Description

The WaterOne Project Engineer provides detailed designs, calculations, cost estimates, plans and specifications for contract documents, and evaluations of various types of water works improvement projects.  The Project Engineer coordinates engineering and administration of construction between WaterOne and other utilities, engineering firms, developers, and city, county, state, and federal agencies.  The Project Engineer also performs or assists with construction management duties, inspection of the construction work, various levels of field investigations, and oversight of consulting engineers. The Project Engineer operates in a consulting capacity to other Divisions for technical engineering issues when assigned.

This position delivers engineering services and water works projects in the distribution system or at water facilities depending on the position.  The Distribution Engineering Department oversees the relocation, replacement, and new installation of water distribution and transmission mains.  The Facilities Engineering Department oversees improvement and expansion projects related to water treatment, pumping, storage, and administrative facilities.

WaterOne is an independent public water utility. We’ve been proudly serving the Johnson County, Kansas area since 1957. Every day, nearly 455,000 customers rely on WaterOne to provide fresh, clean water on demand. It’s a responsibility we deliver on. Our passion is water, because water touches everything we care about: family, health, safety, and community. We serve our community by bringing award-winning water to their homes, businesses, and public places.

This position can be filled at a level I or II, depending on the qualifications of the candidate selected.  WaterOne provides competitive benefits and compensation ranges.  Selected candidates are placed in the position’s pay range based on their qualifications.

The pay range for this position is $76,000 to $109,300.

Essential Functions

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Perform design calculations, create plans/specifications, generate cost estimates/schedules, coordinate easement or land acquisition, coordinate construction activities, and resolve construction related issues with supervision. 
• Provide or assist with the oversight of engineering consultants and construction contractors. 
• Oversee the design, bidding, and construction process including reviews, submittals, pay estimates, change orders, and inspections. 
• Maintain comprehensive project documentation. 
• Provide progress updates highlighting challenges and solutions. 
• Conduct complex data analysis, technical evaluations, studies, and field assessments. 
• Provide recommendations with supervision based on sound engineering principles. 
• Analyze and interpret hydraulic model system data such as pressure zones, chronic low or high-pressure areas, fire protection, materials and equipment, and flow characteristics to support operational decisions.   
• Create specifications to obtain materials, services, and equipment. 
• Ensure project compliance with WaterOne Rules and Regulations, industry standards, permitting requirements, and safety guidance.   
• Proactively manage changes to project scope, schedule, and budget to deliver timely cost-effective solutions. 
• Proactive approach to ensure progress is maintained throughout a project. 
• Review external municipal project plans to determine effects on WaterOne facilities. 
• Assist in developing and maintaining design criteria, material standards, and construction standards. 
• Stay current on water industry trends, materials, equipment, processes, and technology. 
• Evaluate new technology, techniques, and innovative solutions to improve efficiency, safety, and public relations. 
• Assist with resource planning and scheduling, project prioritization, and coordination with Divisions. 
• Assist with maintaining and updating asset management plans to guide infrastructure rehabilitation needs. 
• Support project development, planning, and cost estimation efforts for Capital Improvement Program. 
• Build relationships and clearly communicate with city, county, state, and federal agencies and external stakeholders.  

Other Duties

• Pursue professional growth and development through training to enhance skills and increase water industry knowledge. 
• May performs all duties pertaining to hazardous waste operations in accordance with all applicable requirements. Respond to occasional emergencies and be reachable. 
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Requirements

Required Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, or related Engineering discipline from an accredited university with an ABET accredited engineering program. 
• NCEES Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) certification and working toward receiving a Professional Engineer License (PE) in the State of Kansas. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (SharePoint, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook). 
• Thorough knowledge of engineering theory and practice. 
• Ability to become proficient in SAP and AIMS software applications. 
• Experience with design software (AutoCAD, ESRI GIS, Bluebeam). 
• Proficiency in interpreting and developing engineering drawings for construction of water works improvements. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to maintain good working relationships and be team oriented. 
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and multitask while meeting deliverables for projects at various stages of development and execution. 
• Ability to demonstrate good judgment, innovation, and logical problem solving.  
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background verification in accordance with WaterOne standards.

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

• NCEES Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam certification. 
• Professional Engineering (PE) license in the State of Kansas or ability to obtain through reciprocity within six months. 
• 4 years of professional experience in engineering and technical work. 
• Experience in engineering and technical work with a water utility, construction, or a similar infrastructure sector. 
• Thorough understanding of easement acquisition processes, legal descriptions of land, and the eminent domain process. 
• Knowledge of water utility construction standards, including contract document preparation and administration. 
• Familiarity with construction contracts, bidding processes, and specifications preparation. 
• Knowledge of relevant drinking water regulations and of current issues affecting water utilities. 
• Ability to diagnosis and troubleshoot water system infrastructure. 
• Knowledge of corrosion principles and pipeline condition assessment technologies. 

• Distribution Engineering:
  • Grade I Water Distribution Operator. 
  • Certification by California State University Sacramento in Water Distribution System Operation and Maintenance. 
  • Experience with hydraulic modeling. 
  • Knowledge of water utility construction for distribution and transmission mains, including pipeline relocation, new construction, rehabilitation, and replacement.

• Facilities Engineering:
  • Class I Kansas Water Supply System Operator. Experience with SCADA, or advanced analytics software.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for several hours a day.  They must be able to move from one location to another (outdoor worksites, WaterOne facilities, etc.) occasionally. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. While performing the duties of this job, the employee must be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day. Additionally, they must be able to wear personal protective equipment and navigate/inspect construction sites. Lastly, the employee must be willing to work in all kinds of weather extremes.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates in both the field and a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate except when in the field on a jobsite.

Equal Opportunity Employer

WaterOne is an equal opportunity employer and upholds a non-discrimination policy. We prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, military status, or marital status in making employment and business decisions. We also prohibit harassment and retaliation in the workplace and in our dealings with the public. We encourage and welcome diversity of backgrounds in our workforce. WaterOne complies with the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA).

Complete job description is available upon request and will be provided during the selection process.