Senior Engineer

Under direction of the Manager of Engineering, plans, manages, coordinates and evaluates assigned programs/projects within the District’s Engineering department; directs, supervises, coordinates and participates in the conduct of complex projects and research/analyses for a variety of engineering, capital project and water quality programs; and performs related duties as assigned.

Senior Engineers are responsible for planning, managing, overseeing and evaluating an assigned engineering, capital project and/or water quality programs/projects, with significant importance and impact on the District’s mission. Incumbents are accountable for attaining program/project results, while being actively engaged in efforts to build project support and coordinate project activities with internal and/or external stakeholders. Assignments are general and of a continuing nature, requiring the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in managing, scheduling, assigning and coordinating the work of assigned programs/projects with that of other departments and external agencies and organizations.

1. Plans, manages, coordinates, oversees and evaluates assigned engineering and capital construction programs/projects; formulates overall project goals and researches, develops and implements project plans, schedules and work activities to meet goals and service objectives; obtains necessary permits and ensures project compliance with all applicable local, state and federal requirements and District rules, regulations and permits; evaluates the effectiveness of program/project activities and makes or recommends modifications; develops computer models and evaluates the feasibility of existing and proposed programs/projects; monitors conformance with project budget and other requirements.
2. Directs and participates in the preparation of narrative, graphical and statistical project performance, progress and compliance monitoring reports for the District’s Board, management, other governmental and regulatory agencies; prepares agendas for District committees in regard to assigned project; prepares technical papers and makes presentations at technical conferences; conducts meetings and briefings on assigned project issues.
3. Supervises and oversees the work of assigned professional, technical and support staff, consultants and contractors; prepares requests for proposals and advertises, selects and awards proposals for professional services and contracts; prepares and administers professional service agreements and consultant contracts.
4. Develops and carries out program-related research and analysis; develops research concepts, drafts research proposals and obtains necessary funding; directs and oversees the work of research staff and consultants; directs or participates in the analysis of research data and preparation of reports; presents research results to District committees, the Board and at professional conferences.
5. Coordinates and integrates project services and activities with other District departments and external agencies; develops project partnerships, where applicable, with external agencies and organizations; establishes and maintains liaison and effective working relationships with external stakeholders, other governmental and regulatory agencies and professional and technical organizations; represents the District at meetings and conferences involving District business and community matters related to assigned projects; meets with local, state and federal agencies/officials on assigned project issues.
6. Performs legislative and policy analyses of issues with potentially significant impact on assigned program/project operations and/or funding; formulates approaches and courses of action to address issues identified.

Knowledge

Principles and practices of civil and hydraulic engineering as applied to water utility engineering; Modern methods and techniques used in the design and construction of a wide variety of waterworks capital projects, including surveying, hydraulics, mechanics and stress analysis; Principles, theories and practices of engineering, hydrology and water quality as applied to groundwater resources and availability in Southern California; Modern scientific methods and techniques used in the study and analysis of groundwater, seawater, surface water and aquifer characteristics; Modern developments, current literature and sources of information regarding engineering, water quality and water resources; Principles, practices, tools and techniques of program planning and management; Principles and practices of public administration, including budgeting, purchasing, contracting and maintenance of public records; Federal, state and local laws, regulations and court decisions applicable to assigned areas of responsibility; Principles and practices of sound business communication; Principles, practices and techniques of group process facilitation and conflict resolution; Principles and practices of effective supervision; and District human policies and procedures.

Abilities

Plan, organize, manage and direct a variety of complex program/project functions and activities to achieve program/project goals and objectives; Analyze difficult program/project and operational objectives and issues, evaluate alternatives and reach sound, logical, fact-based conclusions and recommendations; Collect, evaluate and interpret appropriate and applicable data, either in statistical, graphic or narrative form; Coordinate program/project activities with multiple stakeholders and facilitate development of partnerships; Perform complex engineering and water quality analyses using scientific methods and computer equipment; Conduct independent research studies with a high degree of scientific accuracy; Apply sound, creative problem solving techniques to resolve difficult program issues and problems; Understand, interpret, explain and apply laws, regulations, ordinances and policies applicable to program responsibilities; Understand, interpret and respond to external stakeholder needs and expectations; Prepare clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence and other documents appropriate to technical and non-technical audiences; Present conclusions and recommendations clearly, logically and persuasively to both internal and external program stakeholders; Ensure the maintenance of all required files, records and documentation; and exercise independent judgment and initiative within established guidelines.

Education, Training, and Experience

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, hydrology or a closely related field; and eight years of professional engineering experience, including experience in engineering or water quality research; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements

Current, valid registration as a Professional Engineer from the State of California. A valid California driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the District’s vehicle insurance policy.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS

The physical and mental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to sit; talk or hear, both in person and by telephone; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate standard office equipment; and reach with hands and arms.

Employees are frequently required to stand and walk and lift up to ten pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

Mental Demands

While performing the duties of this class, the employee is regularly required to use oral and written communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; learn and apply new skills or information; perform highly detailed work on multiple, concurrent tasks; work under changing and intensive deadlines with frequent interruptions; and interact with District management, staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Work Environment

This position requires the employee to work on-site. A hybrid (on-site/ remote) schedule mav.be available for eligible positions after successful completion of the probationary period. The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS

To be considered for this opportunity, please complete the application for this position located at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wrd.

INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which may include a panel interview and a written exam.

Final candidates must be able to prove their ability to work legally in the U.S., pass a background check, and a physical exam.

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CONTACT

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS: To be considered for this opportunity please submit (1) a District application available at www.wrd.org, (2) cover letter highlighting your applicable experience and (3) resume to careers@wrd.org. INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION. The most qualified applicants will be invited to participate further in the screening process, which will include a panel interview and possible written exam. Final candidates must be able to prove legal U.S. residency, pass a background check, a physical, and a drug test. The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.