Engineering Project Manager

Engineering Project Manager

The LOTT Clean Water Alliance is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented person to join the Engineering Team as an Engineering Project Manager.

LOTT is a regional wastewater treatment utility serving Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, and Thurston County. We are a leader in treatment performance and treat wastewater to some of the highest standards for wastewater treatment facilities on Puget Sound. We are always testing new technologies and working to improve our processes and outcomes. Working for LOTT can be personally rewarding and a great way to make an impact in the community we serve.

Our Engineering Project Managers (EPMs) are responsible for the implementation of projects identified in our Capital Improvement Plan, as well as other efforts identified by the organization. Much of their work involves leading a team of LOTT staff to clearly identify project scope and then working with staff and a design consultant to complete the project design. During construction, the Construction Manager (CM) takes the lead role in executing the construction contract, while the Engineering Project Manager continues in a management role to ensure the project design is fulfilled, including providing support to the CM as needed.

Our Engineering Team is a highly motivated, collaborative group, with high standards and a strong work ethic. We are proud of the work we do building and operating reliable and high-quality infrastructure. LOTT's Culture of Excellence is built around core values of: Collaboration, Taking Responsibility, Fostering Belonging, Solving Problems, Being Innovative, and Ensuring High Standards.

Engineering Project Managers are assigned capital projects that vary in size and complexity based on the needs of the organization. Most projects at LOTT involve the rehabilitation of existing facilities to increase capacity, replace aged infrastructure, or improve treatment. EPMs typically manage multiple projects at once, requiring prioritization and workload balancing to meet various project timelines. EPMs may take the lead early in project scoping to fully vet the project scope and need, or they may be assigned later in the process once preliminary project development has occurred.

To be successful in this role, one must have a firm understanding of engineering principles, design processes, contract document preparation, and public works contracting. The ideal candidate should possess knowledge of wastewater treatment, communicate clearly and assertively, and be solutions minded. We are also seeking an individual who is self-motivated, organized in their work, and able to meet multiple deadlines.

Position Description: Under general supervision of the Engineering Director, perform engineering project management work for a large variety of wastewater and reclaimed water pipeline, pumping, and treatment plant facilities including reclaimed water facilities. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Lead, facilitate, plan and complete engineering and project management tasks related to the construction and upgrade of treatment plant equipment, facilities and systems;
• Manage the televising and condition assessment of off-site interceptor sewers and manholes and prioritize and develop rehabilitation and replacement projects;
• Provide project management and necessary engineering services for treatment plant projects with an emphasis on asset rehabilitation and upgrade projects. Assets include equipment and groups of equipment systems essential to treatment plants. Work involves coordinating and sequencing to upgrade systems without stopping necessary treatment processes;
• Coordinate efforts with plant operations and maintenance staff during all phases of a project: planning, design, construction, start-up and commissioning and project close-out and warranty periods for all types of treatment plant and pipeline projects;
• Perform engineering duties in the preparation, implementation, coordination, evaluation, and analysis of engineering projects;
• Attend meetings and assist in project development as necessary to develop projects and perform Engineering reviews of project proposals with assistance from and coordination with other Engineering and Plant Operations and Maintenance staff;
• Provide project management support to various divisions and departments of the treatment plant including the Engineering Director, Executive Director, Facilities Director, Wastewater Engineers, Construction Managers, the Capital Planning Manager and Asset Manager;
• Manage plant upgrade project development to establish the most cost-effective and highest quality project. Perform Business Case Evaluations to include life-cycle cost analyses;
• Work with engineering consultants to develop scopes-of-work, and review and coordinate the review by plant staff. Coordinate with additional departments (Community Relations, Legal, Contract Administration, etc.) as necessary for each project;
• Facilitate and assist with training, O&M review and response, and provide operational oversight and coordination during new project start-up and commissioning:
• Assist or lead permitting efforts for new projects;
• Perform project scheduling utilizing MS Project;
• Use engineering and operational expertise to assist in coordinating construction activities with plant operations;
• Supervise Construction Managers and provide support for construction management duties as needed;
• Provide project engineering and project management for asset management projects and non-construction projects as needed;
• Review engineering designs including constructability and quality control;
• Specific Project Management duties include work in the following subareas: Project Schedules, Project Management Plans, Project Resourcing, Cost Estimating, Project Scopes-of-Work, Permit Requirements, Property easements and Right-of-Ways, Negotiations and management of Consultant Contracts, Coordinate project design details with all plant staff;
• Develop and review necessary project plans and specifications;
• Review and manage change orders;
• Follow and support all project safety requirements;
• Safely operate a vehicle to and from offsite facilities, inspection locations, or other location necessary to perform assigned work; and
• Coordinate and conduct training for complex treatment plant systems, as necessary.

Working Conditions: The Engineering Project Manager works primarily in an office setting but will be required to work in all areas of LOTT facilities, including travel to remote community locations and LOTT worksites in order to perform equipment assessments and obtain information from LOTT staff, consultants and contractors. Due to the size and configuration of LOTT facilities, the ability to climb stairs and sufficient agility to safely navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces both indoors and outdoors is required. The Project Manager may be exposed to a variety of health and safety conditions including toxic, corrosive and combustible fumes and chemicals, high voltage equipment, and raw sewage. Supervision: Responsible for the supervision of assigned staff. May communicate direction to staff, consultants or contractors when working in support of assigned projects.

Knowledge of: Current principles, practices, methods and techniques of civil engineering, public works, wastewater engineering, utility management, environmental science and related disciplines; Project Management methods and practices; Current construction methods and material applications, including wastewater systems and facilities and their upgrade, rehabilitation and replacement; Standard Specification, specialty specifications related to treatment plants and pipelines; Wastewater and construction safety programs and requirement; Wastewater treatment methods, theories, and technologies; Municipal government operations and utility practices and best management methods; Hydrology, hydraulics, computer modeling, soil and geotechnical engineering; Federal and state laws and regulations overseeing wastewater treatment and municipal engineering; and Engineering standards, methods, and practices specifically for public works and treatment and collection and pumping facilities.

Skills: Excellent analytical, writing, speaking, and presentation skills, including ability to translate complex and highly technical information into formats understandable to groups and individuals with varying levels of expertise; Strong organizational and communication skills; Collaboration, conflict management, and gaining cooperation; Meeting planning and facilitation; and Proficient with computer software, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook and audio/visual equipment.

Ability to: Manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet demanding deadlines; Support partnerships with school districts, teachers, community groups, local universities/colleges, and others; Effectively represent LOTT's interests to a wide variety of panels, interagency committees, and policy or citizen groups; Maintain a flexible work schedule to accommodate routine night and/or weekend hours; Provide for positive visitor experiences by demonstrating professional behavior, answering visitor questions, and conducting safe and engaging programs; Work productively and collaboratively with other project staff, peers, and contractors; Work independently and as part of a team; Support of LOTT's mission and services; and Demonstrate punctual, reliable, and regular attendance.

Education/Experience: Graduation from a four-year college or university with ABET certified program in civil engineering or closely related field and five or more years of experience relating to the duties of the position is required. Licensed as a Professional Engineer by the State of Washington or ability to obtain license within one year of hire is required. Knowledge of wastewater treatment, water quality, ecology, and/or related sciences preferred. Professional experience with government agencies, utilities, and/or environmental organizations is desirable. Additional Requirements: Must possess a valid Driver's License. Must participate in LOTT's Health and Safety Program.