The Project Engineer (Engineer) provides professional support and performs a variety of project management and engineering duties requiring specialized knowledge in the analysis, planning, design and delivery of wastewater systems under the direction of a Professional Engineer. This position performs life-cycle project management tasks to facilitate the timely, accurate and cost-effective completion of all projects within established guidelines. This position performs routine or basic functions on small projects and assists with more advanced functions on larger, complex capital and repair and replacement (R&R) projects associated with the regional wastewater treatment and transmission systems and facilities. This position requires the understanding of and the ability to interpret and apply pertinent laws, regulations, policies and standards.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES:
This is the second level in the Project Engineer classification series. The employee in this position applies professional project management and engineering knowledge and principles under the direction and supervision of a Professional Engineer. Serves as project engineer and manager on small or routine projects and provides task support on large and complex designs and projects. This position exercises initiative in carrying out assignments with limited to moderate degrees of complexity and independence. Work is generally routine, operating from established standards and practices, with occasional variations. This position is distinguished from Level 3 by the degree of independence, professional judgment, experience, the scale and complexity of engineering functions, project assignments, and professional licensure.
Salary Range:
• Level 1: $7,783 to $10,175 per month
• Level 2: $8,406 to $10,989 per month
• Level 3: $9,078 to $11,868 per month
• Level 4: $9,804 to $12,817 per month
Starting Salary Range (DOQ):
• Level 1: $7,783 to $8,899 per month
• Level 2: $8,406 to $9,611 per month
• Level 3: $9,078 to $10,380 per month
• Level 4: $9,804 to $11,210 per month
Examples of Duties
TYPICAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties listed below, while not all-inclusive, are characteristic of the type and level of work associated with this position. The individual in this position may perform all or some combination of the duties listed below, as well as other related duties. The District reserves the right to add, modify or remove duties as appropriate to meet business needs.
- Utilize functional area technical expertise to meet the needs of assigned projects.
- Apply project management competencies (e.g. scope, time, cost, quality) to and support all phases of project delivery.
- Prepare wastewater project work plans, schedules, cost estimates and budgets.
- Perform Business Case Evaluations and life-cycle cost analyses.
- Serve as the design engineer on small, less complex projects.
- Organize and coordinate projects with internal and external teams with varying levels of oversight and support; use soft skills and leadership competencies to achieve established project outcomes.
- Coordinate and support obtaining local, state and federal project-related permits and clearances.
- Support real property acquisition, easements and right-of-way, including direct contact with private property owners.
- Support the procurement of consulting resources and the administration of professional services contracts; prepare requests for proposals; evaluate and rate proposals; review scope of work, evaluate project schedules and contract terms.
- Perform and or review engineering calculations, modeling and analysis.
- Conduct and prepare or review project feasibility, engineering and environmental studies; validate technical and economic analyses.
- Assist in the preparation of state and federal public works funding applications; administer awards to comply with funding requirements.
- Perform engineering planning for capital construction and/or maintenance programs.
- Review preliminary and final engineering plans, drawings, process diagrams, details, and specifications for compliance with pertinent codes, standards, regulations and permits.
- Prepare and or coordinate and review contract documents, including specifications and special provisions.
- Assemble bid packages, advertise for and evaluate construction bids for small works projects and assist with bidding for larger projects.
- Assess the condition of wastewater facilities and equipment; enter and manage asset data and perform risk analysis.
- Research and plan system and equipment requirements; research historical records, operations, maintenance, and design data; outline system and project requirements.
- Coordinate, plan and conduct engineering tests and studies; analyze test results to determine suitability of new or existing equipment, processes and systems.
- Compile and maintain technical communications, project records, documents, reports and databases.
- Prepare and support the delivery of technical presentations to committees, staff, regulators and others.
- Procure goods, materials and equipment.
- Facilitate the resolution of potential design conflicts between disciplines.
- Participate and or facilitate project and design review meetings.
- Coordinate design efforts with operations and maintenance staff.
- Understand, monitor and analyze operations of the wastewater system and equipment; identify deficiencies and make recommendations for improvements in design and operation.
- Serves as a contact and liaison to stakeholders, consultants, contractors, and vendors.
- Coordinate and attend a variety of stakeholder meetings.
Other Duties.
- Respond to and provide technical support for routine and emergency equipment/system maintenance and failures.
- Respond to and support the resolution of citizen concerns and complaints, discuss potential solutions and limitations, recommend course of action and initiate solutions as directed.
- Establish and maintain effective relationships with regulatory authorities.
- Routinely visit all wastewater facilities.
- Maintain current knowledge of the principles, practices and technologies in civil, process, mechanical, and environmental engineering.
- Maintain current knowledge of the principles and practices of project management and asset management.
- May provide technical guidance, assistance and training to technical staff.
- May provide engineering services during construction, including field inspections, submittal reviews and responding to requests for information.
