Water Utility Infrastructure Planning (Senior Civil Engineer)

An online application, including responses to the supplemental questionnaire, must be fully completed for consideration. 

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is looking for a highly motivated individual with experience in water transmission and distribution systems planning and engineering and knowledge in earthquake hazards and utility infrastructure seismic resilience to serve as our next Water Infrastructure Planning & Seismic Resiliency Sr. Civil Engineer.

In this role, you will join SPU’s Drinking Water Line of Business Transmission & Distribution Systems Planning Section and focus on planning and initiating water infrastructure capital improvement projects. You’ll also serve as coordinator of our Water System Seismic Upgrade Program, helping implement the recommendations of SPU's 2018 water system seismic study . Additionally, you’ll get involved with asset management and water system problem-solving tasks as workload allows.

The SPU Transmission & Distribution Systems Planning Section consists of engineering and planning professionals tasked with performing water system assessment, capital project planning, options analysis, capital project initiation, and asset management of the drinking water system transmission and distribution systems assets.

About Seattle Public Utilities: Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is a community-centered utility that delivers vital services to Seattle residents and businesses including drinking water, drainage and wastewater, and garbage/recycling/compost. SPU also provides drinking water for 1.5 million customers in the region. SPU’s work includes system maintenance and improvements and keeping Seattle clean. Over 1,400 SPU employees work with our community to provide affordable and equitable stewardship of our water and waste resources for future generations. 

For more information about Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), checkout the:  

• SPU Website
• Strategic Business Plan

SPU commits to Our City Values and Race and Social Justice as core principles that guide our work. We actively take steps to dismantle systemic racism and increase service equity. We value diverse life experiences and strive to create a workplace that is welcoming to all. We take steps to be inclusive and equitable in our recruiting, hiring and promotional opportunities.  We know work isn’t only about what you do, it’s also about who you work for and with! SPU provides a fun and family-friendly work environment that supports a work life balance, including:

• Hybrid work schedule opportunities
• Family-friendly and multicultural work environment 
• Generous benefits package 
• Free public transportation options 
• City pension plan with employer/employee contributions 
• Growth potential and advancement opportunities

As you settle into the role, you'll develop familiarity with the water transmission system and over time become an authority on SPU's water pipelines and transmission system assets.

In this role, you can expect to:

• Perform water system planning and analysis to identify critical upgrade work to be accomplished in our water transmission and distribution systems. In doing so, you will develop project alternatives, carry out options analysis, identify preferred alternatives, develop project scopes and budgets and secure project approvals.
• Assist in problem solving for issues that develop on the transmission system including major infrastructure failures, and support / coordinate planning for major internal SPU transmission system repair projects.
• Collaborate with internal business partners to develop and implement asset management plans for water transmission and distribution system assets including concrete reservoirs, storage tanks, pipes and appurtenances, meters, and pump stations
• Coordinate SPU’s Water System Seismic Upgrade Program. Work on implementing the recommendations of SPU's 2018 water system seismic study including accomplishing seismic risk assessments, planning, prioritizing, and carrying out water system seismic resiliency capital improvement projects and managing program budget.
• Provide direction for seismic-related pipe replacement decisions and use of earthquake resistant pipe.
• Provide water system seismic program updates to SPU leadership, Seattle wholesale customers, regional partners, etc. as needed
• Develop RFPs, lead consultant selection processes and negotiate and handle consultant contracts for planning, analysis/ assessments, and development of capital project options.
• Please note this job advertisement is not intended to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• Current Washington State driver's license or evidence of equivalent mobility.
• Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Washington is required.

Work Environment/Physical Demands

• Most work is performed in a normal City work/office environment. 
• Field assignments entail exposure to all types of weather, traffic, hazardous/toxic substances and work in or near construction sites. 
• May be required to lift over 50 pounds. 
• May be required to stand, walk, or bend for extended periods of time. 
• May be required to work nights, evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. 
• Overnight travel may be required.

• Good working knowledge of water system infrastructure and water system operations
• Experience in water system planning, design, construction, utility asset management, and capital project & program management
• Water system planning/ engineering experience specific to water transmission and distribution system pipelines, pump stations, storage tanks & reservoirs and related appurtenances
• Experience in utility infrastructure earthquake engineering including earthquake resistant pipe systems, seismic risk assessments of water system infrastructure and seismic resiliency upgrade projects.
• Good knowledge and understanding of local earthquake hazards and vulnerabilities of utility infrastructure in earthquake events
• Experience handling consultant contracts, including preparing scopes of work/budgets, reviewing study plans, technical reports, and submittals from consultants/contractors.
• The ability to write clear and concise technical reports in a timely manner.
• Demonstrated ability to successfully work well and collaborate with others in a team environment, delivering complex multiyear projects.

Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at:https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and-covered-family-members/most-employees-plans.

Who may apply: The City of Seattle encourages people of all backgrounds to apply, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experience. This position is open to all qualified candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. 

If you have any questions, please contact Erika Monroe at erika.monroe@seattle.gov. 

Learn more about Seattle Public Utilities at our web page www.seattle.gov/util/.

Salary : $72 - $84