Senior Technical Engineer

Job Description

Job Description

Job Closes: 10/23/2026

GENERAL SUMMARY

Offers specialized engineering knowledge in support of River Authority projects and activities. Participates in project teams and manages projects related to field of expertise. Resolves complex technical issues related to field of expertise.

Safety is #1 at the River Authority: We expect every employee: to 1) Strictly follow safety policies, rules, and safe work methods. 2) Promptly correct or report safety hazards or unsafe conditions. Immediately report injuries for prompt diagnosis and treatment. 3) Make regular suggestions for safety process improvements to support continuous safety improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Serves as a subject matter expert in a field related to dam safety; floodplain modeling, mapping, and mitigation planning; flood monitoring, prediction, and alerts; water quality modeling, planning and design for protection of rivers and creeks; and ecological and stream restoration.
• Develops new standards, improvement processes, and problem-solving techniques. Interprets and conveys scientific literature as applicable to complex problems. Participates in continuing education opportunities to maintain advanced technological knowledge and an understanding of emerging and innovative technologies.
• Mentors project teams members to increase team skills and capabilities. Develops and delivers technical training to key personnel and partners. 
• Performs engineering analysis, modeling, design, permitting, and construction management for civil or environmental projects with a focus on nature-based solutions. 
• Oversees quality assurance for engineering tasks in the areas of modeling, design, construction oversight, and/or analysis.
• Reviews engineering reports, models, plans, and specifications developed by others.
• Performs field visits in support of modeling, design, construction oversight, and condition assessment.
• Manages assigned engineering projects and programs to include goal setting, project development, budget preparation, utilization of resources, project management, reporting, and public relations coordination.
• Coordinates, communicates, and documents activities with other departments, project partners, manufacturers, surveyors, and regulatory agencies for assigned projects and tasks.
• Works with consultants and coordinates the work of consultants.
• Performs related work as required.

SUPERVISORY REQUIREMENTS

• This position mentors and leads technical staff in the development and design of engineering and scientific projects. This position may lead and oversee other positions in the absence of their supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Required Education and Experience

• An Undergraduate Degree from an accredited college or university with emphasis in Engineering, or relevant discipline, and six (6) years of progressively responsible engineering experience as a professional engineer in all phases of engineering including specialized field of expertise; or a combination of experience and education that results in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Graduate Degree with an emphasis in Civil, Environmental, or Agricultural Engineering, Hydrology, or Water Resources preferred.

Required Licenses or Certifications

• Professional Engineer (Texas)

☒ Must have and maintain a valid driver’s license and an insurable driving record.

COMPETENCIES FOR SUCCESSFUL PERFORMANCE OF JOB DUTIES

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.

Knowledge of:

• Engineering principles and practices as applied to modeling, planning, design, construction, and maintenance of various civil or environmental projects.
• Project management
• Technical, legal and policy issues pertaining to a specific field of watershed management, dam safety, water quality, floodplains, wetlands, or water resources.
• Microsoft Office Suite

Skills and Abilities:

• Critical thinking, analytical problem-solving, independent judgement, and the ability to identify and resolve complex engineering issues.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to digest and communicate technical information.
• Ability to work on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Must be able to function in a principle-based organization that has a culture that reflects our Values In Action of Accountability, Excellence, Open and Direct Communication, Teamwork and Collaboration. 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work Environment and Physical Effort: (check the appropriate box:)

Physical Effort Requirements

Work Environment

Sedentary

Medium

Heavy

Good: Office or similar indoor environment, relatively free from unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards.

☐

☐

☐

Satisfactory:  Occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Occasional outside work. 

☒

☐

☐

Disagreeable:  Frequent exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards. Majority of work performed outside or with exposure to risk.

☐

☐

☐

Sedentary:  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Medium:  Exerting up to 35 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

Heavy: E xerting up to 100 pounds of force occasionally, up to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 20 pounds of force constantly having to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT/CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS continued

Work Locations: (select one frequency choice for each location listed:)

Work Environment Locations

Work Locations: Indicate how often the work requires the employee to be in the following types of environments:

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Office or similar indoor environment

☐

☐

☒

Outdoor environment

☐

☒

☐

Street environment (near moving traffic)

☐

☒

☐

Construction site

☐

☒

☐

Confined space

☒

☐

☐

Vehicle

☐

☒

☐

Warehouse environment

☒

☐

☐

Other: (Specify:  )

☐

☐

☐

Exposures: (select one frequency choice for each exposure listed:)

Exposures

Exposures:  Indicate how often the work requires the employee to be exposed to the following environmental exposures.

Seldom or Never

Sometimes

Frequently or Often

Extreme cold (below 32 degrees)

☒

☐

☐

Extreme heat (above 100 degrees)

☐

☒

☐

Communicable diseases

☒

☐

☐

Moving mechanical parts

☒

☐

☐

Fumes or airborne particles

☒

☐

☐

Poison ivy, wasps, snakes, and other natural hazards

☐

☒

☐

Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances

☒

☐

☐

Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction)

☐

☒

☐

Other: (Specify:   )

☐

☐

☐

San Antonio River Authority is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Pro Disabled and Veteran Employer. We welcome differences in the form of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, geography, socioeconomic status, age, politics, religion, philosophy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.