Lead Engineer

Description

The purpose of this position is to provide design, development, and execution of water-works improvement projects through detailed design, calculations, cost estimates, and preparation of plans, specifications, and contract documents. The Engineer will coordinate and manage the engineering and construction activities between WaterOne, external utilities, engineering firms, developers, and governmental agencies at the city, county, state, and federal levels. This role provides construction management, field investigations, site inspections, and oversight of consulting engineers to ensure the successful delivery of projects. They offer technical consulting services to other divisions, adapting techniques to solve complex problems. This position is a fully competent Professional Engineer responsible for managing all aspects of water works improvement projects independently with minimal supervision.


In addition to project management responsibilities, the Lead Engineer will supervise and mentor engineering staff, providing guidance on technical matters and ensuring the successful execution of projects. Duties include reviewing work, offering feedback, and assisting in the development of staff skills.

While both Facilities Engineering and Distribution Engineering share core responsibilities, the focus differs. Facilities Engineering involves water treatment, pumping, storage, and facility improvements, requiring coordination with internal teams and regulatory agencies. While Distribution Engineering focuses on water distribution and transmission systems, requiring coordination with external utilities, developers, and public works entities.


This role will be on the Distribution Engineering team.

Pay Range: From $130,608/yr to $208,972/yr. Compensation for the selected candidate will depend on candidate qualifications and experience as related to the position requirements.


Essential Functions

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

• Manages all project aspects, including design, development of plans and specifications, cost estimates, easement acquisitions, bidding, construction phases, schedules, and pay estimates.
• Ensures projects adhere to WaterOne standards, industry standards, and regulatory requirements, with accurate engineering plans and technical oversight.
• Reviews plans from external entities for municipal capital improvement projects, assessing impacts on WaterOne facilities.
• Monitors compliance with the Comprehensive Master Plan, Annual Capital Budget, WaterOne T&D budget, and submitted cost estimates.
• Oversees project completion by ensuring adherence to schedules and project priorities.
• Provides cost estimates and projections for projects, including those identified in asset management plans, condition assessments, and improvement projects.
• Liaises with outside engineering consultants for project design and administration, reviewing designs, reports, specifications, and recommendations.
• Prepares Action Item Summaries and documentation for Board action.
• Develops, maintains, and updates design criteria, material standards, and construction standards for WaterOne facilities and the distribution system.
• Writes and reviews specifications and RFPs/quotes for materials, services, and equipment, ensuring cost-effectiveness and value analysis.
• Ensures compliance with WaterOne Rules and Regulations in all project phases.
• Provides technical assistance and guidance to engineering staff based on sound engineering principles.
• Coordinates with professionals and stakeholders (government, fire departments, municipalities) to ensure smooth collaboration regarding WaterOne facilities.
• Maintains proactive communication to foster understanding and cooperation with external organizations.
• Assists with technical analysis and recommendations for other departments, operations, and contractors during construction or project-related issues.
• Promotes staff participation in industry research, activities, and professional/technical organizations.
• Stays informed on industry advancements, including new materials, technologies, and rehabilitation methods.
• Participates in professional development through conferences, seminars, and webinars.
• Assigns work schedules and tasks to team members; in collaboration with department manager, determines and communicates team goals and priorities. Focused on immediate, daily needs/tasks of the team operations.
• Formulates and implements tactical work plans. Establishes procedures and overseas team workflows to ensure efficient quality outcomes. Gathers and submits performance reports and metrics.
• Ensures work performance of team, provides timely performance feedback and coaching, and if necessary, recommends and enforces corrective actions.
• Completes and performs annual employee performance evaluations and makes recommendations for employee training and development. May deliver training, ensures skill development among direct reports.
• Conducts interviews and evaluates talent for hire in accordance with WaterOne interview standards. Provides input into hiring decisions for team members.
• Performs or oversees other leadership and administrative duties such as timesheet approvals, time off requests, training authorizations, and other recordkeeping tasks.
• Participates in department strategic planning and goal setting to align with the division and organizational strategic plan.
• Builds relationships with employees and inspires and motivates employees to help them succeed. Promotes a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters a sense of belonging.
• Makes decisions based on organization and team policy.
• Addresses inquiries and complaints from stakeholders of team services.
• Recommends process and workflow improvements, adopts and implements process changes.

