Assistant County Engineer (Pay Grade 34) AFSCME Local 3109

Assistant County Engineer (Pay Grade 34) AFSCME Local 3109

Salary

$88,289.00 - $143,814.00 Annually

Location

New Castle County Conner Building, 178-A Old Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE

Job Type

Regular Full-time

Job Number

00277-2026

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

06/26/2026

Closing Date

7/11/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

In accordance with the Merit System Rules and Regulations, an eligible list, which will be valid for a one-year period, and which will be used to fill vacancies during that period, is being established for this classification. Applicants on the eligible list will be certified in accordance with the Merit System and appropriate union contracts.

Candidates may submit online employment applications using the NEOGOV online application system available at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde.

EXAMINATION PROCESS: The examination process for this posting may include an evaluation of training and experience, a written examination, a computerized exam, an oral board interview examination, a performance examination or any combination of the above in order to qualify applicants for placement on the eligible list. The eligible list will be used to fill vacancies that occur within the next year. The appropriate number of names on the eligible list as prescribed by Merit System Section 26.03.505 will be certified to the hiring department for consideration to fill the vacant position(s).

New employees are generally hired at the starting salary and may be eligible for merit increases each year upon receipt of a satisfactory performance evaluation, up to the maximum salary.

New Castle County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

JOB DESCRIPTION

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Performs highly responsible managerial, administrative and professional engineering work in assisting the Special Services Department General Manager or designee; does related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

An employee in this class serves as general assistant to the Public Works Department General Manager or designee. Work is performed under general direction and is reviewed through conferences, reports and the evaluation of results achieved. Work involves a high degree of responsibility with active participation in the determination, formulation and execution of County policies.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Illustrative only)

• Manages and coordinates work of the department;
• Manages the development of long- and short-term goals for the department;
• Reviews all proposals for subdivisions and land development to include sewer capacities and drainage design;
• Assists in developing, formulating and executing policies and procedures for the department;
• Assists in the preparation and administration of the capital and operating budgets;
• Meets with and advises public and private agencies, committees and individuals interested in County problems;
• Investigates complaints and recommends possible solutions;
• Supervises, trains, instructs and evaluates employees;
• Provides technical assistance to engineers of lower rank in matters relating to planning, design, construction and maintenance of sewer and drainage facilities;
• Reviews design for conformance with County standards;
• Serves as assistant to the Public Works Department General Manager or designee with responsibility for administering County regulations for subdivision development;
• Assists in screening, interviewing and hiring of consultants for engineering and architectural projects;
• Promotes an ongoing attitude of dedication to excellent public service and ensures that external and internal customers are provided with the highest quality of service;
• Operates a data processing terminal, personal computer and other related equipment in the course of the work.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering; thorough knowledge of the sewerage system of the County and controlling laws; thorough knowledge of the modern methods and techniques of sewer line construction and maintenance; ability to assist actively and effectively in the planning, organizing and directing of engineering programs; ability to assist management in planning and administering the activities of a large number of professional, technical and other staff working in widely varied activities; ability to communicate courteously and effectively, both verbally and in writing; good professional judgement.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• At least five years progressively responsible engineering and administrative experience including experience in the planning, construction and maintenance of sewerage and related systems.
• Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Registration by the Delaware State Board of Engineer Examiners as a professional engineer.
• Ability to pass a county background check.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer (up to 8 hours per day).
• Frequent use of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to view computer monitors and read printed materials for extended periods.
• Ability to communicate effectively in person, over the phone, and via virtual platforms.
• Occasional standing, walking, bending, or reaching within the office environment.
• Ability to lift and carry light items (typically up to 15 pounds), such as files, documents, or office supplies.
• Ability to maintain concentration and focus in a standard office setting.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Cassondra Briggs

Human Resources Technician

Cassondra.Briggs@newcastlede.gov

Health Insurance: Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from the date of hire. Charges for coverage vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen. The following plans are currently available through Highmark (Comprehensive 80% Plan; a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and an EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization) and Aetna (Open Access HMO.) Deductibles and co-pays may also apply.

Dental Insurance: Starts the first of the month following a 60-day waiting period from date of hire. Currently, there are two PPO options and an HMO option. Charges vary depending on type and level of coverage chosen.

Sick Leave: Accumulates at the rate of one day for each completed month of service, beginning after the first full month of employment.

Vacation: Vests on December 31 of the calendar year preceding the vacation year. Vested vacation is to be used in the 12 months following the vesting date. Employees are entitled to vacation as follows:

• Less than 12 months service -- 1 day for each completed month of service to a maximum of 10 days
• 1 - 4 years of service -- 10 days of vacation
• 5 - 9 years of service -- 15 days of vacation
• 10 - 14 years of service -- 20 days of vacation
• 15 years of service -- 25 days of vacation
• 15+ years of service -- 25+ days of vacation (an additional day for each successive year of service)

Holidays: 13-1/2 paid holidays per year (1/2 day on Christmas Eve).

Life Insurance: Provided by the County in the amount of one and one-half times your salary. Minimum benefit -- $50,000; Maximum benefit -- $200,000.

Pension: Employee contributory amount of three percent of base salary to defined benefit plan. County will make a non-elective contribution of one percent of base salary to defined contribution account. In addition, the County will also make an annual matching contribution of one hundred percent of employees contribution, up to a maximum of two percent to defined contribution account. 10-year vesting.

Deferred Compensation Plan:

Optional employee contributory plan available.

Additional Benefits: Salary increases each year dependent upon appropriate negotiated increase and/or merit increases; Credit Union, Blood Bank, Sick Leave Bank (after two years of service), Fitness Center, and an Employee Assistance Program are all benefits available to employees at no cost.

Supplemental Benefits: Flexible Spending Accounts (medical reimbursement and dependent care), additional life insurance, vision, group accident, group hospital indemnity, group disability, and critical care insurance are also available at an additional cost to the employee.

Union Affiliation: Some positions are affiliated with a local bargaining unit, and, therefore, will require a monthly dues deduction ranging from $23 to $46.65 per month.

Special Note: The above benefits are subject to change. For detailed information on any of the above, contact the Office of Human Resources at (302) 395-5180.

Revised: 12/15/15

01

Do you possess at least five years progressively responsible engineering and administrative experience including experience in the planning, construction and maintenance of sewerage and related systems? If yes, please explain in detail.

02

Do you possess a bachelors degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in civil engineering?

• Yes
• No

03

Please elaborate on any equivalent combination of experience and training directly related to the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

04

Are you registered by the Delaware State Board of Engineer Examiners as a professional engineer?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer New Castle County Government

Address 87 Reads Way

New Castle, Delaware, 19720

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nccde