Consulting Engineer - Austin Water

About This Position ABOUT AUSTIN WATER:
For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, we serve over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, we’re not just keeping up—we’re leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.

Austin Water consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality. We also treat, return, and recycle wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources. Austin Water exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance at our water and wastewater treatment plants.

Job Description:

Consulting Engineer

Purpose:

Under nominal direction, this position is accountable for interpreting, organizing, executing, and coordinating assignments. This position plans and develops engineering projects concerned with unique or controversial problems which have an important effect on major City programs or projects. This position serves as technical expert in a related area.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops or oversees development of technical specifications and standards by applying knowledge of the principles and practices of discipline engineering including the methods, materials, equipment, and techniques used. Reviews, analyzes, and interprets plans, specifications, contracts, and other related documents.

• Manages and coordinates programs or projects by reviewing and monitoring projects or programs, including the review of plans and development proposals for impacts related to project or program.

• Plans, researches, designs, and implements engineering studies and projects or program areas by applying advanced technical knowledge of engineering discipline.

• Manages and negotiates contracts by reviewing monthly progress reports, verifying final quantities and costs, compiling requisite documentation, reviewing change orders, and auditing as-built records. Acts as a liaison among consultants, contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, fabricators, or suppliers and the City. Negotiates problems of changes, errors, or deficiencies and ensures compliance with project specifications and requirements.

• Interacts with internal and external customers to ensure requirements and needs are satisfied.

• Reviews plans and provides recommendation changes, solutions, or implementation.

• Monitors projects for regulatory compliance by providing consultation and determinations in matters involving application and interpretation of regulations and policies.

• Manages or leads teams of technical personnel including assigning and monitoring tasks. Provides advanced technical training to staff and field personnel by reviewing business needs, evaluating personnel, creating and applying training documentation, and presenting and analyzing training.

• Develops and monitors budget of projects. Assists in developing, managing, and submitting proposed budget forecast planning for short- and long-term City planning.

• Provides a high level of engineering and technical advice and direction. Possesses ability to troubleshoot advanced technical problems. Possesses ability to perform advanced engineering design.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

May provide leadership, work assignments, evaluation, training, and guidance to others.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities :

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of diversified, fundamental scientific and civil engineering concepts, phenomena, and relationships and utilize such changes in solution of theoretical or practical civil engineering problems.

• Knowledge of advanced mathematical techniques such as trigonometry, calculus, and coordinate geometry.

• Knowledge of modern methods, materials, and techniques of assigned discipline.

• Knowledge of one or more of the following disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Structural, Architectural, Mechanical or Electrical engineering terminology and techniques.

• Knowledge of City of Austin budget planning, purchasing, and contract policies and procedures.

• Knowledge of applicability of established engineering principles and methods and solutions.

• Knowledge of phases of the plans review and inspections processes.

• Knowledge of preparation of cost estimates and engineering and feasibility reports.

• Knowledge of regulatory requirements within Local and State ordinances and laws.

• Skill in oral and written technical and/or general communication including preparation of written reports.

• Skill in negotiations and handling conflict resolution.

• Ability to perform more complex engineering computations, calculus, geometry, and trigonometry rapidly and accurately.

• Ability to communicate and provide direction to peers and assigned personnel.

• Ability to organize, analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific civil engineering problems and provide practical, cost-effective solutions.

• Ability to observe, compare, or monitor objects and data to determine compliance with prescribed operating or safety standards.

• Ability to use graphic instructions such as blueprints, schematic drawings, layouts, or other visual aids.

Minimum Qualifications:

Graduation with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to engineering, plus eight (8) years of engineering experience acquired before and/or after licensing as a professional engineer.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in the State of Texas; or if currently licensed in another state, must have the ability to obtain a Texas P.E. license within six (6) months of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Expertise in water loss management, including AWWA M36 and ILI

• Experience preparing and validating TWDB‑compliant water loss audits

• Strong background in non‑revenue water analysis, data validation, and audit defensibility

• Ability to lead cross‑functional teams across operations, engineering, finance, and field services

• Experience developing data‑driven water loss reduction strategies and internal control.

• Technical knowledge of leak detection technologies and advanced analytics tools

• Experience managing consultant contracts, procurement, and performance‑based agreements

• Strong communication skills, including presenting complex technical information to leadership and stakeholders

Notes to Candidate:

Position Overview:

For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services to our customers. Today, the utility serves over one million people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles. Austin Water is a department of the City of Austin and has over 1,400 employees who work every day to provide water for people and care for the environment.

Austin Water sources its supply from the Colorado River via the Highland Lakes system, treating it at three regional water treatment plants — Handcox, Davis, and Ullrich — which have a combined capacity of 335 million gallons per day. The utility also operates two major wastewater treatment plants, Walnut Creek and South Austin Regional, which together can treat up to 150 million gallons of wastewater daily. This water is cleaned to high-quality effluent standards and safely returned to the Colorado River to support environmental flows. Each year, more than a billion gallons of this reclaimed water are reused for outdoor irrigation, industrial cooling, manufacturing, and other beneficial purposes — reinforcing Austin Water’s commitment to sustainability and resource stewardship.

Effective management of water loss is a critical component of Austin Water’s broader stewardship efforts, supporting the efficient use of treated water resources and helping protect long‑term supply reliability.

Pay Range:

$112,600 – $144,700 annually

Retention Incentive Bonus:

This position may be eligible for an Incentive Bonus of up to $3,000!

• $500 after 90 days

• $500 after 180 days

• $1,000 after 1 year

• $1,000 after 2 years

Work Location:

Waller Creek Center, 625 E. 10th St, Austin TX 78701

Days & Hours:

Monday - Friday; 8:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Benefits:

Working with Austin Water provides a number of health and welfare benefits, such as medical, paid leave time, a great retirement plan, training opportunities and more – click HERE for more information.

When completing the City of Austin employment application:

• A detailed, complete employment application is required. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine salary if you are selected for this position.

• Provide each job title and accurate employment dates for all jobs included on the application.

• Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment and computer software used.

• The City of Austin employment application is an official document; incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A résumé is required but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

• A cover letter is also required. In the cover letter candidates should describe, in concise detail, their interest in this position and highlight any prior experience that is relevant to this position.

If you are selected as a top candidate:

• Verification of your education (which may include high school graduation or GED, undergraduate and/or graduate degrees) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institution.

• If you are in the military or a veteran, you will need to provide a copy of your DD-214 prior to confirming a start date.

Critical:

This position has been designated as critical for the City of Austin. Critical positions are necessary and vital and support activities that impact City or department operations. Work can be done while at a designated work site or while working at an alternate work location. Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.

Secondary Employment:

• All Austin Water employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.

• Austin Water will review all secondary employment.

• Employees are required to submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired with Austin Water, as well as current Austin Water employees considering secondary employment.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

• The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

• City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on aiapply.co or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Important Note to Applicants:

All Austin Water worksite locations are tobacco-free.

Use of tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes is not permitted on any AW worksite – including construction sites, parking lots, garages or in any personal vehicle located on the premises.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – that anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.

• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.

• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.

• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.

• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.

• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.

• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.

• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

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EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call View phone number on aiapply.co or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.