Distribution Engineering:

• Manages distribution system projects, including design, coordination, and implementation.
• Develops and analyzes data trends for pipe leaks, breaks, wear-out costs, and customer outage performance standards.
• Coordinates capital improvement programs with municipalities for pipeline relocation, replacement, and condition assessment projects.
• Analyzes hydraulic data and system pressure records to address inquiries and identify distribution system performance trends.
• Coordinates easement acquisitions for distribution system projects.
• Determines water main sizes and locations for new or developing areas for domestic and fire protection.

Other Duties

• Assists with developing overall departmental and divisional priorities.
• Assists with presentations and reports to the WaterOne Board and various organizations.
• Assists with coordination of the Summer Engineering Internship Program.
• Assists Manager with coordination between other Divisions and Departments. Provides support to maintain and improve project management, safety, and training programs for Divisional staff.
• Assists with Department and Division budgeting, strategic planning, and staffing as necessary.
• Assists with emergency response activities as needed.
• Serves as Acting Manager as required.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

Customer Service Commitment

WaterOne employees shall continuously strive to meet or exceed the expectations of both their internal and external customers. Questions and concerns shall be acknowledged on the same day whenever possible, but no later than the next business day. Issues shall be resolved as promptly as possible, with the goal of maximizing customer satisfaction.

Required Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Mechanical, or related Engineering fields from an accredited university.
• Professional Engineering license in the State of Kansas or ability to obtain through reciprocity within six months.
• Six years of experience in engineering and technical roles, preferably with a water utility.

Required Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to guide, support, and inspire teams, fostering a high-performance environment.
• Experience overseeing and leading multiple projects concurrently, with a demonstrated ability to delegate effectively, prioritize workloads, and ensure timely completion.
• Strong problem-solving abilities with a logical and detail-oriented approach, capable of working independently without direct supervision.
• Experience with water utility construction, including pipeline relocation, new construction, rehabilitation, replacement, and facilities management.
• Proficiency in managing construction contract documents and providing oversight throughout the construction process.
• Ability to work under pressure, responding to emergencies or urgent situations outside normal work hours as needed.
• Proficiency in engineering software tools such as SAP, GIS, AIMS, and Microsoft Office (SharePoint, PowerPoint, Excel, Word, and Outlook).
• Proficiency in reading, interpreting, and developing engineering drawings and specifications for construction projects, specifically for water works improvements.
• Thorough knowledge of engineering theory and practice, particularly as it applies to water utilities and infrastructure.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written) for interacting with engineering teams, contractors, city officials, developers, and the public.
• Ability to build and maintain positive relationships, demonstrating diplomacy, respect, and sound judgment when working with colleagues, external partners, and stakeholders.
• Teamwork-orientation with the ability to delegate, manage workloads, and maintain a cooperative and professional environment.
• Knowledge of the WaterOne asset management program and its application to facilities management.
• Familiarity with easement acquisitions, legal descriptions of land, and the eminent domain process.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and demonstrate innovation in decision-making.
• Valid driver's license and ability to meet WaterOne driving standards.
• Ability to successfully complete a pre-employment drug screening and background verification in accordance with WaterOne standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight years of experience in engineering and technical roles, preferably with a water utility.
• Postgraduate degree in Engineering and/or Business Administration.
• Three years of supervisory experience, including some experience with employee performance reviews, coaching, and managerial administrative tasks like timekeeping.
• Completion of management courses/training.
• Distribution Engineering:
  • Grade III 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.

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.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally lift/or move up to 40 pounds. The employee must be able to use a computer for multiple hours a day. The employee must be able to move occasionally from one location to another or be able to remain in a stationary position for up to several hours a day, in possibly unfavorable weather and/or site conditions. The employee must be in possession of a licenses and be able to operate a vehicle at any given time. The employee must be able to use office productivity equipment such as a personal computer, calculator, printer, and copy machine. The employee must be able to occasionally position self to inspect or view field activities.

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.

WaterOne provides a total compensation package that includes:

Competitive base pay

Medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and LTD insurance

Flexible spending account

Company funded Cash Balance Plan

Company match Defined Contribution Plan

Comprehensive wellness program

Educational assistance program

A variety of other benefit programs and activities

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.