Lead Engineer

Lead Engineer

Summary/Objective

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.

The pay range for this position is $130,608/yr - $182,329/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 projects, including design, plans and specifications, cost estimates, easement acquisition, bidding, construction, schedules, and pay estimates.
• Ensures projects comply with WaterOne, industry, and regulatory standards and include accurate engineering plans and oversight.
• Reviews municipal capital improvement plans and evaluates impacts on WaterOne facilities.
• Monitors compliance with the Comprehensive Master Plan, Annual Capital Budget, WaterOne T&D budget, and cost estimates.
• Ensures projects meet schedules and priorities.
• Develops project estimates and projections, including asset management, condition assessment, and improvement projects.
• Coordinates with engineering consultants on project design and administration; reviews designs, reports, specifications, and recommendations.
• Prepares Action Item Summaries and Board documentation.
• Develops 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.
• Ensures compliance with WaterOne Rules and Regulations throughout project phases.
• Provides technical guidance to engineering staff using sound engineering principles.
• Coordinates with government agencies, fire departments, municipalities, and other stakeholders regarding WaterOne facilities.
• Maintains communication and cooperation with external organizations.
• Provides technical analysis and recommendations on construction and project issues.
• Promotes participation in industry research and professional/technical organizations.
• Stays current on industry advancements, materials, technologies, and rehabilitation methods.
• Participates in professional development activities.
• Assigns team schedules and tasks and, with the department manager, establishes team goals and priorities based on operational needs.
• Develops tactical work plans, procedures, and workflows; submits performance reports and metrics.
• Monitors team performance, provides feedback and coaching, and addresses corrective action when necessary.
• Completes performance evaluations and supports employee training and development.
• Conducts interviews, evaluates candidates, and provides input on hiring decisions.
• Oversees administrative duties, including timesheets, time-off requests, training authorizations, and recordkeeping.
• Participates in strategic planning and goal setting aligned with division and organizational strategy.
• Builds employee relationships and promotes a positive, inclusive work environment and sense of belonging.
• Makes decisions consistent with organizational and team policies.
• Addresses stakeholder inquiries and complaints regarding team services.
• Recommends and implements process and workflow improvements.
• Manages distribution system projects, including design, coordination, and implementation.
• Analyzes trends in pipe leaks, breaks, wear-out costs, customer outages, hydraulic data, and system pressure.
• Coordinates municipal pipeline relocation, replacement, and condition assessment projects.
• Coordinates easement acquisition for distribution system projects.
• Determines water main sizes and locations for developing areas to support domestic use 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.

Competencies

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, and 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.
• 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.

An employee in this position must be able to lift or move up to 5 pounds frequently, 10 pounds occasionally, and 20 pounds rarely. The position occasionally requires working outdoors in varying weather conditions, including extreme heat and below-freezing temperatures, as well as working inside and outside WaterOne facilities and structures, some of which may not be heated or air-conditioned. The employee may occasionally perform field assignments in poor weather and driving conditions, encounter other hazards associated with field work, work at varying heights up to 15 feet above the floor, and experience brief periods of excessive noise for which hearing protection is provided. Additional physical requirements include the ability to remain stationary in a standing and/or seated position for several hours a day; stoop, kneel, or crouch; navigate elevators, stairways, ramps, rough terrain, and construction sites; ascend and descend ladders and work on elevated surfaces, including water towers and other structures; move from one location to another; use electromagnetic locating devices; and wear required personal protective equipment.

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 .

The work environment for this position is a typical office setting. Employees will be expected to work in a professional office environment that includes tasks performed at a desk, using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, printers, and filing systems. The job duties for this position sometimes takes place in the field and/or plant environment where exposure to various environmental factors such as chemicals, noise from machinery, and fluctuating temperatures is likely and personal protective equipment may be required. The noise level when working in the field and/or plant environment is usually moderate to maximal.

Compensation details: 130608-182329 Yearly Salary

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