Utilities Engineer

The Utilities Engineer performs engineering management of water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure projects from conceptual design through construction. Work involves project planning, design, permitting, and construction.

Work is performed under limited supervision with latitude in the use of initiative and independent judgment. Position develops solutions to non-routine issues, without appreciable guidance from others, and exercises latitude in determining best approaches to critical assignments.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility.

• Manages engineering and construction of water, sewer, and storm drainage utility improvement projects in the Capital and Engineering Division of the Public Works Department
• Provides engineering support to CIP projects and other Public Works Department teams
• Develops and maintains project budgets; provides cost estimates and monitors project costs and expenditures
• Prepares consultant Request for Qualifications/Proposals; reviews submittals and interviews consultants; makes recommendations for selection of project consultants; negotiates project scope and fee schedules
• Prepares in-house project specifications and designs; prepares specifications for contract work; coordinates and manages design of large projects by consultants
• Completes various permit applications, i.e., SEPA, HPA, conditional use, shoreline development, right-of-way use, and building permits; provides direction to consultants during permitting processes
• Prepares progress payments, manages change orders, reviews and approves submittals, monitors budget and project costs
• Resolves issues that arise during design and/or construction
• Manages project scoping, budget, and project timelines
• Maintains up-to-date water system components inventory
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and best practices
• Responds to inquiries, questions, and comments from the general public per established standards and protocols
• Maintains strict confidentiality of restricted information
• Ensures adherence to all established City policies, procedures, and protocols
• Attends evening and/or weekend meetings and events based on organizational responsibilities and/or requirements
• When required by management, responds to Emergency Operations Center to support the City’s response during an emergency

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• May supervise contract/seasonal employee, interns, or technicians

Bachelor’s degree in civil or mechanical engineering, or related discipline required; supplemented by five (5) years of directly related experience; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Licensed Professional Engineer in the State of Washington

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION

• Valid WA State Driver’s License with a driving record free from frequent or serious violations. A three (3) year driving record abstract must be submitted prior to hire.
• Completion of NIMS ICS-100, 200, and 700 within first six months of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of civil engineering and construction project management as they apply to the planning, design, inspection, and construction of public works projects
• Knowledge of principles of design, construction, maintenance, and life cycle management of water, sewer, and stormwater systems
• Knowledge of standards and regulations such as AWWA, APWA, WSDOT, SEPA, etc.
• Knowledge of municipal budgeting and strong skills in managing a budget and contracts
• Knowledge of department policies and procedures for the preparation, production, and maintenance of reports, documentation, and records
• Experience using GIS and AutoCAD
• Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products (Word, Outlook, and Excel) and applicable department / organization-specific software and ability to learn and become proficient in the use of other specialized software as may be required
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Skill in using mathematics required for the work
• Skill in adapting to a changing work environment, competing demands, and ability to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events
• Ability to clearly communicate and understand information in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions
• Ability to manage multiple priorities to ensure that deadlines are met
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret program-related laws and regulations, and establish necessary work processes and procedures
• Ability to use reasoning skills that minimize duplication of efforts, including but not limited to comparing, classifying, analyzing, and coordinating
• Ability to analyze and/or prepare complex reports and contract documents
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those interacted with during work, regardless of race, color, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military service, or diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Ability to commute independently to and from work and arrive punctually for designated work schedule (virtually or in person), including to community meetings and events

Depending on the functional area of assignment, tasks involve the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (up to 20 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation and extended periods of time standing and/or walking.

Tasks are regularly performed inside and/or outside with potential for exposure to adverse environmental conditions (e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes).

Some tasks require manual dexterity, in addition to visual and hearing acuity. Some tasks may involve identifying and distinguishing colors. Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally and in writing.

Public Works teams operate in a smoke and drug-free work environment for their health, safety, and productivity, as well as that of their customers.

Salary : $101,774 - $128,794