Operations Engineer - Water Administration

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Under general direction, performs professional engineering work related to evaluating, designing, constructing, inspecting, and managing water and wastewater systems. Applies engineering expertise to solve a variety of operational challenges in both field and office settings.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

May exercise technical and functional supervision over supervisory, professional, technical, and clerical staff.

IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

Engineering & Project Management: Develop, review, and manage water/wastewater treatment and conveyance projects, ensuring adherence to City standards.

System Maintenance & Rehabilitation: Diagnose system issues, optimize functionality, plan future upgrades, and recommend new technologies.

Data & Asset Management: Input and analyze maintenance data within the asset management system, ensuring data quality and actionable insights for remediation.

SOP Development: Draft and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) to enhance operational compliance and efficiency.

Inspections & Compliance: Conduct inspections and refine SOPs based on findings to promote best practices.

Consultant Coordination: Draft project scopes, oversee consultant planning efforts, and manage master planning documents.

Design & Plan Review: Develop engineering plans/specifications for projects, review external plans to confirm alignment with city requirements.

Construction Oversight: Ensure construction projects meet design specifications; support City inspectors with technical guidance.

Capital Improvement Planning: Analyze system needs and prioritize CIP and O&M projects, preparing rationales for annual and multi-year plans.

Budget Management: Contribute to budget planning and monitor expenditures.

Interdepartmental Collaboration: Maintain communications with city departments, contractors, and the public.

Operate a City vehicle to travel to various locations.

OTHER JOB RELATED DUTIES

Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of water and wastewater systems.

Principles and practices of engineering as applied to utilities construction and maintenance.

Methods, materials, practices, and equipment used in the maintenance and repair of water distribution/treatment and sewage collections/treatment systems.

Principles of organization, administration, budget, and personnel management.

Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill to:

Operate a variety of tools and equipment including computer equipment, gas detectors and inspection testing devices.

Operate engineering software like, AutoCAD, Bluebeam, and ArcGIS.

Safely operate a motor vehicle.

Ability to:

Perform complex engineering computations.

Check, design, and prepare engineering plans and studies.

Prepare and analyze technical data and reports.

Plan, organize, and direct the work of others.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, and make presentations to the City Council, City Administration, and to community organizations.

Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.

Follow and embrace the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.

Lead, manage, and perform as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Experience and Training Guidelines:

Experience:

Four (4) years of technical engineering experience is required.

Eight (8) years of technical engineering experience is preferred.  

Three (3) years in a senior or advanced engineering role is preferred. 

Construction design and project management experience preferred.

Education/Training:

Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or related field from an Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (EAC/ABET) accredited institution with major course work in civil engineering or a related field is required.

License or Certificate:

A valid Texas driver’s license; the ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days, or a military waiver is required.

Possession of a professional engineering license, E.I.T. certificate, or an appropriate water and/or wastewater license is preferred.

If a professional engineering (PE) license in Texas is not held, the Operations Engineer shall begin the process to pursue a PE license in Texas within sixty (60) days of hire. A Texas PE license must be obtained within two (2) years of hire. 

Special Requirements:

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

With or without accommodation, the “X” indicates the overall strength demand of the position during a typical workday:

___ Sedentary – lifting of no more than 10 pounds

___ Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carrying up to 10 pounds

_X_ Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds

___ Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds; carrying up to 50 pounds

___ Very Heavy – team lifting over 100 pounds; carrying more than 50 pounds

Physical Demand Codes:  The following describes whether or not the position is expected to exert the physical demands listed during a typical workday as well as the overall frequency of the task:

Codes for how often:

N = No

E = Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)

M = Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)

I = Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)

A = Almost Never (<10% of the time)

Code / Task

_E__ Standing

_E__ Sitting

_E__ Walking

_M__ Lifting

_M__ Carrying

_M__ Pushing/Pulling

_I__ Overhead Work

_E__ Fine Dexterity

_M__ Kneeling

_M__ Crouching

_I__ Crawling

_E__ Bending

_I__ Twisting

_I__ Climbing

_M__ Balancing

_E__ Vision

_E__ Hearing

_E__ Talking

___ Other:  _____________________