- Follow and comply with District policies, practices, procedures and management directives.
- Follow occupational health and safety policies and procedures.
- Demonstrate regular and reliable attendance.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Demonstrated knowledge of:
- Current principles, standards, methods and practices of civil engineering, including:
- Wastewater treatment process, theories, and technologies
- Hydraulics, pipe flow and pumping systems
- Current principles and practices of project management and asset management.
- Occupational health and safety hazards associated with the operations, maintenance, and construction of wastewater facilities.
- Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, standards, and regulations.
Skill in:
- Critical and analytical thinking and decision-making.
- Application and use of advanced mathematics and scientific rules and principles to express ideas and solve complex problems.
- Researching and analyzing complex data and information accurately.
- Read, interpret, understand and explain engineering data, maps, plans, reports, surveys, and specifications.
- Preparing and maintaining detailed, accurate, and organized project documents, reports and studies.
- Translating and communicating technical information into formats (e.g. data, graphic and narrative) understandable to groups and individuals with varying levels of knowledge and expertise.
- Proficient use of computers, mobile devices, computer software and applications, including Microsoft Office Suite, Microsoft Project, Esri GIS, project management applications, document collaboration, Bluebeam Revu preferred, and AutoCAD.
Demonstrated ability to:
- Analyze problems, project consequences, draw logical conclusions, identify alternatives, make recommendations and implement an effective course of action.
- Apply professional processes, tools, and techniques of project management to deliver projects on time, schedule and budget and satisfy project goals and objectives.
- Perform and or review engineering computations, research, analysis and computer modeling.
- Coordinate, plan and effectively facilitate meetings.
- Simultaneously coordinate and manage multiple tasks and assignments to successful completion.
- Learn and apply leadership, strategic and business management skills
- Coordinate and direct the work of professional and technical staff and consultants.
- Read, interpret, apply and explain Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations and permits.
- Prepare and present clear and concise written reports and presentations.
- Apply the principles and practices of asset management to the course of work.
- Apply knowledge of the methods, equipment and materials used in the construction, maintenance, rehabilitation and repair of wastewater systems and facilities to the course of work.
- Collaborate with diverse individuals, manage conflict in a professional manner, gain cooperation and build consensus.
- Demonstrate effective, professional interpersonal and public communication skills, including writing, speaking and presentation.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, including a variety of District staff, regulatory officials, community groups and the general public.
- Effectively use standard business English.
- Work independently and as part of a team to deliver the work.
- Pass all required safety training and apply the procedures and concepts to the work environment.
- Wear and properly use personal protective equipment and perform all work in a safe manner.
- Safely operate a motor vehicle.
- Maintain sustained attention to detail and work under the pressure of deadlines.
- Be dependable and punctual in reporting to work as scheduled.
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE:
- Certification as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) by the State of Washington or another state.
- Possess and maintain a valid state-issued driver’s license with a good driving record.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Any combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively perform the work. A typical way to acquire this includes:
- Bachelor of Science degree from an EAC/ABET-certified program in Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering with coursework in physical, chemical and biological processes or closely related fields.
- Two years of responsible experience in the planning, analysis, design or construction of civil projects, wastewater preferred.
Supplemental Information
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work is performed in both office and field environments across all areas of the wastewater treatment plant and facilities, including frequent travel to remote facilities and field locations and occasionally working in inclement weather conditions. This setting requires strength, agility, mobility and the ability and willingness to move about various sites, including walk, climb, crawl, access facilities and field construction sites, safely navigate uneven terrain and slippery surfaces and occasionally lift up to 25 pounds. Includes prolonged sitting and computer use. May include exposure to a variety of health and safety conditions associated with a wastewater treatment plant and facilities, including toxic, corrosive, and combustible fumes and chemicals, high voltage equipment, and raw sewage. Requires corrected vision sufficient for use of computers, review of plans and detailed documents and reading gauges and equipment.
RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHERS:
The individual in this position has daily in-person, telephone, and written engagement with a wide variety of contacts for the purpose of information sharing, work coordination, and problem-solving. Contacts include District management and staff, consultants, contractors, municipal staff, regulatory authorities and other external project stakeholders involved in or associated with the wastewater system and projects.
SUPERVISION:
Exercised: No direct supervision.
Received: This position receives general direction on work assignments, working with limited degrees of independence under the supervision of a Professional Engineer. Work is reviewed regularly for accuracy, quality and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, permits and standards. Direction is received through formal and informal communications, conferences, and meetings. A formal evaluation of the employee’s performance and work is conducted at least annually through the performance appraisal process.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Pass all required safety training classes and apply those procedures to the work environment.
- Maintain appropriate physical fitness to perform essential job functions.
- Required to work the normal working hours as defined for the position and facility assigned, including occasional evening and weekend work.
- Final offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a reference check.
