearings. - Administer and maintain documents, files, and records for facility project planning, ensuring compliance with the Virginia Public Records Act. - Coordinate the development of the construction IFB with the facilities construction manager and County Procurement. - Prepare detailed reports on project progress and performance for the Program Manager. - Engage with stakeholders and decision-makers using exceptional interpersonal and communication skills to foster consensus. - Perform other duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor's degree in Architecture or a related field. - Four (4) years of related work experience of a complex nature in indirect design and construction project administration. - Equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. - Preference is given to candidates with construction management work experience of a complex nature, including direct design and administrative experience related to the assigned area. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess a valid driver's license. - Position may require attendance at meetings outside normal business hours. - Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, including criminal, credit, and driving record checks. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications are reviewed based on strict completeness; incomplete applications or those stating "see resume" will not be considered. - Final employment is contingent upon successful background check completion. HOW TO APPLY - Complete all sections of the official Loudoun County Government application in its entirety. - Resumes are considered supplemental information only. Applications indicating "see resume" or left incomplete will not be taken into consideration. - For reasonable accommodation requests during the recruitment process, contact Human Resources directly at 703-777-0213 or via email. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: Loudoun County Government - Address: 1 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg, Virginia, 20175 - Job Type: FT Salary W BN - Job Number: 26-00557 - Department: Transportation and Capital Infrastructure - FLSA Status: Exempt - Grade: 131 - Opening Date: 05/20/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Equal Employment Opportunity: Loudoun County Government is an equal opportunity employer fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs supports the Chief of Staff and Comptroller directly, reporting to the Deputy Chief of Staff on matters of legislative affairs, special projects, community affairs, and policy initiatives. This is a non-civil, at-will position of trust within the City of Baltimore Comptroller's Office, dedicated to modernizing systems, increasing transparency, and improving government accountability and efficiency. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Provide oversight, administration, and coordination of all policy work for the Office of the Comptroller - Collaborate to implement policies enhancing transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of City government - Collect, organize, and interpret information for formal and informal reports and quantitative analyses - Evaluate policies and programs for comparative and best practice assessments - Collaborate with the Data Manager to query databases for narrative reports and thematic mapping - Prepare correspondence and speaking notes for elected officials and agency staff - Develop and maintain relationships with City Council members and other elected officials - Serve as liaison with Baltimore City Council and Maryland General Assembly on legislative issues - Monitor, analyze, and recommend actions on proposed legislation impacting City operations - Lead preparation of testimony and represent the Office at legislative hearings - Manage special projects, events, and community engagement activities - Represent the Comptroller at community and stakeholder meetings, including evenings and weekends - Provide oversight of constituent services, managing direct customer service and tracking interactions - Draft plain language summaries of audit reports and special reports - Manage staff consistent with City HR policies, including evaluations via Workday - Participate in annual budgeting processes for staffing and operational needs MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university - Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience or transferable skills applicable to public administration, policy, or legislation, with familiarity with Baltimore and Maryland legislative processes - Equivalency: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Must possess a valid Maryland Class C Noncommercial driver's license (or equivalent) and be eligible to obtain a Baltimore City driver's permit. Provisional licenses are not accepted. - Must complete a 6-month mandatory probation period. - Must successfully complete a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening (position of trust). - Required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to City Ethics Law. - Ability to work some evenings and weekends as necessary or assigned. SELECTION PROCESS - This is a NON-CIVIL SERVICE POSITION (at-will position of trust). - Final candidates under consideration must successfully complete authorization for a Criminal Background Check and/or Fingerprint screening. HOW TO APPLY - Apply through the official City of Baltimore job portal using job requisition ID R0019142. - You must upload a copy of your valid driver's license with the application at the time of applying. - Application end date: November 24, 2026. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Department: Comptroller's Office, City of Baltimore - Location: City Hall, Baltimore, MD - Job Type: Full-Time - Classification: Non-Civil Service, At-Will Position of Trust - Benefits: Medical, prescription drug, dental, vision, optional life, AD&D, and FSA plans, plus wellness programs, support groups, and workshops. - The City of Baltimore is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer committed to a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion.
ABOUT THE ROLE The Civil Engineering Manager II takes responsibility for technical engineering support of the Office of Water Treatment and Reclamation (OWTR) operations and maintenance staff. Reporting to the OES Deputy Commissioner, this role manages professional and technical engineering projects, including engineering design and review, standards, survey work, inspections, and other project components. The incumbent oversees major capital improvement project design, designs linear infrastructure, prepares construction plans, and provides solutions for short-term and long-term water, wastewater, and storm water issues. This is a highly experienced professional role that routinely exercises project leadership over complex projects, trains other professionals, and serves as a specialized subject matter expert. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Reviews, monitors, and evaluates operational and maintenance activities at OWTR facilities and coordinates with managers to provide technical support, including troubleshooting mechanical, electrical, and automation problems. - Develops scopes of work for OWTR facilities to address operational and maintenance issues and identifies improvements to increase plant efficiency, reliability, reduce energy consumption, and facilitate permit compliance. - Participates in project teams to review consultant design documents for OWTR facility rehabilitation, repair, and upgrades, and attends design review meetings and facility start-ups. - Directs the execution of activities to synchronize project-related tasks, minimizing lags and enhancing the cohesion and quality of deliverables. - Evaluates and establishes departmental performance metrics and validates data accuracy. - Supervises staff, encourages staff development, and builds teams as required for specific needs. - Manages progress meetings to review project status and coordinates with Facilities Managers, Public Information Manager, Safety Officer, Project Controls/Schedule Manager, Permit Coordinator, and Land Acquisition teams. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS 1. Bachelor's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental systems engineering, or equivalent education. 2. 8-10 years of related experience, including supervisory experience. 3. Professional Engineer (P.E.) license required. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred Education: Master's degree in civil engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, environmental systems engineering, or equivalent education. - Preferred Experience: 10-15 years of related experience, including supervisory experience. - Physical Requirements: Light work, exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects. - The City of Atlanta provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. SELECTION PROCESS - Applications will be evaluated based on the stated minimum and preferred qualifications, including education, relevant experience, and required professional licensure. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official City of Atlanta job portal before the closing date. - Ensure all required education, experience, and licensure details are clearly documented in the application, as this information is used to determine eligibility. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job Identification: 33922 - Job Category: General - Job Schedule: Full time - Location: 72 Marietta St, Atlanta, GA, 30303, US - Posting Date: 08/18/2026 - Closing Date: 09/02/2026, 03:00 AM - Employer: City of Atlanta - Equal Opportunity: The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran's status, national origin, or any other basis prohibited by law.





