Water Utility Engineer

Description:

Reports To:Various reporting relationships

Supervises:Non-supervisory position, may provide direction to other engineering and technical personnel

Purpose of Classification

Under minimal supervision the Engineer develops engineering designs, specifications, cost estimates; prepares written reports for municipal maintenance and construction programs associated with various projects and facilities. Works with the public and consultants providing direction and information on specific programs and projects.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Engineer is a classification found in various City Departments. Incumbents in this classification perform advanced engineering assignments on a wide range of municipal projects of a complex nature and may serve in Project Manager capacity as required. This class differs from the higher class of Senior Engineer in that the incumbents of the latter class have direct supervisory responsibilities.

Essential Duties:

Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Positions allocated to this level in the Utilities/Water, Gas, Wastewater Engineering Section may perform the following duties:

• Prepares plans, specifications and cost estimates for assigned projects requiring engineering capability in the water, gas, wastewater.

• Manages utility construction projects, taking responsibility for contract administration, schedule coordination, political liaison, public relations, inter-utility coordination, and quality control. Field decisions and supervision of any and all tests may be required to assure specified results.

• Works with and provides guidance for the utilities' customers in establishing utilities' service requirements and efficient usage.

• Develops utilities materials standards, equipment specifications, and operating procedures

Essential Functions:

• Assists in the preparation of the utilities' annual budget, capital improvement programs, and quarterly financial and performance reports.

• Provides guidance and work supervision for engineering aides as required by projects, as well as outside consultants on major projects.

• Assists in managing utility construction projects including contract administration, scheduling, interacting with consultants and the public and quality control. Positions allocated to this level in Public Works/Operations Division or Public Works/Engineering Division may perform the following duties:

• Acts as technical advisor to other departments on engineering matters.

• Provides technical liaison to management on providing a scope and cost estimate for the five-year Capital Improvement Program.

• Provides technical engineering support for the Operations Division such as landfill operation including regulatory requirements, street and sidewalk maintenance program, and solid waste management

• Works with Principal Water Utility Engineer and WGW Engineering Manager to develop to completion complex and difficult projects, including schedules, cost estimates, contracts, and presentation material, for approval by department, City Manager, and/or Council boards and commissions.

• Writes, reviews, and edits Staff Reports to City Council and engineering reports.

• Reviews development and building plans, deeds, easements, maintenance agreements, subdivision agreements, certificates of compliance, lot line adjustments, and all permits issued by the City for conformance with water system standards and rules and regulations.

• Handles citizens' complaints and/or inquiries about projects.

• Consults with and utilizes data from specialized consultants such as hydraulic engineers, soils engineers, structural engineers, environmental engineers, and from other City departments.

• Assembles construction contract package including bid, contract and technical documents and final cost estimate as well as provides technical liaison to Purchasing Department during invitation and receipt of bids.

Other Essential Functions:

• Utilizes computers and software in administering construction contracts, prepares monthly progress payments, contract change orders, interprets plans and specifications, coordinates final inspection, and job closeout.

• Utilizes computer in monitoring the project budget including revisions, budget allocations, and assures full value received.

• Acts as liaison with and controls professional services of consultants on conceptual design, working drawings and specifications.

• Participates in consultant selection and fee negotiation.

• Provides project direction to private consultants retained to assist the Division of WGW Engineering in conducting special studies and/or in the execution and implementation of special projects.

• Works with public groups and individuals to resolve community concerns regarding the potable water system.

• Assures that solutions to potable water problems and deficiencies are formulated and developed in a professional and cost- effective manner.

• Assures that the efforts and activities of private consultants are utilized efficiently and effectively.

• Assists in review or in preparation of comments on potable water utility infrastructure needs and requirements for Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) or Reports (EIRs).

• Reviews and evaluates pressure zone changes, new developments and site water demands and fire flows from the perspective of water system hydraulics and hydraulic operating conditions.

• Implements potable water CIP projects and other safety improvements, working with contractors, consultants, other City departments, and State agencies.

• Performs field checks on in-progress and completed in-house and contract construction work to assure results.

Related Functions:

• When assigned, oversees the work of assistant or associate engineers and technicians and reviews and approves their work upon completion.

• Serves as technical advisor to other departments.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Ideal Candidate:

B.S. & M.S. in Civil & Environmental Engineering with concentration in Water Resources; EIT; 5+ years of experience in water utility engineering; strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills; knowledge of water distribution network engineering and modeling; knowledge of construction management best practices; possesses fundamental drafting skills and knowledge of established drafting tools and techniques in an AutoCAD environment; excellent oral and written communication skills

Minimum Qualifications:

Sufficient education, training and/or work experience to demonstrate possession of the following knowledge, skills and abilities, which would typically be acquired through:

• Bachelor of Science degree in civil, mechanical, or other approved engineering curriculum depending upon assigned area, 4 years of experience and

• Equivalent to four years increasingly responsible engineering experience. (Note: PE Certificate or Master's Degree in Engineering may be considered in lieu of one year's experience.

The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.