Utility Support Engineer I/II/III/IV

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium has a hiring preference for qualified Alaska Native and American Indian applicants pursuant to P.L. 93-638 Indian Self Determination Act.

Summary:
Under supervision, provides technical support to rural communities for the operations and maintenance of native community-owned and operated sanitation facilities infrastructure. Work includes office work in the Anchorage office as well as hands-on work in the field. This job description may apply to any of the following four (4) engineering disciplines: Civil, Environmental, Mechanical, or Electrical.

Responsibilities:

All

Provides consulting services for engineering, repair, upgrade design, and minor construction of community-owned water and wastewater facilities for the Division of Environmental Health & Engineering (DEHE) to ensure proper operation, maintenance, and financial viability of constructed sanitation facilities.

Provides training and written instruction to water/wastewater plant operators and utility managers on a wide variety of subjects in both classroom and field environments. Operator training and/or hands-on work may cover any topics or material that an operator will need to successfully operate their water and/or sewer system. Training topics include but are not limited to water treatment, storage, and distribution operations; sewer collection, transmission, and treatment operations; chemical batching; preventative maintenance; equipment troubleshooting, repair, and replacement; plumbing repair; electrical diagnostics and repair; boiler and mechanical system diagnostics and repair; solid waste disposal facility operations; and operational safety and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Responds to technical assistance and emergency responses to the communities. Assists with the inspection and evaluation of water and sewer equipment.

Assesses and adjusts priorities and plans as needed to meet individual system operations requirements, operator training schedules, and project objectives. Reviews changes in DEHE program services, technologies, and policies; assists with the development of training content to meet new objectives; updates training content and develops new training materials and instructional methods. Coordinates technical support resources with DEHE, other departments, regional health organizations, and the State of Alaska.

Alaska Rural Utility Collaborative (ARUC) specific: Under supervision, installs sanitation and sanitation facilities support infrastructure, such as but not limited to water and sewer service lines, heat recovery system components, and energy and treatment process improvement upgrades.

Performs other duties as assigned or required.

Utility Support Engineer I

Entry entry-level position focused on engineering field applications and training exposure. Employees in this role support senior staff and begin developing their technical expertise.

Utility Support Engineer II

At this level, employees' primary focus is project delivery with minimal supervision.

Responsible for all the same duties as the Utility Support Engineer I position under limited supervision.

Reviews of engineering reports. Reviews, evaluates, and recommends engineering methods for the design of drinking water, wastewater, and solid waste facilities. Reviews designs, specifications, and vendor proposals for conformance to operational and maintenance needs.

Expected to engage in leadership development, mentorship opportunities, and/or develop technical presentations.

Utility Support Engineer III

At this level, employees gain real-world supervisory experience by managing a limited number of employees.

Responsible for all the same duties as the Utility Support Engineer II position.

Under supervision, trains direct reports on project delivery processes and effective operator and utility manager training methods. Manages direct reports' workload, time management, and project progress. Provides updates to upper-level management, sanitation project management, and construction management as needed. Provides technical assistance to direct reports in the office and during field work. Participates in hiring and termination processes and conducts performance evaluations.

Utility Support Engineer IV

This senior-level role trains and supervises employees, develops program and employee improvement initiatives, and provides team leadership.

Responsible for all the same duties as the Utility Support Engineer III position.

Manages and schedules project support staff; assigns and coordinates tasks and projects. Develop staff skills and training plans. Counsels, trains, and coaches staff. Conducts performance evaluations. Provides leadership, direction, and guidance to staff in technical processes and procedures.

Monitors new and existing employee technical skills and develops or coordinates training opportunities to further the team's expertise. Documents existing program processes, identifies areas for improvement, and coordinates with upper management to implement improvements.

Provides Project Management services in support of projects and tasks conducted by direct reports.

