06/01/91 A

This is the chief engineering class in the Transportation Management Series. This class plans, develops, and directs directorate level and district transportation engineering programs in the Virginia Department of Transportation. Responsibilities include directing statewide programs and integrating these programs with others in the agency. The class is distinguished from the Director Transportation by its responsibility for a combination of related directorates and district engineering and operations.

Complexity of Work: Performs work of unusual difficulty which involves directing the agency’s highway construction and maintenance program management and operations. This position directs agency engineering and operations functions, including location and design, materials, right of way, structures and bridge, environmental, construction, equipment, maintenance, and traffic engineering programs; and directs District Administrators in the construction and maintenance of roadways and bridges throughout the state. Directs major agency mission transportation engineering programs through oversight of agency directorates and district engineers; sets program priorities; determines priorities when divisions have conflicting interests. Approves all highway plans for acquisition of right of way and construction. Approves highway construction and maintenance bids. Provides technical assistance and guidance on complex engineering and operations issues to directors, District Administrators, the Commissioner, and the Transportation Board. Advises and counsels higher level state and federal officials on assigned programs; negotiates and arbitrates future program direction issues; represents the department to local, state, and federal officials, transportation agencies, private organizations, and the general public. Presents a variety of construction and maintenance issues/problems to the Transportation Board. Reviews divisions’ and districts’ biennial budget proposals; presents combined biennial budget to the commissioner. Serves as a member of the agency’s executive committee, counseling on and participating in overall agency policy formulation and administrative activities.

Supervision Given: Provides administrative direction to Directors Transportation and District Administrators.

Supervision Received: Receives administrative direction from the Department of Transportation Commissioner.

Scope: Activities influence all statewide transportation engineering programs related to highway construction and maintenance.

Impact of Actions: The position has a direct impact on the economic well being, public safety, and quality of life of citizens and on the management of the agency. Decisions effect the expenditure of large amounts of state and federal funds.

Personal Contacts: Frequent internal and external contacts with state and local officials, federal highway officials, the State Transportation Board, and the Attorney General’s Office to provide executive level information and to review issues and programs.

Knowledge: Comprehensive knowledge of large scale organizational functions related to highway engineering, construction, and operations; organizational planning and program evaluation; related federal and state laws and regulations; and supervisory and personnel management principles and practices.

Skills: None identified for this class.

Abilities: Demonstrated ability to plan and direct a large scale, multi-location transportation program; to develop program related policy and legislation; to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, with both individuals and groups; to develop strategies for solving complex problems or meeting agency goals; and to direct the work of others.

QUALIFICATIONS GUIDE*

Licenses or Certification: None.

Education or Training: Graduation from an accredited college or university with major course work in transportation engineering, transportation planning, or a related area.

Level and Type of Experience: Progressively responsible experience in directing multiple transportation engineering programs including highway engineering, construction, maintenance and operations. Experience negotiating and working with high-level executives and public officials.

An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.

This class, previously titled Highway Chief Engineer, was revised as a result of an agency management study conducted by the Virginia Department of Transportation, effective June 1991.