American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado

The City of Fontana is seeking seasoned public works/engineering professionals interested in leading the City’s new Public Works/Engineering Department. 

The Community 

Nestled against the San Bernardino Mountains, Fontana is a modern city that offers residents and visitors a wealth of community activities, combined with a thriving local economy and central access to major business centers. The City of Fontana is located about 50 miles east of Los Angeles and spans approximately 42.4 square miles. 

Today, more than 213,000 people call the City of Fontana home. Fontana’s low crime rate, affordable housing, diversity, and below-average unemployment rate has made the City one of the fastest growing in California and a trendsetter in San Bernardino County. Despite its rapid growth, Fontana residents enjoy a hometown atmosphere. 

City Governance 

Fontana is governed by a five-member City Council under the council-manager form of government, with a Mayor who is elected at large and four Council members elected by District. Council members serve four-year staggered terms, with two elected every two years.  

The City of Fontana has approximately 600 full-time employees (FTEs) who provide high-quality services to residents though seven departments reporting through two Assistant City Managers (one over Administrative Services and the other over Development Services) and the City Manager. The Fontana Fire Protection District contracts with San Bernardino County Fire Department to provide fire services for the City. 

The FY 2021-2022 General Fund budget is $110 million with a Capital Fund budget of $45.7 million. A new Capital Improvement Program was adopted in the current fiscal year and covers capital projects through FY 2027/28. The CIP encompasses approximately 140 distinct projects with an overall $806.8 million budget. 

The Department and Opportunity 

The Engineering Department was recently merged with Public Works to streamline resources and realize the City’s goals of growth and revitalization. The Council and City Manager have made it a priority to embrace and capitalize on the significant population growth of the community by redesigning the downtown area and attracting entertainment and retail opportunities. The newly formed Public Works/Engineering Department will be instrumental in designing and implementing substantial projects that will help the City meet its goals.  

The department has a strong management team whose members perform technical and professional engineering activities, maintenance services for streets, utilities, parks, landscape, fleet, and public facilities. The new director will oversee the operations of a modern engineering services and public works department and provide highly responsive and complex organizational support to the Deputy City Manager for development services. The director will: 

• Plan and evaluate the structure, systems and processes used by the department, including capital improvement projects, subdivision and cooperative projects, transportation planning, traffic engineering, public parks, and public facilities. 
• Develop and prepare recommendations and technical reports related to public works and engineering matters; advise the Deputy City Manager, City Manager, City Council and Planning Commission. 
• Confer with engineers, developers, architects, a variety of agencies, and the public. 
• Identify and address a wide variety of interests in the development of public works projects and planning; respond to public and City Council issues and concerns. 

• Prepare and implement long range planning; review and approve plans and specifications, designs, environmental documents, reports, and studies. 

Ideal Characteristics 

A seasoned public works professional with engineering experience who is ready to be the technical lead on behalf of the City. 

A professional who enjoys building systems, establishing processes, and organizing teams of professional engineers, work crews, and administrative staff.  

A collaborator who achieves cooperation through discussion and persuasion. 

A strong communicator who effectively connects with elected officials, appointed representatives, and community members. 

Education and Experience 

A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in civil engineering or a related field. Possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Civil Engineer is expected; possession of a Certificate of Registration as a Professional Land Surveyor is highly desirable.  

Seven years of increasingly responsible experience in public works or engineering, including five years of supervisory experience is required. Twelve years of increasingly responsible managerial experience Is preferred. Experience in a local municipality is highly preferred. 

Compensation 

The salary range for the Director of Public Works/City Engineer is $165,000 to $206,100 annually; placement within the range is dependent upon qualifications.  

The City also offers a competitive benefits package, including: 

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance): Up to $2,549/month towards the purchase of medical, dental, vision, group life, and short- and long-term disability insurance 
• Retirement: Enrollment in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS)*Classic CalPERS Member: 2% @ 55, 7% employee contributionNew CalPERS Member: 2% @ 62, 6.25% employee contribution*Member contribution subject to change
• Work Schedule: 4/10 work week (Monday – Thursday)
• Personal Leave Accrual (Vacation & Sick Leave): 224-312 hours/year (depending on years of service)
• Administrative Leave: 80 hours/year
• Holidays: 11 City-observed holidays, and an additional three (3) Floating Holidays
• Cell Phone Allowance: $1,020/year; Auto Allowance: $7,200/year
• Longevity Pay: Payable after 10 years of service
• Fringe Benefits: All fringe benefits which are proportionate to those provided to Management/Confidential Unit employees 

We Welcome Your Interest 

Please submit a resume and cover letter explaining your interest in the position. The position is open until filled. 

Please contact Nancy Hetrick with Management Partners at 408-437-5400 or nhetrick@managementpartners.com with any questions.