Water Utility Project Engineer

Overview The City of Palo Alto Utilities is the only city in California that offers a full range of utility services to its citizens and businesses. With more than 130 years of public utility operations, Palo Alto delivers safe services, local decision‑making on policies, utility rate‑setting, environmental programs and tailored solutions for the community. Role Overview As a Project Engineer within the Water‑Gas‑Wastewater Engineering and Operations Division, you will manage public contracts, oversee capital improvement projects for drinking water production and distribution facilities, assist with regulatory compliance, contribute to the development of utility standards, and create engineering designs for potable water distribution system improvements. Responsibilities Conduct comprehensive utility engineering planning, design, and operational studies of the water utilities system. Perform design work including researching data, conducting feasibility and economic studies, and determining design criteria in accordance with required standards and codes. Prepare project documents such as justifications, budget analyses, calculations, plans, specifications, cost estimates, and schedules. Review and check engineering drawings, plans, computations, estimates, and reports for completeness, accuracy, and soundness of applied engineering principles and City utilities standards. Provide guidance and work supervision for other utility engineering and technical personnel as required by the projects. Administer contracts, review bid packages, prepare contracts, and prepare city manager’s reports or present to council staff as required. Ensure procurement and contracts comply with City Purchasing Department regulations. Act as project manager on drinking water utility construction projects; direct work of subordinate professionals, field inspectors, and/or operations staff to ensure quality control, schedule coordination, political liaison, inter‑utility coordination, public relations, and contract change orders. Review progress payments and recommend payment authorization. Continuum Recruitment This is a continuous recruitment and may remain open until filled. Compensation & Salary Eligible positions will be filled at the appropriate level/salary of either: Project Engineer – $165,027.20 – $202,040.05 annually Engineer – $153,524.80 – $187,930.62 annually Benefits Schedule: Option of a 9/80 work schedule with every other Friday off. Professional development: Tuition reimbursement, leadership training, and career growth opportunities. Education benefits: Potential enrollment for dependents in the Palo Alto Unified School District (pilot program, subject to change). Childcare support: $10,000 in childcare subsidies (pilot program, subject to change). Commute benefits: Incentives for walking, biking and taking transit to work. The City participates in the Clipper Bay Pass program (Employee Cost: $5 per month). Defined‑Benefit Retirement Plan with competitive pension benefits. Qualifications Strong technical background in drinking water distribution or transmission engineering and management principles. At least 5–10 years of experience in drinking water production, distribution, or transmission. Registration as a professional Civil Engineer in the State of California. B.S. in Civil or Environmental Engineering from an accredited institution. Experience with drinking water system management, planning, or implementation of water system master planning projects or programs. Experience interpreting and applying the California Waterworks Standards of Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations. In‑depth knowledge of drinking water distribution operations. Proficiency in AutoCAD and other industry standard tools and techniques. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills. Strong critical thinking and problem‑solving abilities. Skills and Experience Bachelor of Science degree in civil, mechanical, or other approved engineering curriculum depending upon assigned area. Equivalent to four years increasingly responsible engineering experience. (PE Certificate or Master's in Engineering may be considered in lieu of one year of experience.) Special Requirements Project Engineer Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California, or ability to obtain registration within one year of appointment. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. Engineer Registration as a professional engineer in the State of California required to attain top step in Engineer classification. Possession of a valid California Driver’s License. EEO Statement The City of Palo Alto is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Palo Alto Networks