Encourages independent local responsibility for operating and maintaining utility systems.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:

All

Knowledge of principles of civil water resources engineering and construction, including design of health and sanitation facilities in cold climates (Utility Support Engineer I: Preferred. Utility Support Engineer II-IV: Required)

Knowledge of mechanical processes and chemical treatments for water and wastewater systems (Utility Support Engineer I: Preferred. Utility Support Engineer II-IV: Required).

Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of software applications, including but not limited to Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Adobe Acrobat.

Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering; design and conduct experiments and analyze and interpret data; design systems, components, or processes to meet desired needs; identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems.

Ability to recognize the need for life-long learning and pursue it to remain current.

The ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with co-workers and representatives from other local, state, and federal agencies.

Utility Support Engineer II

All knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Utility Support Engineer I position.

Knowledge of applicable environmental health statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, administrative orders, and other operational guidelines and directives.

Knowledge of federal and state laws, rules, and regulations for drinking water and wastewater treatment.

Knowledge of operation and maintenance techniques for sanitation systems.

Skill in planning, organizing, scheduling, and conducting technical trainings and installation projects.

Skill and reading and evaluating technical drawings and schematics.

Utility Support Engineer III

All knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Utility Support Engineer II position.

Skill in analyzing and resolving water and wastewater operations issues, and preparing recommendations based on findings.

Skill in the use of tools, materials, and equipment used in sanitation facilities.

Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands, to assign tasks, and to counsel direct reports.

Utility Support Engineer IV

All knowledge, skills, and abilities of the Utility Support Engineer III position.

Ability to effectively manage and lead staff, and delegate tasks and authority.

MINIMUM EDUCATION QUALIFICATION

All

A Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering or a related engineering field from an Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET) accredited university or college program.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

Utility Support Engineer I

None.

Utility Support Engineer II

Non-supervisory- Two (2) years of civil and environmental engineering experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or training may be substituted for experience. A Master's of Science degree from an ABET-accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience.

Utility Support Engineer III

Non-supervisory- Five (5) years of civil and environmental engineering experience. A Master's of Science degree from an ABET-accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience.

Utility Support Engineer IV

Non-supervisory- Eight (8) years of cold weather water and wastewater treatment experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master's of Science degree from an ABET-accredited college may be substituted for one year of experience.

TO INCLUDE

Supervisory- Two (2) years of supervisory experience required.

MINIMUM CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATION

All

None.

Utility Support Engineer II

Candidate must have passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and received the Engineer in Training (EIT) certification.

Utility Support Engineer III

Candidate must possess a Professional Engineering license (PE) to practice in the State of Alaska, or have a PE license in at least one other state and obtain a PE license in the State of Alaska within 12 months of accepting the position.

Utility Support Engineer IV

Candidate must possess a Professional Engineering license (PE) to practice in the State of Alaska, or have a PE license in at least one other state and obtain a PE license in the State of Alaska within 12 months of accepting the position.

PREFERRED EDUCATION QUALIFICATION

N/A

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATION

N/A

PREFERRED CERTIFICATION QUALIFICATION

Utility Support Engineer III

Successful Pathways to Leadership (Pathways) completion

Utility Support Engineer IV

Successful Leadership Excellence through Advancement and Determination (LEAD) completion

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Travels to remote communities on small aircraft with limited to no traditional lodging accommodations. Overnight lodging options may include, but are not limited to, a school library, city office, community hall, or washeteria, and would require the employee to bring amenities such as a cot or sleeping pad and sleeping bag.

Field work may be required in or around hazardous environments, including but not limited to: confined space, excavation and trenching, work at heights, Class 1 Div 1 environments, rotating equipment, hand and power tools, extreme weather exposure, extreme temperatures (e.g., boiler rooms, mezzanines), and remote communities with limited communication or connectivity.

May be required to work outside the traditional work schedule.

Must have a valid driver's license with a clean driving record or obtain one within six (6) months of hire.

Depending on the needs of the organization, some incumbents in this job class may be required to obtain additional certifications or training in one or more specialty areas.